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    Theology for the whole of life – explore how Christian faith, traditions and ethics shape our world.

    Why study Theology?

    Studying Theology is about more than Christian doctrine - it’s your chance to explore life’s biggest questions:

    • What can we say about God?
    • Who is Jesus?
    • What does it mean to be human?

    At Otago, we invite you to explore faith, identity, meaning, and the way we live together in a diverse world.

    Theology opens up rich fields of study – biblical studies, Christian thought and history, pastoral practice, and public ethics. Whether you’re drawn to ministry, social service, education, or simply exploring your own faith, Theology at Otago offers both depth and direction.

    It’s exciting. It’s rigorous. It’s relevant – to Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world.

    And here’s the bonus: you don’t need a faith background – just a curious mind and a willingness to ask good questions.

    Career opportunities

    Our Theology programme equips you not just for one path, but many. You’ll graduate with transferable skills and insight into people, culture and value systems. Here are some of the career directions our students have taken:

    • Christian ministry, chaplaincy or community leadership
    • Social work or community development
    • Education or teaching
    • Journalism, media or communications
    • Public service, policy or advocacy

    How you will learn

    At Otago you’ll learn by doing, discussing and discovering, whether on campus or through our flexible and connected distance learning programme. From classroom lectures to group seminars, field-based study to video-linked distance learning, your Theology experience will feel dynamic and supportive. You’ll work closely with our staff (many of them active researchers) and with fellow students from many backgrounds. You might examine biblical texts in original languages, engage in practical theological reflection, explore ministry in a real-world context or join short intensive courses of study across Aotearoa. You’ll be encouraged to ask “why” and “what now” and to bring theory and life together.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    A curiosity about life, belief, human experience, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives is all you need. Skills or interest in writing, critical thinking, languages or cultural studies will help you thrive.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Explore faith and meaning through dialogue, discovery, and real-world reflection

    At Otago you will join Aotearoa New Zealand’s only university-based theology programme, taught by research-active scholars whose work contributes to international conversations.

    We offer both campus and distance learning, allowing students from across New Zealand and overseas to participate fully. With small classes and regular research seminars, we provide a highly supportive and intellectually exciting environment for our students. Theology at Otago is easy to access and flexible to fit around your life. You can take individual papers while exploring your faith, working in your community, or studying another degree.

    You will benefit from Otago’s reputation for excellence, our strengths in biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek offered at all levels, including by distance) and our commitment to exploring theological voices from Māori, Pacific, and global contexts.

    Join us at Otago to deepen your thinking, broaden your perspective, and contribute to positive impact in Aotearoa and beyond.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    Papers

    Every BTheol programme must include the following core papers:

    BIBS 112 Interpreting the Old Testament

    BIBS 121 Interpreting the New Testament

    CHTH 102 The History of Christianity

    CHTH 111 Doing Theology

    CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World

    At least one of BIBS 211/BIBS 311or BIBS 213/BIBS 313or BIBS 218/BIBS 318 (Old Testament)
    At least one of BIBS 221/BIBS 321or BIBS 223/BIBS 323or BIBS 226/BIBS 326 (New Testament)
    At least one of BIBS 227/BIBS 327 or CHTH 236/CHTH 336 or PAST 323 (Māori Theology)
    At least one of CHTH 212/CHTH 312 or CHTH 213/CHTH 313 or CHTH 218/CHTH 318 (Christian Thought & History)
    At least one of CHTH 233/CHTH 333 or CHTH 237/CHTH 337 (Theology & Public Issues and Pacific Theology)
    At least one PAST paper

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    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 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 Arts and Science (BComSc) degree

    PapersPoints

    Five BIBS, CHTH or HEBR papers, at least three of which must be above 100-level, including at least one above 200-level.

    90

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

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    PAST papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    PAST216 2026 Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care 18 points Semester 1
    PAST219 2026 Christian Witness in a Secular World 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST225 2026 Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST307 2026 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST311 2026 Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST314 2026 Cultures, Migration and Faith 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST316 2026 Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care (Advanced) 18 points Semester 1
    PAST318 2026 Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss 18 points Semester 2
    PAST319 2026 Christian Witness in a Secular World 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST320 2026 Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST321 2026 Missional God, Missional People 18 points Semester 2
    PAST322 2026 Christian Theology and the Arts 18 points Semester 2 (6 July 2026 - 7 November 2026)
    PAST323 2026 Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) 18 points 1st Non standard period (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026)
    PAST324 2026 The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader 18 points Semester 1
    PAST325 2026 Special Topic: Pastoral Theology: Moana-Pacific Perspectives (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PAST326 2026 Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives 18 points Semester 1
    PAST490 2026 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 Special Topic 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS406 2026 Theological Perspectives on Leadership 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS407 2026 Preaching and Communication in a Contemporary Context 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS408 2026 Cultures, Migration and Faith 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS410 2026 Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss 20 points Semester 2
    MINS411 2026 Chaplaincy in Diverse Contexts 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS412 2026 Church in Mission: Theology in Changing Cultures (Advanced) 20 points Not offered in 2026
    MINS413 2026 Missional God, Missional People (Advanced) 20 points Semester 2
    MINS414 2026 Christian Theology and the Arts (Advanced) 20 points Semester 2 (6 July 2026 - 7 November 2026)
    MINS415 2026 Christian ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World) (Advanced) 20 points 1st Non standard period (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026)
    MINS416 2026 Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives 20 points Semester 1
    MINS424 2026 The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader (Advanced) 20 points Semester 1
    MINS590 2026 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)
    MINS592 2026 Research Project 15 points Semester 1, Semester 2

    HEBR papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    HEBR131 2026 Introductory Biblical Hebrew 1 18 points Semester 1
    HEBR132 2026 Introductory Biblical Hebrew 2 18 points Semester 2

    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)

    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)

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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