Theology, Mission & Ministry
Bachelor of Theology | Bachelor of Ministries | Certificate in Christian Studies | Diploma of Biblical Studies | Graduate Diploma in Theology | Admission Requirements | Offered Courses 2013 | Academic Handbook
To view the School of Theology, Mission & Ministry Academic Handbook, please click:
School of Theology, Mission & Ministry Academic Handbook (1056 KB)
Laidlaw College has been preparing men and women to serve the church and the world for nearly 90 years. The School of Theology, Mission & Ministry offers a range of programmes rich in practical experience and in-depth knowledge.
Students will learn to think imaginatively and critically about issues that affect all of life and society and gain the tools to translate the Gospel of Christ into action and bring about renewal within their own lives and the lives of those around them. In the process, they will grapple with questions such as “Who is Jesus and what has he done?” and “What does it mean to be human?”
Students might find themselves:
- Studying in Laidlaw’s Internship programme while they continue their church ministry;
- Taking time out for a gap year to strengthen and reinforce their faith before going on to
University study; - Preparing to participate in missions in New Zealand and around the world;
- Training for pastoral leadership;
- Bringing their faith to bear in the workplace.
The School of Theology, Mission & Ministry offers a diverse backdrop for preparation for ministry. Students enrolled in one of its programmes will fi nd themselves immersed in the world of Scripture and the Church. They 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 them to renew their community with a faith as intelligent as it is courageous.
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
Programme Summary
| Level: 7, 360 credits |
|
Duration: Full-time for three years, part-time options available |
| Starts: February and July |
| Places: Open |
|
Application Dates: FEBRUARY START JULY START |
| Campus: Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning |
| Tuition Fee: $5,166 plus Student Services Fee (120 credits) |
About the Programme
The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) 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.
The BTheol is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
Programme Objectives
This programme aims to equip students to live faithfully in the light of the gospel in the twentyfirst 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 engage deeply with the Scriptures. 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. They will also work with primary source material, gaining an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which God’s people have wrestled with issues of life in generations prior to ours. Students will also be helped to evaluate contemporary issues in the light of their reading of God’s word. They will be assisted in addressing philosophical and methodological questions around Scripture, theology and the history of Christian thought and life both in other times and places and in the era of which they are part.
Programme Requirements at a Glance
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 in a subject area
- Of these 135 credits, 45 credits must be at level 7 or above
- A Major in Biblical Studies must include at least 30 credits in a biblical language.
A Minor is defined as:
- 90 credits in a subject area
- Of these 90 credits, 45 credits must be at level 6 or above
Up to 45 credits may be taken from other degrees offered at Laidlaw.
The BTheol consists of 360 credits and is completed in two parts:
PART A
Part A consists of 120 credits of introductory courses which must be completed before proceeding to Part B.
PART B
Part B consists of a further 240 credits of advanced 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 Theology |
Biblical Studies(100s) |
Christian Thought and History (200-300s) |
Pastoral, Missional and Contextual Studies (500-600s) |
|
Minimum credits for degree |
|
|
|
|
|||
| PART A, must be completed before beginning Part B, and must include the following: Note: PART A of the Bachelor of Theology also meets the requirements of the Diploma of Biblical Studies |
|||
| Level 5 |
|
|
|
| Plus two further additional courses of the student’s choice. If a Biblical Major is chosen it is strongly recommended that these be 101/104.515 Hebrew or Greek Introduction and 102/105.615 Hebrew or Greek Intermediate | |||
| PART B, cannot be commenced until Part A is completed, and must include the following: | |||
| Any level |
|
|
|
| Level 7 |
At least 75 credits with 45 credits in the subject area of the Major |
||
*Denotes courses common to Laidlaw degree programmes.
Bachelor of Ministries (BMin)
Programme Summary
| Level: 7, 360 credits |
| Duration: Full-time for three years, part-time options available |
| Starts: February and July |
| Places: Open |
|
Application Dates: FEBRUARY START JULY START |
| Campus: Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning |
| Tuition Fee: $5,166 plus Student Services Fee (120 credits) |
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.
