Arts & Professional Studies

Critical thinking, cultural fluency, and wisdom matter more than ever. A humanities education equips you to navigate complexity with discernment, not just information. At Laidlaw, that formation runs through everything we teach, preparing graduates to lead well in an uncertain future.

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Arts & Professional Studies

Bachelor of Arts, Youth Work, Ministry Supervision, Pastoral Leadership and Postgraduate Study.

At Laidlaw College, our Arts and Professional Study programmes are designed to equip you for the vocation you feel called to. Study a Bachelor of Arts (Te Tohu Paetahi) with specialisations in History, Te Reo Māori, Theology, or Youth Work — or combine two to build a hybrid degree tailored to where you’re headed.

For those already working in ministry or pastoral roles, our postgraduate certificates in Ministry Supervision and Pastoral Leadership offer focused professional development to sharpen your skills and deepen your impact. We also have postgraduate pathways in Theology for further study and specialisation.

Whether you’re beginning your degree or advancing your career, Laidlaw’s Arts and Professional Study offerings combine academic rigour with theological depth — preparing you to thrive in your chosen field.

Academically rigorous and thoughtfully designed, the BA develops the critical thinking, knowledge, and practical skills you need to thrive in your chosen field."

Rev. Dr Maja Whitaker | Academic Dean & Programme Lead

Our Programmes

Bachelor of Arts

Explore the Bachelor of Arts (Te Tohu Paetahi) at Laidlaw College — choose from History, Te Reo Māori, Theology, or Youth Work, or combine two specialisations into a hybrid degree shaped around your calling.

Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership

Explore the Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership — equip yourself to serve confidently as a Christian youth leader across churches, schools, and communities, backed by hands-on placement and mentoring.

Certificate in Community Youth Work

Explore the Certificate in Community Youth Work at Laidlaw College — build practical skills, theological grounding, and bicultural competence to support and nurture young people across Aotearoa. Discover your pathway into youth work.

Graduate Certificate in Theology (Pastoral Leadership)

Explore the Graduate Certificate in Theology (Pastoral Leadership) — designed for experienced pastoral leaders without an undergraduate degree, combining immersive retreats, coaching, and theological reflection to deepen your ministry practice.

Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision)

Explore the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) — build the skills to meet growing supervisory needs in ministry and helping professions, through Laidlaw’s specialised part-time programme.

Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

Advanced study options for students seeking further theological development, professional ministry formation, or preparation for master’s-level study.

Master of Theology (MTh)

The Master of Theology offers advanced theological study and research for students seeking greater academic depth, ministry expertise, or preparation for doctoral research. Students may choose pathways that align with their professional and academic goals.

Doctoral Study Pathways

Through partnerships with leading institutions, Laidlaw supports students pursuing doctoral-level research and advanced scholarship in theology and related disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about studying Arts at Laidlaw? Whether you’re weighing up specialisations, wondering how a hybrid degree could work for you, or exploring postgraduate options for your next career step, we’ve answered the questions we hear most often. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to our BA Programme Advisor — we’re happy to talk through your options and help you find the right pathway.

I'm interested in postgraduate study but I do not have a degree in theology

If you have been in ministry for longer than five years we have a pathway that can staircase you into postgraduate theological study. Begin with the Graduate Certificate in Theology (Pastoral Leadership) which is made up of four 15 credit courses. You can study these part time or full time. On completion, with an average grade of B or above, you will be able to move into postgraduate theological study.

I'm interested in studying ministry supervision but I am working full time

Our Postgraduate programmes are taught via lecture blocks, with course readings and assessments online so that people can fit their study around work and family committments.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) is a part-time programme comprised of two successive courses, each 30 credits at level 8: Foundations of Ministry Supervision and Developing a Ministry Supervision Practice. The two papers need to be completed in order, although not necessarily in the same year.

Why study a BA at Laidlaw?

Faith integrated across every course (not just electives), flexible specialisations and hybrid pathways, practicums and field-based learning, and small, relational class sizes.

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What can I do after a BA?

Depending on your specialisation, pathways include a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary), a Graduate Diploma in Theology, or other Graduate Diplomas — plus ministry, community leadership, and further postgraduate study.

Should I choose a BTh or a BA?

Choose the BTh for theological depth and ministry-focused study. Choose the BA for a broader, flexible degree that combines theology with another discipline or vocational pathway — also a strong option if you’re considering secondary teacher training afterwards.

Can I get a student allowance or loan?

Yes — the BA and Youth Work programmes are accredited and approved for StudyLink. Check your eligibility at studylink.govt.nz, and apply at the same time as your application (ideally by mid-October for a Semester One start).

For Postgradute programmes please check your eligibility and what is available at studylink.govt.nz

I'm already enrolled in another Laidlaw programme — can I switch to the BA?

We recommend finishing your current programme first. Your completed courses can often transfer into the BA afterwards (some time limits apply).