NZ Certificate in Christian Studies

LEVEL 5   |   60 CREDITS   |   6 MONTHS FULL-TIME (part-time available)

STUDY OPTIONS: Onsite, Online, Distance

SEMESTER INTAKE: February & July

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Programme Outline

This programme is the perfect starting point if you are wanting to augment your church or ministry work with some introductory theological study.  It can be completed in one semester full-time or a longer period part-time.  You can gateway to further study in the Diploma or Bachelor’s degree.  Learn, grow, be transformed.

The New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies (NZQA accredited) provides a smaller programme for learners who are wanting an initial theological qualification.  It is ideally suited to those who may be working within church or ministry settings and who also want to study part-time.  Likewise, it is a good starting point for those without previous theological study who may want to continue on to further studies.

“What I love about theology and my job is I get to talk about what it looks like to look like Jesus. We get to talk about who Jesus is and how much God wants to use us in the world.”

Dr Christa McKirland, Lecturer – Systematic Theology

Programme Structure

This programme is equivalent to six months full-time study, 60 credits, comprising:

Either:

Code
Course Name
Credits

and one or more of the following:

and any of the following (to make up the remaining credits as required):

*MM677 is typically only available to students specialising in Children & Family Leadership. Enquire for more details.

Not all courses are offered every year. Check the timetable to see what courses are currently available.
View Timetable

Specialisations

Child and Family Leadership

The Child and Family specialisation is normally completed part-time over one or two years and consists of a ministry placement/internship (15-30 credits), Children’s Ministry (15 credits), Family and New Zealand Society (15 credits) and an additional 15 credits at level 5 if needed.*

*Children’s Ministry is offered in Semester 2 of even years. Family and New Zealand Society is offered in Semester 1 of odd years.

Youth (Discovery Internship)

The Youth specialisation is normally completed part-time over one year and consists of a ministry placement/internship (30 credits), Foundations of Youth Ministry (15 credits) and Mission of God (15 credits)

Sports Chaplaincy Internship 

The Sports Chaplaincy specialisation is normally completed part-time over one or two years and consists of a ministry placement/internship* (15-30 credits), Foundations of Sports Chaplaincy (15 credits) and an additional 15 or 30 credits.

*This course may be achieved via recognition of prior learning if you have a Sports Chaplaincy placement.

Graduate Outcomes

The New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies will equip you to:

  • Have an introductory understanding of the Bible and key theological concepts
  • Apply introductory Biblical knowledge and understanding to disciple individuals or groups in specific settings
  • Reflect on your own faith journey and identify areas for growth and development
  • Evaluate specific a ministry/community programme and support the spiritual development needs of specific individuals and/or groups
  • Identify key Biblical and theological principles that inform what you do in specific ministry/community contexts
  • Use Biblical and theological knowledge to contribute and lead (formally or informally) in ministry/community contexts and programmes  

Entry Requirements

Admission to the New Zealand Certificate of Christian Studies is open to full-time and part-time New Zealand students and full-time International students.

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.

 

Fees

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.

Domestic Student $858.00 per 15 credit course
International Student $2,885.00 per 15 credit course
Audit (interest only, not for credit) $320.00 per 15 credit course

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.

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Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Bruce Jones, Student

“I always thought overseas mission was more important than mission at home. It has been liberating having these views challenged, and realising that my work right here in New Zealand is mission! Also, the teaching I received on grief and self care in the Introduction to Pastoral Care course came in the midst of a difficult time for my family. God’s timing with this learning was perfect!”

– Bruce Jones, Student, NZ Certificate in Christian Studies

Ready to make a difference?

“At Carey we believe that the God of mission is at work in the world by the Spirit to renew people and places in Christ. Our calling is to equip Christian leaders with the convictions, competencies, and capacity to participate in that mission, bringing gospel renewal in churches and communities across Aotearoa and around the world.”

– John Tucker, Principal