Journey through Christian Thought and History to understand the forces that have shaped modern spirituality and culture.
Why study postgraduate Christian Thought and History?
Engage with some of the most profound questions about belief, culture, and human experience as you study Christian Thought and History. This subject explores the development of Christian ideas and their impact, from ancient times to the present day. You’ll uncover how theology, philosophy, and historical events have intertwined to shape societies across the world.
You will engage with complex theological ideas, explore how Christianity has shaped cultures and societies, and examine its continuing influence in the modern world. This pathway is ideal for those who want to extend their studies, contribute original insight to questions of ethics and identity, and take part in informed conversations that shape communities and beliefs.
Career opportunities
Studying Christian Thought and History opens doors to a range of career paths where critical analysis and cultural understanding are valued. Possible career paths include:
- Academic researcher or lecturer
- Heritage and museum professional
- Community or faith-based organisation leader
- Writer, editor, or communications specialist
- Public policy advisor focusing on cultural or ethical issues
What it’s like to study at this level
At Otago, studying Christian Thought and History means engaging with original texts, historical documents, and current scholarship in lively discussions and collaborative projects. You will be encouraged to think deeply and express your ideas clearly, working alongside passionate staff and peers.
Our courses blend traditional scholarship with opportunities to connect your learning to practical issues, including ethics, cultural identity, and social change. This reflective, immersive approach will challenge and inspire you throughout your studies.
This is for you if ...
A background in humanities or social sciences, particularly history, theology, philosophy, or religious studies, will help you succeed in this subject. An interest in exploring complex ideas and historical contexts is also valuable.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Christian Thought and History as an undergraduate at Otago.
Explore Christianity’s past to shape tomorrow
Learn from leading experts in theology and history who are dedicated to research and teaching that make a difference. Our rich resources include extensive libraries and access to unique archives that support deep exploration of Christian traditions.
Whether you aim to contribute to scholarship, education, or community leadership, Otago’s Christian Thought and History programme offers the foundation and inspiration you need.
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Christian Thought and History is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
CHTH papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHTH102 | 2026 | The History of Christianity | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH111 | 2026 | Doing Theology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH131 | 2026 | God and Ethics in the Modern World | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH207 | 2026 | History of Christianity in the Pacific | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH212 | 2026 | Spirit, Church and Sacraments | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH213 | 2026 | The Trinity | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH217 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026) |
| CHTH218 | 2026 | The Person and Work of Christ | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH224 | 2026 | Theology and the Environment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH231 | 2026 | Christianity, War and Violence | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH233 | 2026 | Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH235 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH236 | 2026 | Māori Theology and Religion | 18 points | Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026) |
| CHTH237 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH305 | 2026 | The Roots of Public Theology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH307 | 2026 | History of Christianity in the Pacific (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH312 | 2026 | Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH313 | 2026 | The Trinity (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH314 | 2026 | The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH317 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026) |
| CHTH318 | 2026 | The Person and Work of Christ (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH319 | 2026 | Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH320 | 2026 | Public Theology and Social Justice | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH322 | 2026 | Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH323 | 2026 | Theology and Human Well-being | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH324 | 2026 | Theology and the Environment (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH331 | 2026 | Christianity, War and Violence (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH333 | 2026 | Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH335 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH336 | 2026 | Māori Theology and Religion (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026) |
| CHTH337 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH338 | 2026 | Theology, Money and Markets | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH403 | 2026 | The Puritans: Working out the English Reformation | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH405 | 2026 | The Roots of Public Theology | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH414 | 2026 | The Theology of Søren Kierkegaard (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH415 | 2026 | Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH416 | 2026 | The Theology of Bonhoeffer | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH420 | 2026 | Public Theology and Social Justice (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH423 | 2026 | Theology and Human Well-being (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| CHTH424 | 2026 | Theology, Money and Markets (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH490 | 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), 3rd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027) |
Contacts
Email theology@otago.ac.nz
Website 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.
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