NZ Diploma in Christian Studies - Pastoral Ministry

Summary

This qualification will provide knowledge and more advanced skills required for ministry roles in parishes and other church settings. Graduates will find this useful for leadership roles in parishes and voluntary work with parish groups.

The NZDCS is a Level 6 qualification of 120 credits, consisting of 8 papers worth 15 credits each.

Most students in the NZDCS-CL are part time learners. We recommend part time learners take one or two papers per semester in order to complete the qualification within 4 years. This also ensures a reasonable workload.

Papers for this qualification are mainly offered by distance learning. Some are also offered on campus. Students are welcome to take some papers face to face and others by distance learning.

What is the structure of this programme?

There are 8 main papers that you must complete to receive this award. Below is the programme structure for this qualification.

PM601 Leading Prayer – (15 Credits)
PM602 Celebrating Liturgy – (15 Credits)
PM604 Skills for Pastoral Ministry – (15 Credits)
PM605 Role of Pastoral Minister – (15 Credits)
SC601 The Gospel in Aotearoa – (15 Credits)
TH601 Sacraments Today – (15 Credits)
TH609 He Turanga Whakaaro – (15 Credits)
TH623 Ministry and Values – (15 Credits)

Options (with approval from Programme Co-ordinator)

SC603 Bible in Ministry can be studied instead of SC601 The Gospel in Aotearoa – (15 Credits)
TH626 Theology for Ministry: Special Topic can be studied instead of TH609 He Turanga Whakaaro – (15 Credits)

What is the next step?

If you are interested in further studies above Level 6, check out our Degree-Level qualifications.