Career opportunities
When you study Biblical Studies, you’re developing strong analytical, research and language skills – those skills translate into many careers. You’ll be prepared for work that calls for clarity of thought, cultural insight and ethical reflection.
Careers might include:
- Church or faith-community ministry, youth work or chaplaincy
- Education, teaching or tertiary support roles
- Writing, publishing, media or communication work
- Roles in heritage, archives or cultural organisations
- Further postgraduate study and specialist research
Theology with purpose and passion
Discover Otago’s dynamic and diverse Theology programme – where deep exploration meets real-world impact. Join a community committed to faith, scholarship, and transformation in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and beyond.
Read transcript
Ko mātai whakapono Kraitiana tātau ti Ōtākou. We are Theology at Otago. And we provide the only university-based theological programme in Aotearoa, NZ. Our unique offering sets the gold standard for theological education in this part of the world.
We are a diverse team of theologians, each committed to helping our students contribute to the good of the world. And the church. We welcome a diverse cohort of students, from school leavers to retirees. Our students are Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā, Asian and African.
We are not a stay-dusty institution, reluctant to try new approaches, open new doors, or take up new opportunities. Rather, there is an entrepreneurial spirit at play here. We take every opportunity to encourage students. To take theology as a worthy component of their degree. To help them draw on well-informed theological perspectives. To see them grow and flourish. Kia puāwai te tangata. And as a result, see them contribute to the good of Aotearoa, New Zealand society. And the church.
Simply put, we are committed to being an effective Christian witness in our contemporary world. And we see teaching and scholarship as ministry. To this end, we’ve developed a substantial and growing reach. We’ve 14 current degree and diploma programmes. And the comprehensive research faculty, catering for students across the country and throughout the Pacific.
We’ve also developed strong working partnerships outside of our immediate circle and increased interest and capacity in Māori theology and bicultural education. We are an accomplished academic programme. But we’re not a source of easy academic answers. No, we’re not.
We are here to help in-depth exploration of scripture and the real world. So we’re comfortable with complexities. We are ecumenical. We are missional. We are categorically God-centred.
Come, journey with us. Journey with us. Nau mai, haere mai. Come, journey with us.
How you will learn
You’ll study both the Old Testament (Tanakh or Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament, developing skills to interpret and appreciate these texts with fresh understanding.
On-campus students take part in interactive lectures with opportunities for discussion, while distance students can join live via Zoom or watch recordings at their convenience. Some distance papers also offer optional in-person teaching days in Wellington, with full online access for those unable to attend.
In advanced papers, small tutorials provide space to explore key ideas in more depth and strengthen your understanding.
Assessment includes a mix of written assignments, in-class tests, and final exams.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
Anyone can study Biblical Studies at Otago. All you need is a curious mind, enjoy reading, thinking critically, writing clearly and engaging with different cultures or worldviews.
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.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Arts along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Commerce, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Biblical Studies
Explore postgraduate study in Biblical Studies at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in ...
Since studying at Otago, I have gone on to do my PhD at the University of Cambridge, and have recently taken up a research fellowship at Radboud University in The Netherlands. As I continue to research and teach on the New Testament, I hope to model the kind of collegiality, curiosity, and integrity that I first encountered as an undergrad in Otago’s Theology programme.
Nick List
Master of Arts (Linguistics), Bachelor of Theology with Honours (Biblical Studies)
Study Biblical texts through language, history, and culture – and see how they continue to inspire thought and conversation today
The Theology programme offers a full range of Biblical Studies papers, including Biblical Languages in Hebrew and New Testament Greek. Our flexible distance learning options mean you can study a paper from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand or around the world.
Whether you’re deepening your understanding of the Bible or exploring how ancient texts continue to shape faith and society, you can tailor your study through a range of Biblical Studies papers that complement your interests and goals.
Our teaching staff are all actively engaged in biblical research – bringing fresh perspectives and deep insights into their teaching of Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIBS 112 Interpreting the Old Testament | 18 |
| BIBS 121 Interpreting the New Testament | 18 | |
| 200-level | Three 200-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 200-level CHTH paper | 54 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 300-level CHTH paper | 72 |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
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 Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | Two 100-level BIBS or HEBR papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level BIBS papers | 36 |
| 300-level | One 300-level BIBS paper | 18 |
| May include either RELS 211 The Dead Sea Scrolls or RELS 311 The Dead Sea Scrolls (Advanced) | ||
| Total | 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.
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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