Bachelor of Theology with Honours

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The Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTh (Hons)) programme recognises distinguished study at undergraduate level (level 7) and extends that into study and research at level 8. This is a programme of study for those who have successfully completed three years of undergraduate study in theology and want to extend this into graduate level research and writing. This is a 120-credit programme of study (1 Year full time equivalent) consisting of three key components centered around research and writing.

Note: This programme is eligible for StudyLink student allowances.

Click here to view or download a programme summary.

Click here for information about admissions requirements for the BTh (Hons).


LEVEL 8, 120 credits
DURATION One year full-time, part-time options available
STARTS February & July
PLACES Open – Selection criteria apply
CAMPUS Henderson, Distance Learning *see note below

Career Opportunities

  • Church leadership
  • Paid employment in areas such as
    · Pastoral Leadership
    · Missional Leadership
    · Vocational Leadership
    · Lecturer
    · Researcher
    · Author
    · Para-church work
  • Professional development
  • Effective service as a church member
  • Personal Christian growth
  • Workplace Christians
  • Further study at masters and doctoral level


Postgraduate courses are taught in block courses of one or two weeks (depending on the particular course). This allows people living outside of Auckland to travel for just the block course teaching, and helps those working full time to fit postgraduate study into their busy lives.

*Note that, apart from R351, Postgraduate courses do not have a Distance Learning option - live engagement in the lectures is a necessary part of postgraduate study at Laidlaw.


Graduates of the programme will be awarded the Bachelor of Theology (Honours) with First Class, Second Class (First Division), Second Class (Second Division), or Third Class.

Graduates will:

  • Have developed skills in advanced research and writing.
  • Be able to disseminate the results of advanced research to wider networks.
  • Engage in self-directed learning and advanced study.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence, analytic rigour, and the ability to understand and evaluate new knowledge and ideas.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify topics for original research, plan and conduct research, analyse results, and communicate the findings to the satisfaction of subject experts.
  • Be prepared for higher levels of academic research.

Graduating students may progress to higher level study such as master’s or doctoral studies.


Candidates will be admitted to the Bachelor of Theology with Honours programme:

  • Where the candidate has completed a recognized three-year Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Ministry, with a grade point average of 7.5 (B+) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQA levels 6 and 7.


Please contact Laidlaw Graduate School.


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