Welcome to the Christchurch Campus

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Laidlaw College’s mission is to equip students and scholars to renew their communities with a faith as intelligent as it is courageous. Our vision is a world shaped by love compelled and informed by the gospel.

Laidlaw College (formerly Bible College of New Zealand) was established in 1922 and for over 75 years has served as an interdenominational and evangelical college, pledged to uphold, expound and apply the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and to serve Christ in and through the church in the training of men and women in the service of God.

The Christchurch Campus opened in 1975 with 25 students. The campus moved into their first purpose built complex, complete with lecture rooms, library and students common room, in October 2001.

Laidlaw College’s Christchurch Campus is located in a quiet suburban area - wonderfully located for reflection and study. The Christchurch campus is non-residential but we can help find accommodation for out of town students.

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Contact us

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Studying at the Christchurch Campus

Laidlaw College (formerly Bible College of New Zealand) in Christchurch offers a range of training options designed to meet various needs:

For youth leaders, department leaders, worship leaders, people wanting to be trained as pastors or for mission: The Bachelor of Ministries degree is a three year internship based degree that includes 8 hours per week involvement in in a congregational, cross-cultural or community setting.
For young adults (and others) as a gap year: The Diploma of Biblical Studies is a one year full-time course ideal for a gap year or as a trial year for those not sure if they can cope with a degree. This can include an internship option. Also relevant for those who need one year’s theological training e.g. some mission agencies and chaplaincy.
For Graduates with a degree who are looking at moving into a career but want to spend a year getting a Christian worldview and foundations sorted OR who have a degree and need one year theological training: The Graduate Diploma in Theology is a one year full-time diploma that allows graduates to enter into theological training at an advanced level and can be a bridge to Masters study in Theology. Also relevant for those who need one year theological training e.g. some mission agencies and chaplaincy.
For those heading toward ordination in a denomination or postgraduate study in theology or those seeking a professional degree in theology: The Bachelor of Theology is a three year academic degree ideal for those wanting to focus on academic study rather than supervised practical experience in ministry.
For those wishing to practice counselling: The Bachelor of Counselling is a three year full-time programme designed to prepare students for professional counselling practice.
For those who wish to study for credit but do not plan to complete an accredited programme: The Laidlaw Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is a great option. The credits gained can be cross-credited into one of Laidlaw’s NZQA-accredited qualifications at a future date.
For those who want to study just for interest: All of our subjects can be studied ‘non-formal study’ (i.e. not for credit, no assessment).

All of these can be undertaken part-time or full-time and there are both day and evening classes. Student loans and allowances are available for those who qualify.

All qualifications are NZQA approved.

The Christchurch campus is non-residential but we can help find accommodation for out of town students.

Programmes offered:

Timetable

Click here to see the latest Christchurch timetable.

Study modes

Full-time
Where students work towards completing a programme in the minimum time allotted – generally 120 credits per year. Students choosing this option are eligible for student allowances and loans.

Part-time
All programmes are are able to be completed on a part-time basis. Check with Laidlaw eligibility for student loans and allowances if choosing this option.

Night Classes
Several courses are taught in the evening. Please check each semester’s timetable to see what courses are available in the evening.

Distance Learning
You can complete an award by combining courses taught through the Distance Learning Programme, with courses taught in the classroom at the Christchurch Campus.

Non-Formal (for interest)
Students may choose to attend a course for interest only. They will receive a full set of student notes and no evaluation is required.

For those who wish to study for credit but do not plan to complete an accredited programme
The Laidlaw Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is a great option. The credits gained can be cross-credited into one of Laidlaw’s NZQA-accredited qualifications at a future date.

Accreditation

All Laidlaw College courses are fully accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Information for International Students at Christchurch

Laidlaw College’s internationally recognised teaching staff, accredited programmes and overseas affiliations provide students with quality education in an exciting country.

Study in New Zealand gives you the opportunity to explore this unique and beautiful country, famous for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventure pursuits.

Laidlaw College’s Christchurch Campus is located in a quiet suburban area - wonderfully located for reflection and study. It is non-residential but we can help find accommodation for overseas students.

For further information please visit our International Students section, or contact +64 3 354 4270 or chch/laidlaw.ac.nz.

For information on Christchurch go to http://www.christchurch.org.nz.

Accommodation

No residential accommodation is available at the Christchurch campus. The campus has a staff member designated to assist international students with accommodation (contact Kathy Mayes at the Christchurch campus). We are not able to assess local accommodation, but will put international students in touch with local rental agencies, advertise your accommodation needs to local churches, and pass on offers of board (furnished rooms, generally with food provided).