The BTheol is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
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.
What we expect of our graduates:
- They will be agents of change and grace as they live out the gospel in diverse vocations. Laidlaw graduates will be equipped to be leaders in business, church, non-profit and educational settings.
- They will be thoroughly Christian in terms of their perspective of the world and the centrality of Christ.
- They will have biblical and theological skills to grow through a lifetime.
- They will have been mentored, understanding the necessity of relationships for transformation.
- They will have a heart for people and a holistic vision of the gospel – making a difference spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically.
- Life skills will have been gained for leading, communicating, resolving conflict, mentoring and personal management.
- Practical experience will give them opportunity to develop through the exercise of their gifts in specific areas of Christian ministry.
Programme Requirements at a Glance
The BMin degree consists of 360 credits and is completed in two parts:
PART A
Part A consists of 120 credits of introductory courses which must be completed before proceeding to Part B.
PART B
Part B consists of a further 240 credits of advanced courses which enable the ompletion of the minimum requirements for the degree.
|
Bachelor of Ministries |
Biblical Studies(100s) |
Christian Thought and History (200-300s) |
Pastoral, Missional and Contextual Studies (500-600s) |
|
Minimum credits for degree |
|
|
|
|
|||
| PART A, must be completed before beginning Part B, and must include the following: Note: PART A of the Bachelor of Ministries also meets the requirements of the Diploma of Biblical Studies |
|||
| Level 5 |
|
|
|
| One additional course of student's choice |
|||
| PART B, cannot be commenced until Part A is completed, and must include the following: | |||
| Any level |
|
|
|
| Level 7 |
A minimum of 75 credits including: |
||
| A minimum of 15 credits in Biblical exegesis |
A minimum of 45 credits including: |
||
*Denotes courses common to Laidlaw degree programmes.
Certificate in Christian Studies (CCS)
Programme Summary
| Level: 4, 120 credits |
| Duration: Full-time for one year, part-time options available |
| Starts: February and July |
| Places: Open |
|
Application Dates: FEBRUARY START JULY START |
| Campus: Auckland |
| Tuition Fee: $5,166 plus Student Services Fee |
About the Programme
The Certificate in Christian Studies (CCS) is a programme for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and gain an introductory understanding of theology in order to equip themselves for service within their local church or build their academic skills to enable them to move on to study at diploma and degree level.
The CCS is offered on campus at Auckland.
Programme Objectives
On completion of this programme, students will have developed:
- An understanding of the Bible’s development of its main themes;
- An introduction to the analysis of Biblical passages;
- Skills in composing and writing assignments and essays;
- Skills in verbal presentation of prepared work;
- Familiarity with the library system as a means of extracting and using information for assignments and essays.
- Competency in reading and listening comprehension, and written expression, pre-requisite to diploma or degree level studies.
Programme Requirements at a Glance
| Level 120 Credits One Year Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time) |
|
|---|---|
|
Compulsory Courses |
Elective Courses |
119.415 Story of the Bible 200.415 Christian Belief 300.415 Story of the Church 400.415 Christian Discipleship 490.415 Academic Reading and Writing 505.415 Ministry and Praxis of Global Ministry |
460.415 Foundations of Christian Ministry OR One additional course of the student’s choice at level 5 |
Diploma of Biblical Studies (DipBS)
Programme Summary
| Level: 5, 120 credits |
| Duration: Full-time for one year, part-time options available |
| Starts: February and July |
| Places: Open |
|
Application Dates: FEBRUARY START JULY START |
| Campus: Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning |
| Tuition Fee: $5,166 plus Student Services Fee |
About the Programme
The Diploma of Biblical Studies (DipBS) is designed to provide students with an introduction to biblical studies, theological studies and spiritual formation and prepare them to live out the Gospel of Christ, engaging 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. If this is envisaged then particular consideration must be given to the courses chosen so as to achieve an appropriate foundation for the desired degree. See details below.
