New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies
Study the Diploma in one of these Specialisations
Pastoral Care
Love pastoral care? This specialist stream will see you engage with experienced pastoral care practitioners and cutting edge pastoral scholarship in a lifegiving, accessible, and safe fashion.
Presence-Based Church
The Presence-Based Church stream is designed to be a foundational time of intentional involvement in different church community expressions. Are you ready to be part of a transformative community?
Mission
In this Mission stream you will study the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies with a special focus on Mission. You will be grounded in an actual mission context, reflect with other participants on real experience, while studying courses in Bible & Theology, Mission, and Ministry.
Programme Summary
The New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies provides students with a broad understanding of the principles of theology and biblical foundations as well as establishing skills in evaluative thinking and applied leadership for Christian mission work and ministry.
Students will also gain the skills required in order to lead and manage a wide range of Christian operations for churches and associated agencies through experience and application in a community of practice.
The Diploma may be taken in 2019 with special focus on:
Mission
Pastoral Care
Presence-Based church
Students studying the Diploma in this format will engage in reflective field education under the guidance of an expert practitioner.
Programme Outline
The programme of study is equivalent to one year full-time totalling 120 credits comprising of:
MM581—Mission of God (15 credits)
MB521—Thinking Theologically (15 credits)
MS510—Te Ao Maori (15 credits)
AND
MB531 Introduction to the Old Testament (15 credits) and/or MB532 Introduction to the New Testament (15 credits)
AND
MF501—Reflective Field Education (15 credits) or MF505 Contextual Theological Praxis (30 credits)
And up to three of the following courses (depending on other courses chosen):
- MM561—Introduction to Pastoral Care
- MM564—Worship: Then and Now
- MM572—Foundations of Youth Ministry
- MB526—Insights into Church History
For more information on each course view the Academic Course Descriptions 2019.
For a full list of courses view our Academic Schedule of Courses 2019.
Programme Objectives
Upon completion graduates will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Evaluate and apply a broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations to defined contexts based on textual interpretation and religious practice.
- Evaluate a ministry programme based on strategies that integrate personal and community faith journeys, and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of defined groups.
- Integrate core tools of theology, biblical texts and ministry practice, and apply these to the broader community to provide leadership and direction that is culturally and ethically appropriate.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the New Zealand Diploma in 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 full information (including Special Admission) please see the Academic Regulations and Calendar 2019.
Transfer from other Programmes
Students who have completed courses at other institutions may be eligible for cross-credits or recognition of current competency.
What is the cost?
See our full Fees Schedule for costs
When are courses taught?
View our 2019 Timetable
Ready to make a difference?
Alumni Stories
Rob Burley
After thirty-five years as an electrical engineer, God opened up a new career for me which left me with more spare time. As I have always loved learning, I was quickly persuaded to study at Carey and I have enjoyed the family-like atmosphere here and also the company of other students. I find it quite stimulating.
Alumni Stories
Mitchell Youngs
Carey this year has not just taught me how to ‘read’ the bible, but how to own what I believe and dig into the freshness of His presence.