Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

Button for easy access to information about this qualificationThe Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTh) programme provides an advanced level theological qualification for those who have already completed a recognised Bachelor’s level or a Graduate Diploma qualification in Theology. The PGDipTh programme consists of taught courses. Also, students who successfully complete taught courses in the MTh programme amounting to at least 120 credits, but who do not complete a research project, will be awarded the PGDipTh.

Students can study towards the PGDipTh on campus in Henderson. Courses are typically offered in blockmode, allowing for students outside of the Auckland region to take part.

Click here to view or download a programme summary.

Click here for information about admissions requirements for the PGDipTh.

The PGDipTh caters for:

  • Candidates who have successfully completed a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministries or have qualifications which, in the judgement of the Postgraduate Committee (PGC), are of an equivalent standard. A grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme equivalent to NZQA Levels 6 and 7 is required.
  • Candidates who hold a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than theology who have successfully completed a bridging programme of theological study such as those provided by Laidlaw College and other theological institutions or as approved by the PGC. Bridging requirements may be satisfied wholly or partly by credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning.
  • Candidates who do not meet these requirements, or who do not have qualifications of an equivalent standard, whom, due to exceptional circumstances, have been granted provisional candidature into the PGDipTh by the PGC by enrolling in the Certificate of Proficiency. Candidature shall be confirmed after the satisfactory completion of one course.


LEVEL 8, 120 credits
DURATION Full-time for 2 semesters, part-time options available
STARTS February & July
PLACES Open
CAMPUS Henderson, Distance Learning *see note below

Career Opportunities

  • Church leadership

  • Associate Pastor
  • Christian Writing
  • Intercultural ministries
  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Para-church Work

Postgraduate courses involve block course lectures. Attendance to these block courses is compulsory, with a minimum attendance of 80% for passing. If a student’s situation prevents them from being able to come to campus to attend in-person, they can seek approval from the Postgraduate Lead to enrol as a Distance Learning* student and attend the lectures via zoom.

*Note that Postgraduate courses do not have a full Distance Learning option - live engagement in the lectures is a necessary part of postgraduate study at Laidlaw. Video lectures are not produced to be watched in the students own time, so the Distance Learning option involves joining the lectures via zoom.


The PGDipTh is a one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme. It is made up of four Level 8 courses of 30 credits each.

Click on the relevant campus timetable to find out when the various courses are taking place.

If you would like to discuss your postgrad study options please contact:
Miriam Drake: [email protected] 

Please click here, to view all important dates.