Intermission
Discipleship Year
Perfect for young
adults aged 18-25
Faith in Action
Suitable for any young person keen to follow Jesus and see where it leads
Course Specs
1 year full-time on-site
120 credits at Level 5
Intake from February
Epic Lecturers
Our teachers are real, wise, and legit lifelong learners themselves
Is Intermission right for you?
Are you a young adult who’s ready to explore how God wants to grow you? Are you ready to see where saying “yes” to Jesus for one year will lead?
Intermission is a one-year formation track delivered alongside the NZQA Level 5 Diploma in Christian Studies, designed to enrich your discipleship to Jesus and deepen your biblical and theological foundation.
This is more than study; it’s a shared journey. In Intermission you will commit to a close-knit cohort of young adult peers, encouraging and challenging each other as you learn, serve, and grow together. Through a set programme of biblical and theological papers, you’ll engage deeply with Scripture and Christian thinking, equipping you to follow Jesus in a complex and changing world.
“Intermission is about getting equipped for a life of radical discipleship where ever Jesus leads you next.
We love Jesus, we love the local church, we love seeing young people grow in Christ and discover what adventure God has in store for them. So come journey with us!”
– Dan Cuttriss and Katie Cuttriss
Graduates and Intermission Co-ordinators
While Intermission isn’t specifically focused on ministry training, we believe Christian formation happens through service. You’ll take part in short-term community experiences (e.g., visiting churches, ministries, and mission initiatives), as well as a local placement that broadens your vision of how God is at work in the world. Guided reflective practice will support you in discerning what you’re learning, how God is shaping you, and how you might join in God’s mission wherever you go next.
Throughout the year, you’ll also discover your God-given gifts and strengths, explore Christian spiritual practices that root you deeply in Christ, and listen for the Spirit’s leading into your next step—whether in study, work, mission, or everyday life.
If you’re ready to invest a year in intentional learning, service, and growth in community, Intermission will help you be well informed, and formed well by Christ.
What You Can Expect
Academic Learning
Intermission provides a spring-board into future academic study. You will develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing and presentations. When you have successfully completed the programme you will be awarded the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (NZQA Accredited).
Formational Learning
IN Figuring out me (and you)—personality, strengths, stress, group dynamics, healthy head habits.
UP Leaning into God—sustaining spiritual disciplines.
OUT Serving—in my local church or community.
REFLECTION Mentoring—processes the learning.
Experiential Learning
Exploring the ways people follow Jesus in their own context—out in the neighbourhood.
Experiencing a small church engaging with their local community and local marae.
Creating community and support for people with disability.
Serving at a huge event for the purpose of taking young people on a God journey.
Experiencing intentional communities living in marginal spaces.
Participating in prayer workshops—how do we pray?
NZ Diploma in Christian Studies
This programme consists of one year of full-time study of 120 credits at Level 5.
Students will complete the following courses.
Select the course name to view a course description.
General Admission
In order to gain admission all applicants must have achieved one of the following:
- National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), with a minimum of 42 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, and
- a minimum of 8 credits in English at Level 2 or higher, 4 credits of which must be in reading and with the remaining 4 in writing.
- A grade of C or higher in each of the three subjects in New Zealand University Entrance or Bursaries and Scholarships (NZUEBS) examinations.
For special admission and International student admission requirements (including English language) view the Academic Regulations and Calendar.
Transfer from other Programmes
Students who have completed courses at other institutions may be eligible for cross-credits or recognition of current competency.
Graduates of the New Zealand Certificate of Christian Studies may transfer all credits towards the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies programme.
Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $50 per 15 credit course. Students enrolling in MS510 Te Ao Māori are required to also pay $70 + koha for a compulsory noho marae.
Fees Free is a fund for first-time tertiary learners. It may cover fees for one year’s study – up to $12,000. To get Fees Free, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for more information.
The New Zeland Diploma in Christian Studies will equip you to:
- Have a sound introductory understanding of the Bible and key theological concepts
- Apply introductory Biblical knowledge and understanding in specific contexts
- Understand and meet the specific needs of different individuals and/or groups (e.g., different ages, ethnicities, gender)
- Reflect on ministry/community contexts and identify opportunities for individual (or group) spiritual growth
- Demonstrate ethical considerations within ministry/community contexts and programmes
- Contribute to and lead (formally or informally) individuals (or groups) in ways that are culturally appropriate
- Align your knowledge of Biblical principles with practice in a range of life contexts
- Communicate effectively across cultural boundaries
How Carey stacks up
When choosing to study with Carey, you may want to compare how our qualifications stack up against other options. Check out Te Kāwantanga o Aotearoa's Key Info for Students that compares academic info across different institutions in NZ.
“Intermission has been challenging. There’s been challenge in the classroom, challenge in serving in the community, and challenge serving in churches and at Christian events. Those challenges have always invited and resulted in growth.”
– Nathan Davidson, Intermission Graduate