The DipBS is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
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 |
|
Four additional courses of the student’s choice. These will normally be courses at level 5. Higher or lower level courses may be selected with the approval of the Head of School.
Those who envision continuing into a Bachelor of Theology degree are advised to select the following courses within the DipBS:
|
Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh)
Programme Summary
| Level: 7, 120 credits |
| Duration: Full-time for one year, part-time options available |
| Starts: February and July |
| Places: Open |
|
Application Dates: FEBRUARY START JULY START |
| Campus: Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning |
| Tuition Fee: $5,166 plus Student Services Fee (120 credits) |
About the Programme
The Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh) is designed for those with an undergraduate degree (either in theology or any other discipline) who wish to relate their faith to their vocation or go on to do advanced theological studies. It 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; and to establish a firm base for further study at postgraduate level.
This diploma is designed to be a flexible full-time or part-time qualification. It is normally completed within six years of commencement. The programme will be made up of courses selected from those offered within undergraduate programmes. Note that in the case of the GradDipTh, course pre-requisite and co-requisite regulations may be waived.
The GradDipTh seeks to cater for all of the following:
- Graduates with a non-theological degree who wish to study for a theological qualifi cation with special emphasis on areas of personal interest;
- Graduates with qualifi cations in theology who wish to deepen their understanding of, and competence in, specifi c areas of ministry or theological study;
- Those who, although without a degree qualifi cation, have a proven background in experience and academic study deemed to be equivalent to a degree;
- Those who have completed a degree in a non-theological area but who wish to bridge into postgraduate programmes in theology, such as the Masters level MTh offered by the Laidlaw Graduate School.
Because of its flexibility, the GradDipTh will be suitable for learners whose commitments make part-time study over a more or less extended period of time the only viable option, as well as for those who are able to devote one year of full-time study to completion of the required courses
The GradDipTh is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch, and through the Centre for Distance Learning.
Programme Objectives
The GradDipTh is designed to:
- extend a candidate’s understanding and skills in theology through academic instruction;
- develop the candidate’s ability to access and utilise a body of knowledge in application to ministries-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
For students who already have an undergraduate degree in theology, a programme of study may be individually designed which waives the requirement for either or both of 201.515 Theology: Introduction and 111.615 Biblical Interpretation.
Transition to Masters Level Study
Completion of the programme does not guarantee automatic entrance into the MTh. In order to gain entrance into the MTh students must obtain an average grade of 7.0 (B) in level 6 and 7 courses as well as a grade of 7.0 (B) in one level 7 course in the area of speciality proposed for the MTh. However, all students who gain a pass in all courses, and complete 120 credits, will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Theology.
Please Note: Students who wish to complete an MTh, having no previous formal theological study, may consider the one-year GradDipTh followed by the two-year MTh to be the best option. However, the GradDipTh, because of its necessarily limited selection of courses, can leave students without a well-balanced exposure to the full spectrum of biblical, historical, theological and practical subject areas. This can be a disadvantage for students who may wish to consider the possibility of doctoral study. However, students who enter the advanced standing option of the three-year BTheol having completed a previous degree, and who achieve appropriate BTheol grades, may complete an MTh with only one further year of study. This accelerated track becomes an attractive possible alternative which provides a more balanced exposure to the full spectrum of theological disciplines, because of the course structure of the BTheol. Students who wish to consider this option should discuss their study plans with the Head of School before beginning the BTheol.
|
Level |
Subject |
Credits |
|
5 |
201.515 Theology: Introduction |
15 |
|
6 |
111.615 Biblical Interpretation |
15 |
|
7 |
A minimum of 75 credits
|
75 |
|
5-7 |
One additional course at Levels 5–7 |
15 |
|
Total credits required: |
120 |
|
Course Offerings 2013
Offered Courses 2013 - School of Theology, Mission & Ministry (120 KB)
Admission Requirements
Certificate in Christian Studies (CCS)
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- No secondary schooling
- Entry Assessment required
- NCEA level 1 attainment, or equivalent
- Entry Assessment required
- NCEA level 2 attainment, or equivalent
- Open entry to CCS
NCEA Equivalence can include:
- NZ School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate,
- Overseas equivalent qualifi cations, including International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Exams.
