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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.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Study Location
  • Level 8
  • 60
  • One semester full-time, or part-time equivalent
  • Auckland
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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.

  • Programme Title
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (PGCertTh)
  • Programme Abbreviation
  • PGCertTh
  • School
  • Bible & Theology
  • Total Credits
  • 60
  • Programme Requirements

  • The PGCertTh is made up of two level 8 courses of 30 credits each.
  • Study Commitment
  • Full-time (1/2 year) or part-time equivalent
  • Study Location
  • Auckland
  • Delivery
  • Block Courses + Online Distance Learning
  • Start Dates
  • February / July
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • 2 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.
    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.

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

Additional Information

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.

Graduate Outcomes
  • 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.