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Study Pastoral Studies at Otago

Pastoral Theology is particularly designed for students entering some form of church ministry.

Papers in Pastoral Theology offer a multidisciplinary study of church life, offering students the opportunity to reflect on the practice of Christian ministry.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

Programme requirements

Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) endorsed in Pastoral Studies

Papers

A programme may be endorsed in Pastoral Studies if it includes a total of eight Pastoral Studies papers, including three at 300-level (for the purposes of this endorsement, BIBS 121, CHTH 102, and CHTH 131 may be counted as Pastoral Studies papers in addition to PAST papers).

Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons)) in Pastoral Studies

Papers

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) in Pastoral Studies

Papers
  • PAST 490  Dissertation

  • Three further 400-level PAST or MINS papers

    One 400-level BIBS, CHTH or RELS paper may be substituted for one 400-level PAST or MINS paper.

    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

Pastoral 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 CHTH papers 36
200-level Two 200-level PAST papers 36
300-level One 300-level PAST paper 18
Total   90

Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).

Papers

Paper code Year Title Points Teaching period
PAST216 2023 Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care 18 points Not offered in 2023
PAST219 2023 Christian Witness in a Secular World 18 points Semester 2
PAST307 2023 Special Topic: A Practical Theology of Mental Health 18 points Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
PAST311 2023 Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context 18 points Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
PAST314 2023 Cultures, Migration and Faith 18 points Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
PAST316 2023 Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2023
PAST318 2023 Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss 18 points Not offered in 2023
PAST319 2023 Christian Witness in a Secular World 18 points Semester 2
PAST320 2023 Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures 18 points Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
PAST321 2023 Missional God, Missional People 18 points Semester 1
PAST322 2023 Christian Theology and the Arts 18 points 1st Non standard period
PAST323 2023 Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) 18 points Summer School
PAST324 2023 The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader 18 points Not offered in 2023
PAST490 2023 Dissertation 60 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period

Key information for future students

Contact us

Email theology@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/theology