Postgraduate Study in Pastoral Studies
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.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Pastoral 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, Master’s, 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
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.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PAST papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAST216 | 2025 | Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST219 | 2025 | Christian Witness in a Secular World | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PAST225 | 2025 | Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PAST307 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (27 January 2025 - 18 June 2025) |
| PAST311 | 2025 | Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST314 | 2025 | Cultures, Migration and Faith | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PAST316 | 2025 | Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST318 | 2025 | Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST319 | 2025 | Christian Witness in a Secular World | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PAST320 | 2025 | Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST321 | 2025 | Missional God, Missional People | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST322 | 2025 | Christian Theology and the Arts | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PAST323 | 2025 | Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PAST324 | 2025 | The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| PAST325 | 2025 | Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PAST490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026), 3rd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026) |
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 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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