Build your theological skills and shape your path in research, ministry or leadership.
Why study postgraduate Theology?
Postgraduate Theology is for those with a strong foundation in the discipline who wish to deepen their expertise through advanced, research-led study. You will engage closely with biblical studies, Christian thought and history, and contemporary theological questions that shape communities and public life.
Through focused research and critical analysis, you will strengthen your ability to construct and challenge complex arguments, preparing you for doctoral study, ministry, leadership, education and other roles requiring theological and ethical insight.
Career opportunities
A postgraduate qualification in Theology opens pathways into careers that require ethical leadership, formation and the ability to guide others through complex moral and spiritual challenges. Graduates move into roles that draw on advanced theological knowledge, pastoral insight and a deep understanding of belief, culture and human experience. Career opportunities include:
- Academic research or teaching
- Chaplaincy in hospitals, schools, prisons or universities
- Ministry leadership in churches and faith communities
- Leadership roles in non-profit or faith-based organisations
- Writing, communication or public engagement on ethical or religious issues
What it’s like to study at this level
Postgraduate Theology at Otago combines scholarly study with active engagement in ideas and community. You’ll take part in research seminars that bring students, staff and visiting scholars together.
You can study in Dunedin or by distance, and you will work closely with supervisors who guide your research and writing. Learning happens through taught papers, independent research, conference participation and opportunities for reflective practice.
This is for you if ...
A degree in Theology, or a BA in Christian Thought and History, with strong reading, writing and research skills is preferred. Prior experience with other forms of theological study or ministry can also support your success in these programmes.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Theology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Engage with life’s deepest questions
Are you ready to take your discipline further and make a meaningful contribution to theological thought, practice and leadership? You will join an intellectually rigorous, supportive community where advanced study, original research and critical dialogue shape your next stage of development.
Working closely with expert scholars, you will deepen your expertise, expand your influence and prepare for impactful roles in ministry, research, education and leadership, in Aotearoa and beyond.
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
Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy (PGCertChap)
A distance-taught, coursework programme, consisting of three papers, that is normally completed with part-time study (one year)
Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy (PGDipChap)
A mostly distance-taught, coursework programme that can be completed with full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-years) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Faith-based Leadership and Management (PGDipFBLM)
A one-year part-time programme designed to enhance graduates’ leadership and management in faith-based organisations, available through distance learning
Postgraduate Diploma in Ministry (PGDipMin)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) diploma designed to enhance a graduate's professional practice in a range of Christian ministries
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
Master of Chaplaincy (MChap)
A distance-taught advanced professional qualification for practising and aspiring chaplains, usually studied part-time.
Master of Faith-based Leadership and Management (MFBLM)
An 18-month part-time programme combining coursework in theology and business administration, including a research dissertation. Can be completed by distance.
Master of Ministry (MMin)
A postgraduate degree, available via distance study, designed for ministers, priests, and pastors, and which consists of both coursework and a research project
Master of Theology (MTheol)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) degree that consists of a comprehensive research component culminating in a thesis
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 |
|---|
Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study) |
| Papers |
|---|
|
| Papers |
|---|
|
| 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 |
|---|
|
| Papers |
|---|
|
| Thesis |
|---|
Note: Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA(Hons)) in Theology or a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) in Theology must complete the required papers for the BA(Hons) in Theology prior to undertaking the thesis. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PAST papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAST216 | 2026, 2027 | Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST219 | 2026, 2027 | Christian Witness in a Secular World | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| PAST225 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST307 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, 1st Non standard period (1 February 2027 - 23 June 2027) |
| PAST311 | 2026, 2027 | Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST314 | 2026, 2027 | Cultures, Migration and Faith | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| PAST316 | 2026, 2027 | Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST318 | 2026, 2027 | Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST319 | 2026, 2027 | Christian Witness in a Secular World | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| PAST320 | 2026, 2027 | Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST321 | 2026, 2027 | Missional God, Missional People | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST322 | 2026, 2027 | Christian Theology and the Arts | 18 points | Semester 2 (6 July 2026 - 7 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (28 June 2027 - 13 November 2027) |
| PAST323 | 2026, 2027 | Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026), Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST324 | 2026, 2027 | The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| PAST325 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST326 | 2026, 2027 | Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| PAST490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027), 3rd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027) |
MINS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINS405 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, 1st Non standard period (1 February 2027 - 23 June 2027) |
| MINS406 | 2026, 2027 | Theological Perspectives on Leadership | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS407 | 2026, 2027 | Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS408 | 2026, 2027 | Cultures, Migration and Faith | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| MINS410 | 2026, 2027 | Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss | 20 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS411 | 2026, 2027 | Chaplaincy in Diverse Contexts | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| MINS412 | 2026, 2027 | Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS413 | 2026, 2027 | Missional God, Missional People (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS414 | 2026, 2027 | Christian Theology and the Arts (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2 (6 July 2026 - 7 November 2026), 1st Non standard period (28 June 2027 - 13 November 2027) |
| MINS415 | 2026, 2027 | Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) (Advanced) | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026), Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS416 | 2026, 2027 | Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives | 20 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| MINS424 | 2026, 2027 | The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| MINS590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Project | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July 2027), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July |
