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
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
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.
Diploma in Theology (DipTheol)
A one-year programme providing specialised knowledge and skills in theology, offering a solid foundation for career advancement or further study
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
A three-year degree that may be endorsed in Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, or Pastoral Studies
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 Theology
Explore postgraduate study in Theology at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a suppor...
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
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
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, 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 |
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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