Qualification Overview

Qualification Title New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 6) with strands in Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education, Te Minita Taha Māori, and Theological Studies
Qualification Type Diploma
Level 6
Credits 120
Subject Area
  • Society and Culture » Philosophy and Religious Studies » Religious Studies
Strategic Purpose Statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide Christian churches, agencies and community organisations with people who are able to operate as senior administrators and leaders, and/or managers.

This qualification is stranded in order to recognise the specific knowledge and skills required in a variety of roles and contexts ranging from the administration of a parish, teaching Religious Education or holders of other roles of responsibility in integrated Christian schools as defined in the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act (1975), to managers of churches, agencies or community organisations.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification that recognises their advanced evaluation, research, leadership, administration and strategic management skills and knowledge, enhancing their employment opportunities, and/or ability work in a voluntary capacity in Christian churches and their agencies.

This qualification is targeted at individuals who are ready for managerial and senior leadership positions in a variety of roles. This qualification is also targeted at those who want to further their theological studies at undergraduate level; or for current practitioners, such as teachers of Religious Education, who want to upskill in a particular area of Christian ministry.

Graduates will be able to apply in-depth theological and biblical skills and knowledge to inform managerial and strategic decisions; be responsible for leadership and may supervise others.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Analyse and apply an in-depth understanding of theology and biblical foundations in operational or research contexts.
- Evaluate, review and respond to the pastoral, specialised and ethical responsibilities required of defined church ministry settings, or workplace environments.
- Apply management or administrative capability and leadership in a Christian ministry or workplace environment to make strategic decisions in a specified context.
- Critically reflect on personal faith journey and professional development to refine own practice.

Graduates of the Biblical Studies strand will also be able to:
- Research and critically evaluate the application of diverse biblical disciplines, methods and textual analysis to inform and develop a Christian community.

Graduates of the Christian Leadership strand will also be able to:
- Lead and manage parishes, agencies or community organisations based on an understanding of the needs and contextual elements of defined groups or communities and modelled on Christian Leadership.

Graduates of the Intercultural Studies strand will also be able to:
- Research and evaluate the application of diverse disciplines, intercultural issues and situations.
- Apply intercultural competence to provide leadership in a context-appropriate manner.

Graduates of the Pastoral Ministry strand will also be able to:
- Integrate information of specific groups and apply skills of pastoral ministry to the position of pastor to critically analyse performance of what is required of the role.
- Identify opportunities that contribute to effective spiritual worship and pastoral care practices.

Graduates of the Religious Education strand will also be able to:
- Critically evaluate current and emerging practices and frameworks in the teaching of Religious Education.
- Apply this learning to early childhood, compulsory schooling, or parish based education to provide leadership and direction.

Graduates of the Te Minita Taha Māori strand will also be able to:
- Critically evaluate the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and taha Māori.
- Apply a set of strategic management and leadership practices to specified groups in defined contexts.

Graduates of the Theological Studies strand will also be able to:
- Research and collate information on theological and relational topics as they apply to New Zealand's unique cultural communities, service organisations and society at large.
- Critically evaluate strategies that contribute to effective management and leadership in specified contexts.
Education pathways
This qualification may lead to higher level study in related fields.
Employment pathways
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in senior administrative and leadership positions or as managers in a variety of occupations in Christian churches, Christian integrated schools, early childhood centres, the wider church-affiliated sector, missions, non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations.
Positions may include workplace and Parish Administrators; teachers of Religious Education or holders of other roles of responsibility in integrated Christian schools; Pastors; and Ordained Ministers in some faith denominations.To find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
Religious education teachers in integrated primary and secondary schools must also have New Zealand recognised teacher qualifications.
Education Organisation 12 Organisations can assist in gaining this qualification
Developed By Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES)
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 2773
Status Current
Created 2015-07-07 11:37:59.0
Next Review 2027-03-31 00:00:00.0
Content View full qualification details

Qualification Title

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Te Reo Maori Title

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Matauranga Maori Qualification

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Qualification Type

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Level

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Credits

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Subject Area

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Strategic Purpose Statement

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Graduate profile

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Education pathways

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