Programme Regulations for the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies

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PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies, (Christian Ministry) requires the successful completion of 60 credits (3 or 4 courses depending on whether CTP or RFE practical field education is chosen). It draws from a range of compulsory and optional field education, biblical, theology and ministry courses within the Bachelor of Applied Theology programme. The programme consists of either 15 or 30 credits in practical contextual field education—meaning the student can undertake practical work experience in their chosen ministry.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this programme is to provide Christian churches and organisations with people who are able to develop, evaluate and deliver programmes that provide guidance and direction to groups to support both individual and community spiritual development in a range of ministry contexts.  

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification which recognises their theoretical knowledge and skills in developing, evaluating and delivering Christian programmes; enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity. 

This programme focuses on the underpinning principles of Christian theology, practical Christianity, biblically informed practices, beginning theological reflection. The programme targets Christians who seek positions of responsibility in a variety of Christian roles informed by theological, biblical and practical ministry knowledge and skills.

GRADUATE PROFILE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

General Admission

For General Admission, all applicants must have achieved one of the following:

NCEA Level 3

• 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects

• Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
  5 credits in reading
  5 credits in writing.

• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
  achievement standards – specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or
  unit standards – package of 3 Numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 – all 3 required)

NCEA Equivalence can include:

• University Entrance, A or B Bursary;

• Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);

• Other NZQA level 4 certificate in a different discipline;

• Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for homeschooled students*;

• Reference/support/documentation from employer*

Special Admission

New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who do not meet the General Admission requirements but who will have reached the age of 20 by the first day of the semester for which admission is sought and who are able to provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other experience may be granted Special Admission, in exceptional cases, an applicant who:

• Does not hold a university entrance qualification and has not reached the age of 20 by the first day of the semester for which admission is sought may apply for special admission.

In assessing whether to grant special admission in exceptional cases, the primary focus will be on the applicant’s level of preparedness for tertiary study.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (Academic), or its equivalent in accordance to NZQA Rules 22 Table 1 and/or other NZQA accepted evidence of English language proficiency.

LIMITATIONS ON DURATION OF STUDY

There is a limitation on the duration of time in which a student can complete their qualification. The total time from admission to the programme until the completion of the qualification should not normally exceed two years, unless special permission is granted by the Academic Director or delegate.

However, please note that students are able to defer their study should the need arise; see Enrolment and Programme Regulations for more information.

TRANSFER FROM OTHER PROGRAMMES

Students who have completed courses at other institutions may be eligible for cross-credits or recognition of current competency as specified in Credit Regulations.

Carey may use external New Zealand Qualification Consistency experts to assist in the decisions regarding transition arrangements.

TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS

Students may complete this programme by completing courses from the below schedule, however:

• Students may not complete a course with the same course code or course title designation twice for double credits.

• Any student transferring to this programme from version 1.0 of the qualification will be required to fulfil the requirements set out in the programme regulations. No student will be prejudiced in transferring from version 1.0 of the qualification. All courses in version 1.0 of the qualification will be recognised and credits carried into version 2.0 of the programme meaning that student pathways and elective/compulsory course options will remain the same.

PART-TIME ENROLMENT INTO PROGRAMME

Domestic students may undertake part-time study into this programme, as long as they fit within the specified programme completion timeframes specified above. Part-time study must comprise a minimum of one 15 credit course (or field education placement) per semester. All course learning and assessments for that course must be completed within the specific semester that the course is being offered (see Academic Regulations and the Carey Timetable for specific course schedules and offerings).

Student wishing to enrol in courses only offered bi-annually will have a specific programme of study agreed with the Academic Registrar on enrolment to ensure completion of the programme within specified timeframes is achievable.

SCHEDULE OF MODULES

Mandatory Courses

OR

Mandatory Elective

Electives

Please note, it is possible that a student may be able to select other courses from the Carey catalogue if that course would allow the student to meet the remainder of the Graduate profile.