Laidlaw College’s Diploma in Christian Studies has long provided many students with a firm foundation in the Bible, theology and spiritual formation – and for internship students, the basics of Christian leadership and ministry. Laidlaw’s School of Theology is pleased to announce that after extensive work, this Diploma has been redeveloped and expanded to now include three programmes approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority:

• The Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership)
• The Diploma in Christian Studies (Theological Studies)
• The Diploma in Christian Studies (Intercultural Studies)

These programmes retain their emphases on a broad basis of theology, biblical studies, leadership, mission, and formation throughout the core courses. However, they have each been redeveloped and revitalised to best fit the contemporary contexts within Aotearoa. We are particularly excited to offer the new Intercultural Studies programme, which provides an exploration of Christian theology, context, and practice in Māori and/or Pasifika cultures – within an intentionally relational learning environment. The Christian Leadership programme allows emerging and established Christian leaders to pursue ministry formation and theological study via the core courses, while serving their churches through an internship.

All three programmes staircase into our revamped Bachelor of Theology, meaning that a student can take on one year of full-time study in the DipCS before committing to the full Bachelor of Theology. These programmes are available through both on-campus and distance learning, providing flexibility for all learners whatever your context, and however it might change. Our theology programmes are undergirded by a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and our student support is second to none.

Do you want to take further steps to pursue God’s call on your life? Whether that is by committing to full-time study, or by choosing a slower pace of part-time study, we would love to talk with you about these programme developments and what they could mean for you and your future study. To find out more about these new programmes please click on their titles above or contact our Theology team if you have questions.