Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)

• Overview
• Subjects
• Programme Requirements
• Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)

If you intend to study for the Bachelor of Theology via distance, please apply for the BTheol Dunedin Campus option (even though you intend to study via distance).

Overview

The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) requires three years of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study. The degree can also be completed via Distance Learning. Students are required to take papers in various Theology subjects areas and are also able to include up to five papers from outside Theology in their degree programme.

The degree does not have provision for major or minor subjects, but may be endorsed in Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, or Pastoral Studies.

Students are taught by research-active scholars, are expected to undertake a variety of learning experiences and are challenged to develop their intellectual independence. Graduates of the programme are well-informed about the key themes of and approaches to the different areas of study which are encompassed by the subject areas of Theology and have the ability to integrate learning across the range of subject areas of Theology.

An endorsed BTheol degree is an entry qualification for the BTheol(Hons) or PGDipTheol programme in the subject of endorsement.

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Students enrolled in or before 2014

Students enrolled for a BTheol programme in or before 2014 will normally complete their programmes under the regulations in force in 2014. Some variations may be possible or necessary.

For further information contact:
Theology Programme
Rev. Professor Christopher Holmes, Head of Programme
Email theology@otago.ac.nz
Website Theology Programme

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Subjects

The BTheol may be completed without endorsement, or may be endorsed in one of the following areas of specialisation.

• Biblical Studies
• Christian Thought and History
• Pastoral Studies

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Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)

1. Structure of the Programme

   Every programme of study for the degree

   1. shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points,
   2. shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level,
   3. shall include the papers specified as Core Paper requirements in the table above.
   4. may be completed without endorsement or may be endorsed in an area of specialisation listed as an Optional Endorsement in the table above.
   5. may include an optional minor subject (in a discipline or subject other than Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, or Pastoral Studies) that satisfies the Minor Subject requirements listed in the Arts and Music Schedule A or Commerce Schedule A or Science Schedule A or Applied Science Schedule A or BHealSc Schedule Part 2. Alternatively, a programme may include any papers worth up to a total of 90 points that are not listed in Theology Schedule C.
   6. 1. A candidate who has completed the requirements for an approved diploma in a theological discipline requiring the equivalent of at least one year of full-time study may be allowed credit for papers worth up to 108 points on the basis of passes for the diploma.
      2. A candidate who has completed the requirements for an approved certificate in a theological discipline requiring the equivalent of at least one semester of full-time study may be allowed credit for papers worth up to 54 points on the basis of passes for the certificate.

2. Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions

   Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).

3. Variations

   The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.