Field Education and Internships

The curriculum at Carey is designed so that you can:

• Grow in your love and service of God through (not despite) your study

• Study for ministry alongside the ministry you are already involved in

• Receive accreditation for practical on the job training

• Receive accreditation for experience gained in ministry while you are studying

• Use what you are learning in the academic courses in ministry straight away

What is Field Education?

Field Education refers to the practical ministry component of the Applied Theology curriculum at Carey.  All students completing an NZQA qualification in Applied Theology must complete at least 15 Credits of Field Education.  The Pastoral Leadership, Youth Pastor, and Intermission tracks all have specific Field Education requirements.  These are not covered in this page, please see the relevant areas of the website.  For all other students there are two Field Education routes open to you: Reflective Field Education or Christian Ministry Training (AKA Internship). 

Which Option Will Suit Me?

For those serious about a life of ministry, and for whom the Pastoral Leadership and Youth Pastor tracks are not appropriate, the Christian Ministry Training (Internship) option is recommended.  A quarter of your time will be spent engaged in ministry in a church or other ministry organisation and a training plan will be arranged to allow you apply and integrate your academic studies directly to your practical work.  This will help to build a solid foundation for your future ministry.

On the other hand our reflective field education courses will suit those who

• want maximum focus on the academic components of the degree
• are studying part time and prefer the smaller (15 Credit, 1 Semester) option to the  larger (30 credit, 1 Year) CMT option
• already have ample ministry experience and/or training
  
• prefer to gain practical training by another route
• are not in a suitable ministry context for training at present (but we may be able to find you somewhere to do your CMT/Internship, click here, or get in touch!)