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Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTh)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology offers a rigorous, advanced-level theological qualification designed to fit the demands of ministry and professional life. Delivered through block-mode lectures, the programme welcomes students from across Aotearoa — and where in-person attendance isn’t possible, zoom participation can be arranged. Whether you’re deepening your theological expertise, preparing for further study, or seeking to lead with greater intellectual confidence, the PGDipTh is formation that works around you.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 8
  • 120
  • 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent
  • Auckland
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Bible & Theology

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTh) programme provides an advanced level theological qualification. 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.

Postgraduate taught courses involve block-mode lectures, allowing for those outside of the Auckland region to take part. If a student’s situation prevents them from being able to attend in-person, they can seek approval from the Postgraduate Lead to attend the lectures via zoom.

  • Programme Title
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTh)
  • Programme Abbreviation
  • PGDipTh
  • School
  • Bible & Theology
  • Total Credits
  • 120
  • Programme Requirements

  • The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology is made up of four Level 8 courses of 30 credits each.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (1 year) or part-time equivalent
  • Study Location
  • Auckland
  • Delivery
  • Block Courses + Online Distance Learning
  • Start Dates
  • February / July
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • 3 years maximum unless extension granted by Academic Head
  • Career Opportunities
  • Pastoral and Ministry Leadership
    Professional development
    Effective service as a church member
    Personal Christian growth
    Workplace Christians
    Further study at master’s and doctoral level
  • Entry Requirements
  • 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.

Please refer here for full entry requirements.

  • Distinctives
  • Flexible Study Options
    Learn from Experienced Practitioners
    Customise to Suit your Interests
    Grow in Wisdom and Knowledge

* Annual fee may vary.

Additional Information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology must be completed within 3 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 PGDipTh courses are eligible to progress to MTh through one of the following options:

  • Enter the 120-credit MTh programme which consists of a 40,000 word Level 9 thesis**.
  • Transfer their PGDipTh credits to a 240-credit MTh enrolment and: complete one more level 8 course plus a 90-credit, 30,0000 word level 9 thesis OR two more level 8 courses plus a 60-credit, 20,000 word level 9 dissertation.

**If a PGDipTh student intends to progress onto the 120-credit MTh, R351 Postgraduate Research and Writing needs to be taken as part of the PGDipTh as it is a pre-requisite for level 9 entry.

Graduate Outcomes
  • Evaluate critically a wide spectrum of literature in each of the coursework areas and in the areas of research undertaken.
    Demonstrate mastery of the isssues of debate in each of these areas.
    Give a fair and informed account of representative points of view in each subject area.
    Write a coherent narrative survey which is internally consistent, interacts critically with central issues, and demonstrates ability to form a reasoned opinion.
    Utilise sound hermeneutical principles in contextualising biblical theology within the subject areas studied.
    Demonstrate the distinctive contribution of biblical and theological principles to central issues in their subject areas.