Study Biblical Studies at Otago
Study Jewish and Christian scriptures.
Biblical Studies looks in detail at the biblical writings in their ancient contexts and considers how they should be interpreted.
Biblical Studies papers are divided between Old Testament (Tanakh or Hebrew Bible) and New Testament.
You can also study the biblical languages (Classical Hebrew and New Testament Greek) to an advanced level.
Ready to enrol?
Choose a qualification
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Dunedin, 2024
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Dunedin, 2024
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Dunedin, 2024
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Dunedin, 2024
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)), Dunedin, 2024
Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons)), Dunedin, 2024
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), Dunedin, 2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts), Dunedin, 2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol), Dunedin, 2024
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Requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Biblical Studies
Level Papers Points
100-level
BIBS 112 Interpreting the Old Testament
18
BIBS 121 Interpreting the New Testament
18
200-level
Three 200-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 200-level CHTH paper
54
300-level
Four 300-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 300-level CHTH paper
72
Plus
198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts
198
Total 360
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)) in Biblical Studies
Papers BIBS 490 Dissertation
Three further 400-level BIBS papers
One 400-level CHTH, MINS, PAST or RELS paper may be substituted for one 400-level BIBS paper. Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Biblical Studies
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Biblical Studies is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) endorsed in Biblical Studies
Papers A programme may be endorsed in Biblical Studies if it includes a total of eight BIBS papers, including three at 300-level.
Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons)) in Biblical Studies
Papers One 400-level CHTH, MINS, PAST or RELS paper may be substituted for one 400-level BIBS paper. Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) in Biblical Studies
Papers Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
Note: Some variations may be possible. For further details consult the University of Otago Calendar or the Head of the Theology Programme.
Biblical Studies as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).
BIBS papers
Paper Code
Year
Title
Points
Teaching period
BIBS112
2024
Interpreting the Old Testament
18
Semester 1
BIBS121
2024
Interpreting the New Testament
18
Semester 1
BIBS131
2024
Introductory New Testament Greek Language 1
18
Semester 1
BIBS132
2024
Introductory New Testament Greek Language 2
18
Semester 2
BIBS211
2024
God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets
18
Semester 2
BIBS213
2024
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2
18
Full Year
BIBS215
2024
Special Topic: The Bible in Religious Education
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS218
2024
Judaism in the Time of Jesus
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS221
2024
The Gospels
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS223
2024
Greek New Testament Exegesis 2
18
Full Year
BIBS224
2024
Special Topic: The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS225
2024
Special Topic: Approaches to Hermeneutics
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS226
2024
Jesus in the New Testament
18
Semester 2
BIBS227
2024
Mātauranga Māori and the Bible
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS311
2024
God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets (Advanced)
18
Semester 2
BIBS313
2024
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3
18
Full Year
BIBS315
2024
Special Topic: Israel's Return from Exile
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS317
2024
God, Suffering and Justice
18
Semester 1
BIBS318
2024
Judaism in the Time of Jesus (Advanced)
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS321
2024
The Gospels (Advanced)
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS322
2024
The New Testament Epistles
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS323
2024
Greek New Testament Exegesis 3
18
Full Year
BIBS324
2024
Special Topic: The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS325
2024
Special Topic: Approaches to Hermeneutics
18
Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS326
2024
Jesus in the New Testament (Advanced)
18
Semester 2
BIBS327
2024
Mātauranga Māori and the Bible (Advanced)
18
Not offered in 2024
BIBS411
2024
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis (Advanced)
20
Full Year
BIBS412
2024
Special Topic: Israels Return from Exile (Advanced)
20
Not offered in 2024
BIBS413
2024
God, Suffering and Justice (Advanced)
20
Semester 1
BIBS421
2024
Greek New Testament Exegesis (Advanced)
20
Full Year
BIBS423
2024
Special Topic: The New Testament Epistles
20
Not offered in 2024
BIBS490
2024
Dissertation
60
1st Non standard period
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
More information
Contact us
Theology Programme School of Arts Email theology@otago.ac.nz Web otago.ac.nz/theology
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.