Career opportunities
When you study Christian Thought and History, you’re not only gaining knowledge, you’re growing a skill set that employers value: Clear thinking, research, writing, empathy and cultural awareness.
Pathways you might chose include:
- Teaching or education roles (secondary or tertiary)
- Social work, community services or advocacy work
- Journalism, media or publishing
- Archives, libraries or heritage organisations
- Roles in non-government agencies, development and aid
- Church leadership, ministry, chaplaincy or faith-based organisations
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 can study Christian Thought and History on campus or via distance learning.
On-campus students participate in interactive lectures that encourage discussion and debate while applying insights into real-world issues. Distance students can join classes live via Zoom or watch recordings at their convenience.
You’ll explore Christian thought in historical contexts and in modern cultural settings, and you’ll be encouraged to ask your own tough questions.
Some distance papers may include an optional teaching day in Wellington or a one-week intensive block, usually held over summer or mid-year breaks. Assessment methods vary across levels and may include essays, in-class tests, and final exams.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
Anyone can study Christian Thought and History at Otago.
What’s helpful is a curious mind, an interest in how ideas and beliefs shape the world, and a willingness to read, reflect and discuss.
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 Christian Thought and History
Explore postgraduate study in Christian Thought and History at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research oppo...
One of the highlights for me has been exploring early Māori engagements with Christianity. I’ve been especially encouraged to see Te Āo Māori perspectives meaningfully woven throughout the curriculum; this has enriched my learning and deepened my appreciation for the context of faith in Aotearoa.
Jamie Heperi
Bachelor of Theology (Christian Thought and History)
Study how Christian ideas have travelled through time – influencing people, movements, and the way we understand the world
Otago is New Zealand’s only university offering a full range of Theology subjects – including Christian Thought and History, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies, and Biblical Languages such as Hebrew and New Testament Greek.
Our flexible distance learning options provide easy access for anyone to study theology from anywhere in Aotearoa or around the world.
You can complete a Bachelor of Theology endorsed in Christian Thought and History or add papers from this area to a Bachelor of Arts in any major.
Our teaching staff are all active researchers who bring current scholarship and fresh insights into every class.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | CHTH 102 The History of Christianity | 18 |
| CHTH 111 Doing Theology or CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World | 18 | |
| 200-level | Three 200-level CHTH papers, one of which may be replaced with a 200-level BIBS paper | 54 |
| 300-level | Four 300-level CHTH papers, one of which may be replaced with a 300-level BIBS 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 CHTH papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level CHTH papers | 36 |
| 300-level | One 300-level CHTH paper | 18 |
| 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.
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) |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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