Course Details for Graduate Diploma of Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 1, 2025
Orientation: 17 - 21 February
Semester begins: 17 February
Theology Intensives week: 17 - 21 March
Mid semester break: 14 - 25 April
Theology Intensives week: 19 - 23 May
Semester ends: 19 June
106.515 Hebrew 1
This course explores an introductory study of biblical Hebrew, including basic vocabulary and key points of grammar. Note for 2025: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.
108.515 Greek 1
This course is an introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis. Note for 2025: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Henderson Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.
111.615/715 Interpreting the Bible
This course is an introduction to biblical interpretation, grammatico-historical exegesis, biblical genres, historical developments, historical-critical and literary-critical methods, and hermeneutical considerations, including hands-on experience in exegeting biblical texts.
115.515 Reading the Bible
This course aims to introduce the broad shape of the biblical story and show how the Christian gospel is integral to biblical theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of the Bible to make sense of the relationships between the Bible, theology, and all of life.
122.615/715 Pentateuch
This course engages students in detailed exegesis of the English [or the Hebrew] text of selected parts of the Pentateuch, as well as studies in the theology of the Pentateuch with particular focus on the book of Deuteronomy.
140.515 Reading the New Testament
This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of New Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.
143.615/715 Gospels 2 (John)
This course explores exegetical and theological study of texts from the Gospel of John. This course is an opportunity for the student to engage with the text and theology of one of these remarkable texts and reflect on the implications for Christian discipleship in today’s world.
202.615/715 Christology
This course examines traditional and contemporary theologies of the person and work of Christ, theology of revelation and Scripture.
219.615/715 Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence
This course explores how we can genuinely know and authentically live out the truth contained within the Biblical narrative. Recognising that all truth is indwelled truth leads to a posture of “proper confidence” in the gospel. This “proper confidence” is contrasted with alternative constructions of truth and meaning common in contemporary New Zealand society and beyond. The course provides and encourages the development of new examples and practical outworking’s of an indwelled gospel truth which is directly applicable to the student’s everyday experience.
351.715 Research Topic 1: Christian Thought and History
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: Bible, Theology, or History. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
352.715 Research Topic 2: Practical Theology
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, practical theology, or missiology. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
406.615/715 Models of Spirituality
This course explores a variety of significant traditions within Christian spirituality, including their biblical and historical origins, and considers their contribution to spiritual life in the contemporary world.
478.615 Practicum I
This course aims to build ministry awareness, leadership resilience, and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
479.715 Practicum II
This course aims to build ministry critical awareness, leadership resilience and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
480.615/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice
This course explores the dispositions and practices that are required to form life-long reflective practitioners. Students are introduced to a range of models of theological reflection and will evaluate and apply these within their context. Key theological themes and practices underlying ethical behaviour are explored and students will develop a contextualised code of conduct. Students are prompted to develop self- and other- awareness, and build resilience to the experience of receiving and processing feedback from others.
500.515 Connecting with Youth & Young Adults
This course introduces students to biblical and theological foundations for youth ministry, including effective and sustainable youth ministry, engagement with theory and practical approaches, and responses to the pastoral needs of young people.
505.515 Christian Leadership & Mission
This course aims to explore and evaluate a range of mission, church, and community-based programmes and applies faith-based principles in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Learners will reflect on how personal and communal expressions of faith can enhance the wellbeing of others in a range of social and cultural contexts.
603.615/715 Cultural Anthropology
This course offers an introduction to cultural anthropology as an aid to mission and ministry in multi-cultural contexts. The course focuses on the use of anthropological tools and concepts as a means of understanding one’s own culture and being able to engage effectively with people in other cultural settings.
653.715 Tikanga Rangahau
Working closely with the course co-ordinator this course offers the opportunity for in depth individual research on a particular aspect of Māori theology studied in the indigenous courses. The aim is to identify and become familiar with resources on the chosen topic, to strengthen knowledge base, and to comment and critique on findings.
907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawenata
People of all cultures draw their own self-knowledge from their engagement with other people and the world. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context this means an honouring of the covenantal spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and an awareness of its relational intent. This course introduces Tikanga Maori on the basis of understanding people in their contexts, and combines theological, theoretical and historical reflection with the development of practices drawn from an integration of these. The course includes regular oral activities aimed at developing fluency in the use of te reo and tikanga in a range of settings. The culmination of this oral learning is participation in the Noho Marae, where an overnight stay on a marae provides an integrated opportunity to engage with Maori culture beyond the classroom.
Distance students may attend classes in person or on zoom. See the Theology timetable for details
This timetable is correct at the time of publication; however the College reserves the right to cancel courses, or alter lecture times should circumstances arise. Up to date information is available at any time by contacting the College.