How do we approach the act of teaching in a way that's reflective of the Gospel?

The vocation of teaching is complex in our current cultural moment. Christian teachers have to be aware of current best practice in the classroom and the conversations shaping the way we understand faith and spirituality. In this course, we will explore current theological discourse and how that is forming us in our particular context in Aotearoa. Through this course you will be equipped to understand the currents of thought around them and the ways in which the Gospel of Jesus speaks into and confronts these.

Explore what faith and spirituality looks like in Aotearoa and the West, and take the opportunity to discuss how this should direct our teaching practice and think through the way culture is driving key conversations.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theology for Education) is a part-time programme comprised of two successive courses, each 30 credits at level 8:Theological Foundations for Education in Aotearoa and Theological Responses to Issues in Education in Aotearoa. The two papers need to be completed in order, see below for the next dates for course delivery. 

Each course is taught via online seminars and a block course at one of Laidlaw’s campuses, with course readings and assessments across the semester.

Click here to view or download a programme summary.

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.

These courses make up the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theology for Education). You can also choose to complete the courses individually, and for interest only.

Theological Foundations for Education in Aotearoa
30 credits; Semester 1 2025  
Miriam Jessie Fisher

In this course you will engage in biblical theology and make links to the cultural landscapes in the educational context of Aotearoa. This course will give you the opportunity to engage in discussion around Christian theology and how it relates to the vocation of teaching, Christian education, and this current cultural moment. The cultural influences and formation of Christian teachers and their spirituality will also be examined in this course.     

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Biblical foundations
• Cultural contexts
• Justified belief vs opinion
• Christian history & thought

PROGRAMME DELIVERY:

Online evening classes, Wednesdays throughout Semester 1 2025 | 7:30-9pm
Block course on campus 14-16 April 2025 | 9:30am-5pm
Henderson & Christchurch Campuses

Theological Responses to Issues in Education in Aotearoa
30 credits; Semester 1 2026
Miriam Jessie Fisher

Through this course you will focus on the issues in theological education in New Zealand and build upon 'Foundations of Theological Education in Aotearoa'. This course pays close attention to the ways culture, context, and theology influences the engagement in teaching in Aotearoa today.

PRE-REQ R801.830 Foundations of Theological Education in Aotearoa

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Therapeutic Culture/Wellness/Hauora
• Gender Identity
• Theology & The Treaty
• Global Digital Student

Candidates will be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theology for Education) programme: 

• Where the candidate has successfully completed a recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministries or have qualifications which, in the judgement of the Postgraduate Committee (PGC), are of an equivalent standard. A grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme equivalent to NZQA Levels 6 and 7 is required.
• Where the candidate holds a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than theology who have successfully completed a bridging programme of theological study such as those provided by Laidlaw College and other theological institutions or as approved by the PGC. Bridging requirements may be satisfied wholly or partly by credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning.
• Special admission for the (Theology for Education) strand is possible for students with a bachelor’s degree in education, or a bachelor’s degree in another field with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the field of education.

In exceptional circumstance the relevant Academic Head may, at their discretion, give special admission to candidates who have successfully completed an alternate academic programme that meets the standard required to enter postgraduate study. Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant’s overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on students to provide details of all qualifications and experience relevant to the application process. 

In addition to the above:

• Where the candidate holds a teaching qualification, Christian school employment, or senior administrator of a school.

For students interested in further study, the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Theology for Education) may be counted toward Laidlaw’s Postgraduate Diploma in Theology or, with approval, a Master of Theology degree.

Please click here, to view all important dates.