The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers the opportunity to think more deeply about Christian faith. Christian students have found our papers to be constructive and helpful; such study can enrich, broaden and deepen your understanding of your faith. We study Theology from within the Christian tradition, with academic depth. 

The subjects on offer include Old Testament and New Testament Studies, Church History, Systematic Theology, Māori Theology, Moana Pasifika Theology, Ethics, Practical Theology and Ministry (including Chaplaincy Studies), and Biblical languages (Hebrew and New Testament Greek). The Theology Programme has a Centre for Theology and Public Issues, offering papers with a strong social justice focus on contemporary issues.

You can study toward a qualification, or you can take a single paper (or more) for interest, or as part of another degree. Most University of Otago students can include up to 5 Theology papers in their degree.

If you're looking for a qualification then we offer the Diploma in Theology, the Bachelor of Theology degree, as well as Postgraduate degrees in Theology, Ministry, Chaplaincy, and Faith-Based Leadership and Management, the MTheol and PhD. If you've already got another degree, we offer a Diploma for Graduates, which is 7 papers, 4 at 300-level. This is the equivalent of one full year’s study of Theology, but can be split up across several years.

In pre-Christmas Summer School (11 Nov-14 Dec, 2024), we have a paper on Theology and Science (CHTH 217/317). We also have two Semester 1 papers where the teaching is done in intensives prior to the Semester (with assessment during the Semester). These are Trauma-Informed Ministry (PAST 307/MINS 405), with a block course 27-31 Jan in Dunedin (a flyer is attached), and Moana Pasifika Theology (CHTH 237/337) with a block course in Mangere, 9-13 Feb.

Papers on offer in 2025 are in the attached posters and brochures, and a power point.

Studying Theology at Otago in 2025 (powerpoint)

Theology@Otago Course on Trauma-Informed Ministry

Theology@Otago Distance Learning Brochure 2025

Theology@Otago Poster of 2025 Papers

Theology@Otago Postgraduate Brochure 2025

Further information: 
theology@otago.ac.nz
www.otago.ac.nz/theology
www.facebook.com/theologyotago

Ph 03 479 8639