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Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership) (DipCS(CL))

The Diploma of Christian Studies offers a grounded introduction to Biblical studies, theology, and spiritual formation — equipping you to engage the world with both conviction and compassion. Through the Christian Leadership strand, you’ll build a strong biblical foundation and develop the practical skills to lead and deliver ministry in your own context. Built on bicultural values, and with a pathway into the Bachelor of Theology, this is just the beginning.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 5 NZQA
  • 120
  • 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent
  • Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning
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Bible & Theology

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This qualification provides you with an introduction to Biblical studies, theological studies, and spiritual formation. It prepares you to live out the Gospel of Christ, engaging thoughtfully and compassionately in the world. Through the Christian Leadership strand you’ll learn to evaluate and deliver ministry programmes within your context, to think deeply about your faith, and to lead a wide range of Christian operations. You will build a biblical and theological foundation to which you can apply Christian leadership skills through real life practical contexts. Students who complete the DipCS may staircase into the second year of the Bachelor of Theology degree.

  • Programme Title
  • Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership) (DipCS(CL))
  • Post-nominal Letters
  • DipCS(CL)
  • School
  • Bible & Theology
  • Specialisation Options
  • Total Credits
  • 120
  • Programme Requirements

  • The DipCS(CL) is made up of four 15-credit courses and two 30-credit internship courses at level 5.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (1 year) or part-time equivalent
  • Location Pin Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com Study Location
  • Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning
  • Delivery
  • Weekly Lectures · Placement · Onsite at approved partner sites. Distance Learning may be available depending on partner.
  • Start Dates
  • February / July
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • Up to 4 years part-time unless extension granted by Academic Head
  • Practicum Hours
  • As a part of the Leadership Internship papers, full-time students will complete 210 hours of supervised ministry practice over each semester (16-20 hours a week). These hours can be worked via a placement at either a church, mission or community ministry.
  • Formation Requirements
  • Indicative Domestic Student Tuition Fees*

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Indicative International Student Tuition Fees**

(Average full-time programme for one year = 120 credits)

  • Programme Title
  • Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership) (DipCS(CL))
  • Career Opportunities
  • Ministry roles within churches and community organisations
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements
    English Language Requirements
    Must have an approved placement within a Church or Christian Organisation
    Police Clearance
    Entry Assessment may be required
  • Distinctives
  • Real World Experience
    Learn from Experienced Practitioners
    Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge
Annual fee may vary.

Programme Requirements

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY BIBLICAL STUDIES
(100S)		 CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & HISTORY (200-300S) PASTORAL, MISSIONAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES (400-600S)
Minimum credits for degree 90 75 90
A total minimum of 360 credits
A total minimum of 180 credits at level 6 or above
A total minimum of 75 credits at level 7
Level 5 115.515 Reading the Bible

120.515 Reading the Old Testment

140.515 Reading the New Testment 		201.515 Engaging Theory

308.515 Christian History: Our Story 		401.515 Formation

505.515 Christian Leadership and Mission

907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawabata
Level 6 & 7 111.715 Interpreting the Bible

At least 1 OT and 1 NT exegesis paper 		202.6/715 Christology

219.6/715 Nākau Maia: Christian Confidence 		480.6/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice

590.715 Capstone: Integrative Practice
  • I truly believe it’s the pre-eminent theological institution in New Zealand.

It’s the breadth of study, of knowledge, the way the staff require you to think. They don’t spoon feed you. They want you to think critically, thoughtfully, prayerfully. You’re given options and required to construct a frame for yourself.”

Kyla Scrimgeour | Theology Graduate

Additional Information

General and other Specialisations

Students who wish to study part-time and complete the programme over two years should instead enrol in: 476.530 Leadership Internship I – Full Year and 477.530 Leadership Internship II – Full Year.

Semester 1
Semester 2
On completion of the Bachelor of Theology Laidlaw College graduates will:
  • Evaluate and apply a broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations to defined contexts based on textual interpretation and religious practice.
    Evaluate faith-based programmes and/or practices based on strategies that integrate a personal and community faith journey, and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of defined groups.
    Apply key Christian leadership principles and Christian leadership dimensions to facilitate team development and accomplish organisational goals in particular areas of responsibility in Christian ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sed Leo erat, sodales sed mattis in, pulvinar vitae Leo. Sed sollicitudin sapien et aliquam varius. Vivamus mattiscidunt sapien. Proin quis lectus ligula. Fusce euismod pretiumtus. Pellentesque rutrum, dui ut rutrum ullamcorper, eros velit.

Sed Leo erat, sodales sed mattis in, pulvinar vitae Leo. Sed sollicitudin sapien et aliquam varius. Vivamus mattiscidunt sapien. Proin quis lectus ligula. Fusce euismod pretiumtus. Pellentesque rutrum, dui ut rutrum ullamcorper, eros velit.