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.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Biblical Studies as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons))
A one-year (full time), restricted-entry postgraduate programme that can be completed in Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, or Pastoral Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
A two-semester programme of structured coursework, and in some cases supervised research, extending the knowledge and skills gained from the bachelor’s degree
Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) diploma with coursework and research, in either Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History or Pastoral Studies
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
| BIBS 490 Dissertation |
| Three further 400-level BIBS papers |
| One 400-level CHTH, MINS, or PAST 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) |
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)).
| Papers |
|---|
Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study) |
| 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. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
BIBS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIBS112 | 2026 | Interpreting the Old Testament | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIBS121 | 2026 | Interpreting the New Testament | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIBS131 | 2026 | Introductory New Testament Greek Language 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIBS132 | 2026 | Introductory New Testament Greek Language 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIBS211 | 2026 | God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIBS213 | 2026 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS215 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS218 | 2026 | Judaism in the Time of Jesus | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS221 | 2026 | The Gospels | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS223 | 2026 | Greek New Testament Exegesis 2 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS224 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS226 | 2026 | Jesus in the New Testament | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIBS227 | 2026 | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS311 | 2026 | God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIBS313 | 2026 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS315 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS317 | 2026 | God, Suffering and Justice | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS318 | 2026 | Judaism in the Time of Jesus (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS321 | 2026 | The Gospels (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS322 | 2026 | The New Testament Epistles | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS323 | 2026 | Greek New Testament Exegesis 3 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS324 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (26 January 2026 - 17 June 2026) |
| BIBS326 | 2026 | Jesus in the New Testament (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIBS327 | 2026 | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS411 | 2026 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis (Advanced) | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIBS412 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS413 | 2026 | God, Suffering and Justice (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BIBS421 | 2026 | Greek New Testament Exegesis (Advanced) | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIBS423 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (26 January 2026 - 17 June 2026) |
| BIBS490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027) |
Contacts
Theology Programme
School of Arts
Email theology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/theology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research