LAIDLAW QUALIFICATIONS
OFFERED AT BISHOPDALE COLLEGE
NEW ZEALAND DIPLOMA OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES (NZDIPCS)
Level 5, 120 credits
The Diploma in Christian Studies is a one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) programme. The aim of this programme is to provide Christian churches and their agencies with graduates who have broad understanding of theological principles, biblical foundations, evaluative thinking, and applied ministry leadership skills which enables them to lead in a wide range of Christian and community contexts.
Students can choose from the:
Christian Leadership strand - with a significant internship focus, half of student’s learning hours are practical learning.
Theological Studies strand - offers a wider range of biblical and theological courses.
More information about these programmes is available here: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/theology
Bachelor of THEOLOGY (BTHEOL)
Level 7, 360 credits
The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in biblical studies, theological knowledge and reflection. It provides an in-depth engagement with Scripture, Christian thought and history and equips students with the skills they need for pastoral and missional leadership, as well as other ministries. It is also strongly recommended for those seeking theological grounding for higher academic qualifications in biblical and theological studies
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN THEOLOGY
Level 7, 60 credits
The Graduate Certificate in Theology (GradCertTh) is designed for those who already have an undergraduate qualification and brings vocational expertise and life experience into dialogue with critical reflection on the Christian faith. Students studying these programmes will deepen their theological understanding and discover connections between theology and the wider world, the church and missions contexts.
More information about the structure of the Graduate Certificate in Theology is available here: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/theology/programmes/gradcertth/
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY
Level 7, 120 credits
The Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh) are designed for those who already have an undergraduate qualification and brings vocational expertise and life experience into dialogue with critical reflection on the Christian faith. Students studying these programmes will deepen their theological understanding and discover connections between theology and the wider world, the church and missions contexts. Completion of the GradDipTh provides a potential springboard into postgraduate study. Graduates from these programmes have returned to their vocations, engaged in missions or community development work in local and global contexts, trained as teachers or moved into church leadership.
More information about the structure of the Graduate Diploma in Theology is available here: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/theology/programmes/graddipth/
OTHER OPTIONS FOR STUDY
INTEREST ONLY STUDY / NON-FORMAL STUDY
Non-formal study lets you participate in the classroom experience without the pressure of assignments, or the cost of studying for credit. Non-formal students complete assigned pre-reading for classes (one to two hours per week) and participate fully in lectures and class discussions (three hours per week.) This is a great option for those who want to expand their understanding but don’t require formal recognition for their study, or students who prefer to avoid writing essays.
Students who choose this option do not receive academic credit, nor can they upgrade to credit at a future time. it is not NZQA approved. Interest-only students are expected to be fully prepared for and committed to class attendance.
CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY (COP)
Students who wish to study for credit but do not plan to complete an NZQA-accredited programme will be enrolled in the Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Students must meet all normal academic requirements for COP courses. Such students will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency for completed courses.
The credits gained for such courses can be crosscredited into one of Laidlaw College’s NZQA-accredited qualifications at a future date at no cost, should students choose to do so. Students enrolled in COP courses are not eligible for student loans or allowances.