Study Theology at Otago 2026 - by distance, on-campus, papers, degrees

See the courses and papers offered by the Theology Programme in 2026, both on-campus and through our distance learning programme. There are a lot of excellent options: something for everyone! Perhaps you, or someone you know, might be interested in studying with us in 2026.

Our papers

We offer a comprehensive selection of papers in Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History, and Pastoral Studies/Ministry and Chaplaincy. These papers provide foundational understanding, explore Scripture and theology in depth, and address contemporary life and ministry issues. 

Here are the titles of the papers on offer in 2026, as a taster:

Biblical Studies: 

  • Interpreting the Old Testament
  • Interpreting the New Testament
  • God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets
  • Jesus in the New Testament
  • Women in the New Testament and Early Church

Biblical Languages: 

  • Introductory New Testament Greek 1 
  • Greek Exegesis
  • Introductory Biblical Hebrew 1
  • Hebrew Exegesis
  • Christian Thought and History: 

Doing Theology

  • The History of Christianity
  • God and Ethics in the Modern World
  • The Person and Work of Christ
  • Spirit, Church and Sacraments
  • History of Christianity in the Pacific
  • Theology and the Environment
  • Māori Theology and Religion
  • Tikanga Māori, Spiritual Regulation, and the New Zealand State
  • Public Theology and Social Justice
  • Theology, Money and Markets
  • Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology
  • Theology and Science

Pastoral Studies/Ministry: 

  • Christian Ministry in te ao Māori (the Māori World)
  • Current Perspectives on Pastoral Care
  • Pastoral Theology: Pacific Perspectives
  • The Chaplain as Ceremonial Leader
  • Pastoral Care in Dying, Grief and Loss
  • Christian Theology and the Arts
  • Missional God, Missional People
     

You can study toward a qualification, or you can take a single paper (or more) for interest, or as part of another degree.

We offer the Diploma in Theology, the Bachelor of Theology degree, postgraduate degrees in Theology, Ministry, Chaplaincy, and Faith-Based Leadership and Management, and masters’ and PhDs in Theology. If you've already got another degree, we offer a Diploma for Graduates, which consists of 7 papers, with 4 at 300-level. This is the equivalent of one full year’s study of Theology, but can be split up across several years.