Postgraduate Study in Biblical Studies
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Study Jewish and Christian scriptures.
Biblical Studies looks in detail at the biblical writings in their ancient contexts and considers how they should be interpreted.
Biblical Studies papers are divided between Old Testament (Tanakh or Hebrew Bible) and New Testament.
You can also study the biblical languages (Classical Hebrew and New Testament Greek) to an advanced level.
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Biblical Studies
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Programme details
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Papers BIBS 490 Dissertation
Three further 400-level BIBS papers
One 400-level CHTH, MINS, or PAST paper may be substituted for one 400-level BIBS paper. Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) programme in Biblical Studies is the same as the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA(Hons)).
Papers One 400-level CHTH, MINS or PAST paper may be substituted for one 400-level BIBS paper. Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
Papers Prerequisites: 36 points of either Greek or Hebrew language (or other combinations of papers comprising one year of Greek or Hebrew language study)
Note: Some variations may be possible. For further details consult the University of Otago Calendar or the Head of the Theology Programme.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
BIBS papers
Paper Code
Year
Title
Points
Teaching period
BIBS112 2025
Interpreting the Old Testament
18 points
Semester 1
BIBS121 2025
Interpreting the New Testament
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS131 2025
Introductory New Testament Greek Language 1
18 points
Semester 1
BIBS132 2025
Introductory New Testament Greek Language 2
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS211 2025
God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS213 2025
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2
18 points
Full Year
BIBS215 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS218 2025
Judaism in the Time of Jesus
18 points
Semester 1
BIBS221 2025
The Gospels
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS223 2025
Greek New Testament Exegesis 2
18 points
Full Year
BIBS224 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS225 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS226 2025
Jesus in the New Testament
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS227 2025
Mātauranga Māori and the Bible
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS311 2025
God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets (Advanced)
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS313 2025
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3
18 points
Full Year
BIBS315 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS317 2025
God, Suffering and Justice
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS318 2025
Judaism in the Time of Jesus (Advanced)
18 points
Semester 1
BIBS321 2025
The Gospels (Advanced)
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS322 2025
The New Testament Epistles
18 points
Semester 1
BIBS323 2025
Greek New Testament Exegesis 3
18 points
Full Year
BIBS324 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS325 2025
Special Topic
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS326 2025
Jesus in the New Testament (Advanced)
18 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS327 2025
Mātauranga Māori and the Bible (Advanced)
18 points
Semester 2
BIBS411 2025
Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis (Advanced)
20 points
Full Year
BIBS412 2025
Special Topic
20 points
Semester 2
BIBS413 2025
God, Suffering and Justice (Advanced)
20 points
Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
BIBS421 2025
Greek New Testament Exegesis (Advanced)
20 points
Full Year
BIBS423 2025
Special Topic
20 points
Semester 1
BIBS490 2025
Dissertation
60 points
Full Year, 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)
Contacts Theology Programmetheology@otago.ac.nz otago.ac.nz/theology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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