The vocation of teaching is complex in our current cultural moment. Christian teachers have to be aware of current best practice in the classroom and the conversations shaping the way we understand faith and spirituality. In this course, we will explore current theological discourse and how that is forming us in our particular context in Aotearoa. Students will be equipped to understand the currents of thought around them and the ways in which the gospel of Jesus speaks into and confronts these.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theological Education) is a part-time programme comprised of two successive courses, each 30 credits at level 8: Christian Thought and History and Special Topic: Practical Theology Issues in Theological Education in Aotearoa. The two papers need to be completed in order, although not necessarily in the same year. 

Each course is taught via online seminars and a block course at Laidlaw’s Christchurch campus, with course readings and assessments across the semester.

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.

Christian Thought and History
(30 credits; Semester 1)  
Sam Burrows

In this course you will engage in biblical theology and make links to the cultural landscapes in the educational context of Aotearoa. This course will give you the opportunity to engage in discussion around Christian theology and how it relates to the vocation of teaching, Christian education, and this current cultural moment. The cultural influences and formation of Christian teachers and their spirituality will also be examined in this course.                                                

Special Topic: Practical Theology Issues in Theological Education in Aotearoa
(30 credits; Semester 2)
Sam Burrows

Through this course you will focus on the issues in theological education in New Zealand and build upon 'Foundations of Theological Education in Aotearoa'. This course pays close attention to the ways culture, context, and theology influences the engagement in teaching in Aotearoa today.

PRE-REQ R236.830 Foundations of Theological Education in Aotearoa

Candidates will be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theological Education) programme: 

• Where the candidate has completed a recognised three-year Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Ministry, with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQA levels 6 and 7. 
• Where the candidate holds a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than Theology or Ministry and has completed a bridging programme such as Laidlaw’s 120 credit Graduate Diploma in Theology with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) at NZQA level 7. 
• In exceptional circumstances the relevant Academic Head may allow entry to candidates who hold Laidlaw’s 60 credit Graduate Certificate in Theology with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) at NZQA level 7. 

In exceptional circumstance the relevant Academic Head may, at their discretion, give special admission to candidates who have successfully completed an alternate academic programme that meets the standard required to enter postgraduate study. 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 qualifications and experience relevant to the application process. 

In addition to the above:

• Where the candidate holds a teaching qualification, Christian school employment, or senior administrator of a school.

For students interested in further study, the PGCertTh (Theological Education) may be counted toward Laidlaw’s Postgraduate Diploma in Theology or, with approval, a Master of Theology degree.

Please contact Amanda Perry

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