Theology, Mission and Ministry

Programmes | Admission Requirements | Course Dates/Fees

Through the School of Theology, Mission and Ministry, Laidlaw College is shaping students who will think imaginatively about issues that affect all of life and society. They will learn to think critically about these issues and come to actual solutions that will bring about renewal within their own lives and the lives of those around them. In the process, students will grapple with the questions: “Who is Jesus and what has he done?” and “What does it mean to be human?”

Laidlaw College has been preparing men and women to serve the church and the world for nearly 88 years. The College has developed a range of programmes that are rich in practical experience and in-depth theoretical knowledge. You might find yourself:

studying in our internship programme while you continue your church ministry;
taking time out for a gap year to strengthen and reinforce your faith before going on to University study;
preparing to participate in missions in New Zealand and around the world.

The School of Theology, Mission & Ministry offers you a diverse backdrop for your preparation for ministry.

As a student enrolled in one of its programmes you will find yourself immersed in the world of Scripture and the Church. You will gain the tools to translate the Gospel into action in the areas of social justice, reconciliation, community transformation and personal formation - just to name a few. Laidlaw College will prepare you to renew your community with a faith as intelligent as it is courageous. Are you up to the challenge?

Bachelor of Theology | Bachelor of Ministries | Diploma of Biblical Studies | Graduate Diploma in Theology

Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)

BTheol Academic Calendar Extract (187 KB)

About the Programme

The Bachelor of Theology is a 360 credit degree designed to provide a solid foundation in theological knowledge and reflection. It is strongly recommended for those seeking theological grounding for higher academic qualifi cations in biblical and theological studies and is an excellent grounding for pastoral or other ministries. The minimum period of study is three years full-time or an equivalent period part-time.

Programme Objectives

This programme aims to equip students to live faithfully in the light of the gospel in the twenty-first century. As well as learning to think, research, analyse and evaluate, students’ lives will be shaped and formed through their engagement with scripture and theology.

Students will interact deeply with the Bible. They will be instructed in how to read and interpret the biblical story in all its richness and diversity, making use of the skills and methods of theological research. Students will be assisted in addressing philosophical and methodological questions around scripture, theology and the history of Christian thought and life.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 7 360 Credits Three Years Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time)
BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY	Biblical Studies	Christian Thought and History	Pastoral, Missional and Contextual Studies
Minimum credits for degree	90, or 135 if a Major in this subject area	90, or 135 if a Major in this subject area	90, or 135 if a Major in this subject area
Minimum credits for degree	A minimum of 180 credits above level 5 A minimum of 75 credits at level 7
The BTheol is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
Students must complete a Major in one of the three subject areas, and a Minor in each of the other two subject areas. A Major is defined as: 135 credits (nine 15-credit courses) in a subject area Of these 135 credits, 45 credits must be above level 6 A Major in Biblical Studies must include at least 30 credits in a biblical language (Hebrew or Greek). A Minor is defined as: 90 credits (six 15-credit courses) in a subject area Of these 90 credits, 45 credits must be above level 5.		The BTheol degree is completed in two parts: Part A consists of 120 credits (the first year) which must be completed before proceeding to Part B. Part A consists of eight courses, six of which are compulsory. Part B requires students to select courses which enable the completion of a Major of 135 credits in the chosen subject area and a Minor in the remaining two subject areas.

Bachelor of Ministries (BMin)

BMin Academic Calendar Extract (247 KB)

About the Programme

The Bachelor of Ministries is a 360 credit degree designed to equip leaders for culturally connected expressions of the gospel and to provide a platform for global ministry. The minimum period of study is three years full-time or an equivalent period part-time.

Programme Objectives

The aim of the programme is to equip students for ministry. In this degree ministry is understood as any intentional working out of the implications of gospel in the world, and so is something that may occur in a variety of contexts. The BMin is built around the concept of “Practice-based Learning.” The entire programme relates to practical ministry experience undertaken for credit.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 7 360 Credits Three Years Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time)
BACHELOR OF MINISTRIES	Biblical Studies	Christian Thought and History	Pastoral, Missional and Contextual Studies
Minimum credits for degree	90 in total,including 45 above level 5 30 in biblical exegesis, 15 of which must be at level 7	60 in total	135 in total, including 45 at level 7 45 in practice-based learning 90 of non-practice based learning
Minimum credits for degree	A minimum of 180 credits above level 5 A minimum of 75 credits at level 7
The BMin is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
The BMin degree is completed in two parts: Part A consists of 120 credits (the first year) which must be completed before proceeding to Part B. Part A consists of eight courses, seven of which are compulsory. Part B requires students to select courses which enable the completion of the minimum requirements for the degree.

Diploma of Biblical Studies (DipBS)

DipBS Academic Calendar Extract (170 KB)

About the Programme

The Diploma of Biblical Studies is a one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme of 120 credits, designed to provide students with an introduction to biblical studies, theological studies and spiritual formation. It allows students to explore various courses geared towards preparing them to live out the gospel and to engage thoughtfully and compassionately in the world.

Students who complete the DipBS may staircase into the second year of either the Bachelor of Ministries or the Bachelor of Theology degrees.

Programme Objectives

On completion of the Diploma of Biblical Studies students will have developed the capacity to tell the biblical story, to read the Scriptures within their wider historical context and to understand a theological framework for life and ministry. They will have begun the process of developing the disciplines necessary both to maintain their own spiritual growth and to serve in voluntary leadership capacities within the church and in our world. By the end of this study programme students will have gained the skills required to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts, including vocations in New Zealand and overseas.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 5 120 Credits One Year Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time)
Compulsory Courses	Elective Courses
Biblical Theology New Testament: Introduction or Old Testament: Introduction Theology: Introduction Formation	Four additional courses of the student’s choice
The DipBS is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.

Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh)

GradDipTh Academic Calendar Extract (180 KB)

About the Programme

The GradDipTh is a diploma designed for those who have already attained an undergraduate degree either in theology or any other discipline. It is recommended for those who wish to relate their faith to their vocation and provides the opportunity to go on to do advanced theological studies.

The Graduate Diploma in Theology is designed to be a flexible one year fulltime or equivalent part-time qualification, normally completed within six years of commencement. The programme will be made up of courses selected from those offered within undergraduate programmes (course pre-requisite and co-requisite regulations are usually waived).

Programme Objectives

The GradDipTh seeks to cater for graduates with a non-theological degree who wish to study for a theological qualification or bridge into postgraduate programmes in theology (such as MTh); graduates with qualifications in theology who wish to deepen their understanding of, and competence in, specific areas of ministry or theological study; and those without a degree qualification whose experience is deemed to be equivalent to a degree.

The GradDipTh is designed to:

extend understanding and skills in theology;
develop the ability to access and utilise a body of knowledge in application to ministry-related situations;
facilitate rigorous analysis and independent thinking, together with sound communication skills;
establish a firm base for further study at postgraduate level.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 7 120 Credits One Year Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time)
Level	Subject	Credits
5	Theology: Introduction	15
6	Biblical Interpretation	15
7	A minimum of 75 credits At least one course from the Biblical Studies (100) field At least one course from the Theology and Christian Thought (200) or History of Christianity (300) fields At least one more course from the 100–300 fields Two additional courses from any field.	75
5-7	One additional course at Levels 5–7	15
Total credits required: 120
The GradDipTh is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.