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What background do I need?

You don't need to have done any theological or biblical language study before, just the desire to learn more about the Bible and the Christian faith.

Who is eligible?

Any Year 13 (or equivalent) home-educated student who is able to demonstrate academic success is eligible to apply.

Academic success can be demonstrated in a number of ways, such as:

  • National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
  • University of Cambridge International Examinations
  • Stanford Achievement Test (SAT)
  • Christian Education New Zealand Foundation Trust (CENZ Trust)

Contacting the Schools' Liaison Office for further information

It is also possible that students may be able to demonstrate academic success in some other way, but these students should contact the Schools' Liaison Office for further information. Students must also satisfy the literacy and numeracy requirements.

Visit the Schools' Liaison Office website

What will I study?

You can choose to enrol in one of the following four papers:

  • CHTH102 The History of Christianity*
  • CHTH131 God and Ethics in the Modern World*
  • BIBS131 Introductory Greek New Testament Language 1
  • HEBR131 Introductory Hebrew Language 1
*Note: CHTH102 and CHTH131 are offered in alternate years.

CHTH102 The History of Christianity surveys the history of Christianity from around AD100 to the present day. That story is grounded in the early formation of Christian belief and practice. It then traces the development of Christianity through the Middle Ages, including the Crusades. It concludes with an overview of the modern world, briefly exploring such diverse contexts as Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and North America.

CHTH131 God and Ethics in the Modern World explores the big ideas that have shaped the modern world. Notions such as freedom, equality, justice and law are examined, and consideration is given to how these ideas are conceived differently within Christian and secular paradigms. Through the course of this study, the distinctive character of Christian ethics is brought to light, and the Christian approach to ethical questions is compared with other systems of ethics that have been developed in Western thought.

BIBS131 Introductory Greek New Testament Language 1 is designed to give students a basic knowledge of New Testament Greek grammar, vocabulary, and morphology, enabling them to read simple texts and to use dictionaries and commentaries. No prior knowledge of Greek is assumed.

HEBR131 Introductory Hebrew Language 1 teaches the basics of Biblical Hebrew grammar and vocabulary to enable students to read the Hebrew Bible in the original language. No prior knowledge of Hebrew is assumed.

For more information, see the paper information:

  • CHTH102 The History of Christianity
  • CHTH131 God and Ethics in the Modern World
  • BIBS131 Introductory Greek New Testament Language 1
  • HEBR131 Introductory Hebrew Language 1

How will I study?

As distance learning students, you will take part in video conferences. These are held on set dates throughout the semester. Students may also participate, in their own time, in an online discussions. Details regarding assessment can be found in the course outlines.

Visit our Distance Learning page for more information

What will I gain?

Theology provides a very good intellectual training with all the benefits of a Humanities education – development of skills in critical thinking, logical analysis, cultural appreciation, language-learning, writing and presentation. The content of your study will be stimulating and interesting.

Above all, you will be equipped for university life. There is nothing like a positive experience to give you confidence as you begin a university degree, with 18 points already in place. You can build almost any degree on that beginning. And you'll have a head start on everyone else who is beginning university study for the very first time.

What do people say?

Read an interview with Anna, a former home-educated student

Read an interview with Todd, Principal of Home School New Zealand

How do I apply?

Click on the "Apply for the Undergraduate Certificate of Proficiency" link.

This will take you to the eVision page. Select "Create new account". Once you have created your account you will receive an email confirmation. You will then be able to complete your application.

Note: Home educated students should apply under the “Discretionary Entry” category.

Go to the Certificate of Proficiency – Undergraduate page

What happens next?

Once you have submitted your application you will receive a request via eVision for further information. You will also receive notification that you have been placed on the Competitive Entry Pathway. Details of what that may entail will be included.

Accepting your place will allow you to proceed to course enrolment, and to select your papers, once paper selection opens.

Choose the Theology paper that is available for the year you plan to study, either CHTH 102 The History of Christianity, CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World, BIBS 131 Introductory Greek New Testament Language 1 or HEBR 131 Introductory Hebrew Language 1.

Please keep an eye on your eVision portal and the email address you have entered in for further information.

Any questions?

Contact the Theology Programme:
Tel +64 3 479 8639
Email theology@otago.ac.nz

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