| MINS592 | 2026, 2027 | Research Project | 15 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
HEBR papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEBR131 | 2026, 2027 | Introductory Biblical Hebrew 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| HEBR132 | 2026, 2027 | Introductory Biblical Hebrew 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
CHTH papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHTH102 | 2026, 2027 | The History of Christianity | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH111 | 2026, 2027 | Doing Theology | 18 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| CHTH131 | 2026, 2027 | God and Ethics in the Modern World | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH207 | 2026, 2027 | History of Christianity in the Pacific | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH212 | 2026, 2027 | Spirit, Church and Sacraments | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH213 | 2026, 2027 | The Trinity | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH217 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026), Semester 1 |
| CHTH218 | 2026, 2027 | The Person and Work of Christ | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH224 | 2026, 2027 | Theology and the Environment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH231 | 2026, 2027 | Christianity, War and Violence | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, 1st Non standard period (15 November 2027 - 18 December 2027) |
| CHTH233 | 2026, 2027 | Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| CHTH235 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH236 | 2026, 2027 | Māori Theology and Religion | 18 points | Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026), 2nd Non standard period (5 July 2027 - 13 November 2027) |
| CHTH237 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH239 | 2027 | Food, Creation and Community | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH305 | 2026, 2027 | The Roots of Public Theology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH307 | 2026, 2027 | History of Christianity in the Pacific (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH312 | 2026, 2027 | Spirit, Church and Sacraments (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH313 | 2026, 2027 | The Trinity (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH317 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 11 December 2026), Semester 1 |
| CHTH318 | 2026, 2027 | The Person and Work of Christ (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH319 | 2026, 2027 | Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH320 | 2026, 2027 | Public Theology and Social Justice | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| CHTH322 | 2026, 2027 | Citizenship, Democracy and Discipleship | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH323 | 2026, 2027 | Theology and Human Well-being | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH324 | 2026, 2027 | Theology and the Environment (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHTH331 | 2026, 2027 | Christianity, War and Violence (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, 1st Non standard period (15 November 2027 - 18 December 2027) |
| CHTH333 | 2026, 2027 | Public Theology: Faith in the Public Square (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| CHTH335 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH336 | 2026, 2027 | Māori Theology and Religion (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2 (29 June 2026 - 7 November 2026), 2nd Non standard period (5 July 2027 - 13 November 2027) |
| CHTH337 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH338 | 2026, 2027 | Theology, Money and Markets | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH339 | 2027 | Food, Creation and Community (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHTH403 | 2026, 2027 | The Puritans: Working out the English Reformation | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH405 | 2026, 2027 | The Roots of Public Theology | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| CHTH415 | 2026, 2027 | Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH416 | 2026, 2027 | The Theology of Bonhoeffer | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH420 | 2026, 2027 | Public Theology and Social Justice (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH423 | 2026, 2027 | Theology and Human Well-being (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH424 | 2026, 2027 | Theology, Money and Markets (Advanced) | 20 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| CHTH490 | 2026, 2027 | 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 |
BIBS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIBS112 | 2026, 2027 | Interpreting the Old Testament | 18 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| BIBS121 | 2026, 2027 | Interpreting the New Testament | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| BIBS131 | 2026, 2027 | Introductory New Testament Greek Language 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BIBS132 | 2026, 2027 | Introductory New Testament Greek Language 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BIBS211 | 2026, 2027 | God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS213 | 2026, 2027 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS215 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS218 | 2026, 2027 | Judaism in the Time of Jesus | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS221 | 2026, 2027 | The Gospels | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| BIBS223 | 2026, 2027 | Greek New Testament Exegesis 2 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS224 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS226 | 2026, 2027 | Jesus in the New Testament | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS227 | 2026, 2027 | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| BIBS311 | 2026, 2027 | God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS313 | 2026, 2027 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS315 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS317 | 2026, 2027 | God, Suffering and Justice | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| BIBS318 | 2026, 2027 | Judaism in the Time of Jesus (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS321 | 2026, 2027 | The Gospels (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| BIBS322 | 2026, 2027 | The New Testament Epistles | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| BIBS323 | 2026, 2027 | Greek New Testament Exegesis 3 | 18 points | Full Year |
| BIBS324 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (26 January 2026 - 17 June 2026), Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS326 | 2026, 2027 | Jesus in the New Testament (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| BIBS327 | 2026, 2027 | Mātauranga Māori and the Bible (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| BIBS411 | 2026, 2027 | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis (Advanced) | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIBS412 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| BIBS413 | 2026, 2027 | God, Suffering and Justice (Advanced) | 20 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| BIBS421 | 2026, 2027 | Greek New Testament Exegesis (Advanced) | 20 points | Full Year |
| BIBS423 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (26 January 2026 - 17 June 2026), Semester 1 |
| BIBS490 | 2026, 2027 | 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), 2nd Non standard period (10 July 2026 - 2 July |
Contacts
For general queries, please contact theology@otago.ac.nz
For queries about studying Theology on campus or by Distance Learning, please contact The Revd Associate Professor James Harding.
For further information, see our home page at 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