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.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
- Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Biblical Studies
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIBS 112 Interpreting the Old Testament BIBS 121 Interpreting the New Testament | 18 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 |
|---|
|
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 |
|---|
Every BTheol programme must include the following core 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. |
Minor subject requirements
Biblical Studies as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BSc, BAppSc, 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 Applied Science (BAppSc), 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
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | Two 100-level BIBS or HEBR papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level BIBS papers | 36 |
| 300-level | One 300-level BIBS paper | 18 |
May include either RELS 211 The Dead Sea Scrolls or RELS 311 The Dead Sea Scrolls (Advanced) | ||
| Total | 90 |
Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).
Papers
Key information for future students
Contact us
Theology Programme
School of Arts
Email theology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/theology
