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Graduate Diploma in Theology (GradDipTh)

The Graduate Diploma in Theology invites experienced professionals to bring their vocational expertise and life story into conversation with deep theological reflection. Explore the connections between faith, the Church, mission, and the world — and discover where that takes you next. Whether you return to your vocation renewed, step into church leadership, engage in mission, or continue into postgraduate study, the GradDipTh is a springboard for whatever comes next.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 7
  • 120
  • 1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent
  • Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning
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Bible & Theology

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The Graduate Graduate Diploma in Theology is designed for those who already have an undergraduate qualification. They bring vocational expertise and life experience into dialogue with critical reflection on the Christian faith. Students studying this programme 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, worked in local and global contexts, trained as teachers, or moved into church leadership.

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

  • The Graduate Diploma in Theology is made up of eight level 5, 6 and 7 courses of 15 credits each. For students in the GradDipTh
    programme, course pre-requisite and co-requisite regulations may be waived.
    Students may only complete a maximum of 45 credits at level 5 or level 6. A minimum of 75 credits must be completed at level 7.
    Students must complete at least 30 credits from Biblical Studies courses (100s) and 30 credits from Christian Thought and History of Christianity courses (200-300s).
    Students must complete 120 credits.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (1 year) or part-time equivalent
  • Study Location
  • Auckland, Christchurch, Distance Learning
  • Delivery
  • Flexible
  • Start Dates
  • February / July
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • 4 years maximum unless extension granted by Academic Head
  • Practicum Hours
  • Practicum courses, if taken as electives, require a set number of hours on placement
  • Career Opportunities
  • Pastoral and Ministry Leadership
    Social Sector Work
    Not for Profit Organisations
    Entrepreneur
    Government
    Academic Research
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements
    Completed Undergraduate Degree or higher qualification, as defined in the NZQCF.
    English Language Requirements
    Police Clearance required for students enrolling in internship or practicum courses
    Special Admission may be given to those who have relevant experience and non-degree qualifications.

Please refer here for full entry requirements.

  • Distinctives
  • Flexible Study Options
    Learn from Experienced Practitioners
    Grow in Wisdom & Knowledge

* Annual fee may vary.

  • Theology at Laidlaw isn't just intellectual study — it's practical formation for ministry.

At Laidlaw, you're not just studying theology — you're being formed by it. It's not about essays for their own sake; it's about learning to actually serve the church and God's people, wherever that calling leads."

Luke John Che che | Bachelor of Theology Student

Additional Information

The GradDipTh caters for:
Graduates with a non-theological degree who wish to study towards a theological qualification with special emphasis on areas of personal interest.

Graduates with qualifications in theology who wish to deepen their understanding of, and competence in, specific areas of ministry or theological study.

Those who, although without a degree qualification, have a proven background in experience and academic study deemed to be equivalent to a degree.

Those who have completed a degree in a non-theological area but who wish to bridge into postgraduate programmes in theology, such as the Master of Theology offered by the Laidlaw Graduate School.

Graduate Outcomes