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University of Otago
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Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) in Pastoral Studies

This course is available

Online, On-Campus

Level of Study

Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2024

Campus

University of Otago

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) requires one year of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study and may be taken in Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History or Pastoral Studies. Candidates are required to hold a Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) degree in the major subject of the proposed programme with satisfactory grades.

Required coursework includes the completion of three papers at 400-level, and the writing of a 17,000 word dissertation.

The aim of the programme is to expose a candidate to advanced knowledge and skills in one of the sub-disciplines of Theology. Graduates of the Diploma are able to pursue careers in many fields, including education, counseling, and church-related areas.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) is also available through Distance Learning.

Programme requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol) in Pastoral Studies

Papers

PAST 490 Dissertation

Three further 400-level PAST or MINS papers

One 400-level BIBS, CHTH or RELS paper may be substituted for one 400-level PAST or MINS paper.

Note: Some variations may be possible. For further details consult the University of Otago Calendar or the Head of the Theology Programme.

Structure of the Programme

a. Every programme of study shall normally contain the papers required for the Honours programme in the subject concerned.

b. With the permission of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), a candidate may substitute a paper of another subject for one of the required papers.

c. The required dissertation must be submitted no later than 1 November of that year. Extension of time will be granted only in special circumstances at the discretion of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

Every applicant shall either

i. have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Theology with an endorsement in the subject or subjects of study proposed, or

ii. have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the diploma.

English language requirements

  • IELTS Academic - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0). IELTS Online is also accepted.
  • Internet-based TOEFL - Score of 90 with a minimum writing score of 21
  • Paper-based TOEFL - score of 587 (TWE 4.5)
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) & Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Minimum of 176
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
  • LanguageCert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
  • NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
  • University of Otago Language Centre ‘English for Otago’, English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes (EPAP) - Grade C or higher
  • University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA) pathway programmes - Successful completion of the English Pathway for Postgraduate Studies (EPPS) with a B Grade
  • University of Auckland Foundation Certificate in English for Academic Purposes (FCertEAP) - Successful completion of the certificate with a B Grade
  • English NZ's Accredited Pathway Assessment - English NZ’s Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).

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