Bachelor of ArtsTe Tohu Paetahi

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts Te Tohu Paetahi (BA) is a flexible, three-year degree that lets you follow a subject you love — like New Zealand History or te reo Māori — or a vocational calling — like Youth Work — while growing in theological, biblical, and cultural formation alongside it.

Because you choose a specialisation (and can even combine two), the BA is a great fit if you're still discerning your next step, want a broader humanities education, or are looking to weave theology together with another field of study.

You can study on campus in Henderson or Christchurch, and the programme offers flexible learning options too — including a mix of on-campus and Distance Learning courses, and part-time study.

Specialisations

In 2027, you can choose from four specialisations:

History The History specialisation builds the critical thinking, contextual understanding, and informed citizenship needed for roles in public service, community leadership, and the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums — as well as a strong foundation for postgraduate study.

Te Reo Māori Build your fluency and your cultural knowledge for a wide range of careers — as an educator, a Māori media professional, a content creator, or a cultural advisor (pou-tikanga) in government, social services, or health. Applicants will meet with a kaiako to talk through course workload and may complete a pre-entry assessment.

Theology Go deeper into Scripture, doctrine, and Christian thought. Theology graduates are prepared for contextual ministry roles — including youth, children's, and family ministry — and for work in faith-based not-for-profits that need a mature Christian foundation at the heart of their team.

Youth Work Learn to walk alongside rangatahi with skill and integrity. With 120 credits of practicum woven through the degree, you'll integrate theory and practice from day one, preparing you for work with young people across non-profits, government agencies, churches, schools, and hospitals. (Note: If you've completed the Certificate in Community Youth Work, you may be able to enter directly into Year 2.)

The Chaplaincy specialisation is not being offered in 2027, with a return expected in 2028.

Hybrid Specialisations

Why choose just one path when you can combine two? The BA's flexible structure means you can hybridise your specialisation — for example, Theology + Youth Work, or History + Te Reo Māori — to build a degree that's tailored to exactly where you're headed.

A hybridised BA is especially powerful if you're aiming for a vocational or bivocational career, since it lets you pair a biblically and theologically-informed worldview with the practical knowledge and skills of a second specialisation.

Curious what a hybrid pathway could look like for you? Talk to our BA Programme Advisor, or check the BA Handbook for indicative programme structures.

A Bachelor of Arts at Laidlaw College equips you for the vocation you feel called to, with the flexibility to shape your study through your chosen specialisation or hybrid of specialisations. Here, your learning goes beyond the classroom—integrating faith, formation, and vocation within a deeply relational community that forms you as a whole person. Academically rigorous and thoughtfully designed, the BA develops the critical thinking, knowledge, and practical skills you need to thrive in your chosen field.
Rev.Dr Maja Whitaker Programme Lead

Programme Requirements

The BA is a three-year, full-time degree (or part-time equivalent), made up of 24 courses at 15 credits each across Levels 5, 6, and 7, with some 30-credit internship and practicum courses also on offer.

To graduate, you'll need to complete:

  • 360 credits across the whole programme
  • A minimum of 75 credits at Level 7
  • Four core courses (required for all specialisations except Te Reo Māori): Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawenata, Reading the Bible, Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence, and Capstone: Integrative Practice
  • The required courses specific to your chosen specialisation
  • A minimum of 120 credits within your specialisation
  • A minimum of 60 credits of your final 120 credits within your specialisation

For more information about the programme, including the specialisation requirements, please refer to the programme summary.

Click here to view or download a programme summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study a BA at Laidlaw? Faith integrated across every course (not just electives), flexible specialisations and hybrid pathways, practicums and field-based learning, and small, relational class sizes.

When do applications open? Applications for 2027 open 22 June 2026. Expressions of Interest for Te Reo Māori open 8 June 2026.

How much does it cost? 2027 fees will be released in October 2026, with a slight increase likely on 2026 fees.

Should I choose a BTh or a BA? Choose the BTh for theological depth and ministry-focused study. Choose the BA for a broader, flexible degree that combines theology with another discipline or vocational pathway — also a strong option if you're considering secondary teacher training afterwards.

I'm already enrolled in another Laidlaw programme — can I switch to the BA? We recommend finishing your current programme first. Your completed courses can often transfer into the BA afterwards (some time limits apply).

I'm studying at another provider — can I move into the BA at Laidlaw? Possibly, via cross credits. Get in touch and we'll talk through your options.

Can I get a student allowance or loan? Yes — the BA is accredited and approved for StudyLink. Check your eligibility at studylink.govt.nz, and apply at the same time as your BA application (ideally by mid-October for a Semester One start).

What can I do after a BA? Depending on your specialisation, pathways include a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary), a Graduate Diploma in Theology, or other Graduate Diplomas — plus ministry, community leadership, and further postgraduate study.