What background do I need?
You don't need to have done any theological study before, nor do you need to have a personal Christian faith. Our programme assumes no particular denominational or theological perspective.
All you need is a sense of curiosity about the world and human experience, and a willingness to take on a new challenge.
Who is eligible?
It is recommended that students have at least 80 NCEA credits at Level 2 (or higher) with at least 16 credits in each of their best four subjects. Three subjects must be from the approved list.
Account will be taken of the number of merit and excellence credits. Students must also satisfy the literacy and numeracy requirements.
The University has limits on the total numbers of students who may enrol. Most programmes are subject to the entry pathway system, and not all students who are granted Discretionary Entrance can necessarily proceed to enrolment (although most do).
Your school Principal must also be satisfied that you are capable of undertaking the tertiary study as well as your secondary school study.
Please note: International Year 13 students are not eligible to enrol.
What will I study?
You'll complete one of two papers offered in alternate years:
- CHTH 102 The History of Christianity surveys the history of Christianity from around AD100 to the present day. That story is grounded in the early formation of Christian belief and practice. It then traces the development of Christianity through the Middle Ages, including the Crusades. It concludes with an overview of the modern world, briefly exploring such diverse contexts as Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and North America.
- CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World explores the big ideas that have shaped the modern world. Notions such as Freedom, Equality, Justice and Law are examined, and consideration is given to how these ideas are conceived differently within Christian and secular paradigms. Through the course of this study, the distinctive character of Christian ethics is brought to light, and the Christian approach to ethical questions is compared with other systems of ethics that have been developed in Western thought.
How will I study?
As distance learning students, you will take part in video conferences. These are held on Monday evenings on selected dates throughout the semester. Students are also expected to participate, in their own time, in an online discussion.
You'll receive a coursebook containing everything you need to complete the paper including study notes, readings and questions for discussion during the audioconferences.
Assessment will usually be a combination of two essays, online discussion, and a final exam at the end of the semester.
What will I gain?
Theology provides a very good intellectual training with all the benefits of a Humanities education – development of skills in critical thinking, logical analysis, cultural appreciation, language-learning, writing and presentation. The content of your study will be stimulating and interesting.
Above all, you will be equipped for university life. There is nothing like a positive experience to give you confidence as you begin a university degree, with 18 points already in place.
You can build almost any degree on that beginning. And you'll have a head start on everyone else who is beginning University study for the very first time.
Enrol now. What have you got to lose?
How do I apply?
Visit the University of Otago Certificate of Proficiency (COP) webpage and click on the "Apply for the Undergraduate Certificate of Proficiency" link.
This will take you to the eVision page. Select "Create new account". Once you have created your account you will receive an email confirmation. You will then be able to complete your application.
What happens next?
Once you have submitted your application you will receive a request via eVision for further information which may include a personal letter of application and a supporting letter of recommendation from your school. You will also receive notification that you have been placed on the Competitive Entry Pathway. Details of what that may entail will be included.
Accepting your place will allow you to proceed to course enrolment, and to select your papers, once paper selection opens. Choose the Theology paper that is available for the year you plan to study, either CHTH 102 The History of Christianity, or CHTH 131 God and Ethics in the Modern World.
Please keep an eye on your eVision portal and the email address you have entered in for further information.
Contact us
Teachers' Freephone Hotline
Tel 0800 80 12 12
Email university@otago.ac.nz
Schools Liaison Office
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin