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Programme Outline
Have you already started your theological journey with an undergraduate degree in Bible, theology or a related subject? Are you looking for an advanced theological qualification to continue your development in ministry or mission leadership? Or are you looking for an academic pathway to Masters or Doctoral study? Enrol in our Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology. Climb higher, see further, resource the church.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology aims to support professional development for pastors and other Christian ministry and missional practitioners who have high levels of curriculum knowledge, research skills, and leadership capacity.
“Consider joining us for a Postgraduate Diploma at Carey. Choose from a wide range of topics with incredible lecturers who will walk alongside you in doing research that matters.”
– Dr Christa McKirland, Acting Director, Carey Graduate School
Programme Structure
This programme is equivalent to one year full-time study of 120 credits at level 8, comprising:
MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology (30 credits)
Dr George Wieland
This course encourages self-reflexivity in order to understand your impact as the researcher while you shape a research project applied to a real-world issue of importance to you. The class will engage with a wide range of research practitioners, learning from their experience and together critically examining research methods across the traditional Christian disciplines and their intersection with related disciplines.
and a further 90 credits of Level 8 Courses
Courses in 2022 include:
MA805 Inner Healing (30 credits)
Dr Phil Halstead
This course is a theological and psychological study of the theory, practice, and implications of Christian inner healing founded on the belief that Jesus liberates persons from a broad range of psychological, emotional, relational and spiritual wounds. The course is designed to ground students in the theory of Christian inner healing, as well as deepen the understanding of those already involved in this important ministry.
MA812 Leadership: Divine and Human (30 credits)
Dr Mick Duncan
This is a course on leadership that explores issues of ego and power in Christian ministry and mission. We will bring the wisdom and work of Deitrich Bonhoeffer into conversation with the story of Willowcreek church & Riverside church (Amy Butler) and our context today. This conversation will also feature the recent work on the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.
MA823 Special Topic (Theology): Human Flourishing (30 credits)
Dr Christa McKirland & Dr Rebecca Webb
This course will focus on human flourishing, assuming this is what God intends for humankind. We will look at biblical and theological perspectives on the flourishing life, while also integrating the disciplines of cognitive science of religion, social psychology and positive psychology.
MA829 Public Theology and the Church (30 credits)
Dr Andrew Picard & Dr Michael Rhodes
This course explores the church’s biblical, theological, and historical resources for the task of public theology and public witness to the gospel. Students will examine current social issues such as climate change, extremism and terrorism, sexual abuse, racism, modern slavery, and COVID-19 and produce theological responses that serve the church and the public good.
Graduate Outcomes
Upon completion graduates will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Ability to critique scholarly publications in Applied Theology
- Demonstrate critical skills in the interpretation of Biblical texts, demonstrating sound theological evaluations.
- Critically reflect on current societal issues from informed Biblical and theological perspectives.
- Critically evaluate contexts and identify strengths, weaknesses and suggest possible ways forward to better meet the needs of communities.
- Work collaboratively with (and within) communities to achieve learning and research outcomes.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology is open to full-time and part-time New Zealand students and full-time International students.
General Admission
An applicant will normally have completed one of the following:
- a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministry with a grade point average of B in courses of the undergraduate programme at levels 6 and 7 (or equivalent).
- a professional or other qualification which, in the judgement of the Academic Director, can be recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in theology or Christian ministry.
An applicant who does not meet these requirements but who has completed a recognised undergraduate degree in a discipline other than theology or Christian ministry may be admitted as a candidate following successful completion of a bridging programme of study as determined by the Academic Director.
For special admission and International student admission requirements (including English language) view the Academic Regulations and Calendar.
Transfer from other Programmes
Students who have completed courses at other institutions may be eligible for cross-credits or recognition of current competency.
Fees
Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $100 per 30 credit course.
| Domestic Student | $1984.00 per 30 credit course |
| International Student | $5120.00 per 30 credit course |
| Audit (interest only, not for credit) | $640.00 per 30 credit course |
| Research Conference* | $120.00 per registration |
* The Research Conference is compulsory for those taking the Human Flourishing course.
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“One of the ways in which Carey has equipped me for ministry is to give me greater confidence because of the competency I have developed in my areas of study. Not only has Carey given me the biblical and ministry related knowledge that I need to lead well, but it has also helped shape my character so that I’m able to carry out my responsibilities as a pastor.”