Diploma in Christian Studies - Level 5

Students can complete the Diploma in Christians Studies as their first year or as a second year of study if they have already completed the Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4). The course includes a large component of internship style learning, this time focussed on your chosen ministry stream. Whether you are doing the Worship, Youthwork or Leadership Stream, the Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) will expand your thinking and provoke you to grow personally and as a leader. The Diploma in Christians Studies carries a significant leadership expectation and will require you to engage formally with supervisor and a mentor across the year.

Course Specifics

Programme: Diploma in Christian Studies 

This programme is offered in partnership with Laidlaw College and is the equivalent to the first year of study for the Bachelor of Theology.

 120 Credits, NZQA Level 5

DATES AND PRICING

Dates

• Starts 16th February 2026

• Finishes 12th November 2026

  (Duration 1 Year)

Pricing (2026 Fees)

• Domestic Fee: NZD$7,224 (inc GST)*

• International Fee:
  Leadership Stream: NZD$9,500 (inc GST)*
  Worship Stream: NZD$10,500 (inc GST)*

*(Fees are subject to change)

You will learn:

Head

• Leadership theory & effective practice

• How to understand and interpret the Bible accurately

• Theological view-points

Heart

• How to strengthen your Character

• How to build stronger spiritual disciplines

• How to develop a greater awareness of God’s calL

Hand

• How to lead teams and departments

• How to manage projects

• Effective ministry skills

How it works:

• Typical week: 16-20 hours practical ministry

• Independent study of academic material

• Block course teaching from significant ministry leaders

• Serving across Sunday services

• Key roles in Conferences and Events

• Lead teams 

Entry Requirements

Applicants to this programme who have no secondary schooling or NCEA level 1 or 2 attainment or equivalent will require an entry assessment (including a literacy test) to establish eligibility.

Applicants who have NCEA level 3 attainment (or above) or evidence of equivalent knowledge and skills have open entry to apply.

This programme requires an internship placement of a total of 420 hours (an average of 16 to 20 hours per week) of practical ministry involvement. Entry into this programme will require selection, supervision and mentoring by the learner’s faith community or community organisation. Applicants must complete an Internship Placement Contract which includes accreditation of the church or organisation, minister or director, supervisor and mentor; recommendation of students; and ministry proposal.

NCEA Equivalence can include:

• NZ School Certificate

• Sixth Form Certificate

• Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE

• Other NZQA level 1 or 2 certificates in relevant disciplines to Laidlaw programmes

The following may be accepted as equivalent at our discretion and the applicant may need to sit assessment

for entry:

• Reference/support/documentation from employer

• Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for home-schooled students

All equivalences must be documented.

Entry Assessment may include a literacy test. Dates for assessment will be advised.

Special Admission

Applicants who have no secondary schooling or NCEA level 1 or 2 attainment or equivalent will require an

entry assessment (including a literacy test) to establish eligibility. The college will also take in to consideration

the following factors when assessing a special admission applicant:

• Previous education

• Training and work experience

• English language skills and;

• Motivation to study