Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (PGCertTh)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology is an advanced qualification for those ready to engage theology at a higher level. Building on your undergraduate or graduate diploma foundation, this focused two-course programme delivers rigorous postgraduate theological study through intensive lecture blocks at Laidlaw’s Henderson campus. Flexible enough to fit around life and ministry, the PGCertTh is the ideal next step for those who want to sharpen their theological thinking without committing to a full postgraduate degree.

Bible & Theology

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (PGCertTh) programme provides an advanced level theological qualification for those who have already completed a recognised Bachelor’s level or a Graduate Diploma qualification in Theology. The PGCertTh programme consists of two taught courses. The papers are taught via lecture blocks at Laidlaw’s Auckland campus, with course readings and assessments across the semester.

It caters for those who have successfully completed a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministries or have qualifications which, in the judgement of the Postgraduate Committee (PGC), are of an equivalent standard. It also works for those who hold a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than theology who have successfully completed a bridging programme of theological study such as those provided by Laidlaw College and other theological institutions. Bridging requirements may be satisfied wholly or partly by credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning.

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

The normal requirement for admission into Postgraduate study at Laidlaw is:
A completed three-year undergraduate degree in Theology or Ministry or equivalent qualification, as defined in the National Qualifications Framework of the NZQA, in an appropriate discipline. • A bachelor’s degree in another field plus a Graduate Diploma in Theology.
Entry in conditional upon:
A grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQF levels 6 and 7; or
A grade point average of 7.5 (B+) in courses of the
qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQF level 7 for entry into the BTh(Hons); and
Approval of the Postgraduate Lead.
Special Admission Serious consideration will be given to those that hold qualifications of an equivalent standard. In exceptional circumstances the Postgraduate Committee may allow applicants who do not meet these requirements, or who do not have qualifications of an equivalent standard.

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

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

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology must be completed within 2 years if taken part time. The opportunity to continue beyond these time limits will be considered on a case by case basis and with approval of the Academic Head.
Students with a GPA of 7.0 (B) or higher in their PGCertTh courses may apply to transfer these credits into a PGDipTh or the 240-credit MTh programme.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Biblical Studies Specialisation

On completion of the Bachelor of Theology Laidlaw College graduates will:

Evaluate critically a wide spectrum of literature in each of the coursework areas and in the areas of the research undertaken.
Demonstrate mastery of the issues of debate in each of these areas.
Give a fair and informed account of representative points of view in each subject area.
Utilise sound hermeneutical principles in contextualising biblical theology within the subject area studies.
Demonstrate advanced skills of research, critical analysis and constructive synthesis and application so as to make a significant contribution to knowledge in their area of specialisation.
Reflect on the professional, ethical, and relational implications of their study for ministry in the modern world.

Frequently Asked Questions

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