- Other NZQA level 1 or 2 certificates in a similar discipline to Laidlaw programmes.
- Reference/support/documentation from employer this will be accepted as equivalent at our discretion and applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.
Entry Assessment:
- One hour written test focussing on (academic) English skills and biblical knowledge.
- Dates for assessment will be advised.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their fi rst language.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide an academic IELTS result of higher than 5.0 for entry to level 4 programmes.
- IELTS 5.0 (with min of 5.0 in reading and writing).
- A pplicant must meet both the academic and English language requirements for the course applied for.
A waiver for the IELTS may be granted:
For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.
Diploma of Biblical Studies (DipBS)
Bachelor of ministries (Bmin)
Bachelor of theology (Btheol)
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- At least 42 NCEA Level 3 credits or equivalent.
- At least 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each oftwo subjects from the approved subject list.
- The remaining 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional approved subjects.
- At least 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics.
- At least 8 credits at Level 2 or higher which show reading and writing skills in English or Te Reo Maori.
NCEA Equivalence can include:
- University Entrance, A or B Bursary.
- Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia).
- Other NZQA level 3 certificates in similar discipline to Laidlaw programmes.
- Other NZQA level 4 certificate in different discipline.
- Reference/support/documentation from employer – this will be accepted as equivalent at our discretion and applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.
NB. All equivalences must be documented.
SPECIAL ADMISSION
For applicants who do not meet the above requirements and aged 20 years of age or older, an Entry Assessment will be required. Possible study options can arise depending on the assessment result, including:
- Entry to Certificate of Christian Studies.
- Entry to Diploma of Biblical Studies.
Entry Assessment:
- One hour written test focussing on (academic) English skills and biblical knowledge.
- Dates for assessment will be advised.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide an academic IELTS result of higher than 6.5 for entry to level 5 programmes.
- IELTS 6.5 (with min of 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking, listening).
- Applicant must meet both the academic and English language requirements for the course applied for.
A waiver for the IELTS may be granted:
- For those applicants who have a three year, level 7 (or higher) NZQA qualification which was taught in the English medium and was obtained from an appropriately accredited New Zealand institution, or equivalent qualifi cation taught in the English medium from and overseas appropriately accredited institution in a country in which English is an official language.
- For those who have successfully completed three or more years of schooling at a New Zealand high school, including success of at least NCEA level 1 and NCEA level 2.
Graduate Diploma in theology (GradDipth)
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- The normal requirement for admission into the GradDipTh programme is a completed undergraduate degree, or higher qualification, as defined in the National Qualifications Framework of the NZQA.
SPECIAL ADMISSION
Serious consideration will be given to those who have a combination of relevant experience and non-degree qualifi cations. This is particularly relevant for those whose qualifi cations are at a level which, in the current New Zealand environment, are likely to be regarded as having been gained at degree level. Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant’s overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on students to provide details of all qualifi cations and experience relevant to the application procedure.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are in addition to those outlined above and apply to applicants for whom English is not their first language.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide an academic IELTS result of higher than 6.5 for entry to level 5 programmes.
- IELTS 6.5 (with min of 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking, listening).
- Applicants must meet both the academic and English language requirements for the course applied for.
A waiver for the IELTS may be granted:
- For those applicants who have a three year, level 7 (or higher) NZQA qualifi cation which was taught in the English medium and was obtained from an appropriately accredited New Zealand institution, or equivalent qualification taught in the English medium from and overseas appropriately accredited institution in a country in which English is an offi cial language.
- For those who have successfully completed three or more years of schooling at a New Zealand high school, including success of at least NCEA level 1 and NCEA level 2.
Academic Handbook
For more detailed information on any of the above programmes, please download the School of Theology, Mission and Ministry Academic Handbook.
