Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy (PGDipChap)
Course details
About the course
The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy (PGDipChap) is to enhance chaplaincy in a range of contemporary settings through engagement with current scholarship into the practice of chaplaincy.
The Diploma is designed as a professional qualification for those who serve as chaplains in a variety of settings and who seek advanced professional education to enhance their work, and for those who want to train to be chaplains.
The admission requirement is a degree or equivalent three-year qualification (not necessarily in Theology) with satisfactory grades. In cases where a person's prior qualifications do not include theological study, he or she may be required to undertake one or more 300-level papers in Theology in order to satisfy the prerequisites for specific 400-level papers in Biblical Studies (BIBS) and/or Christian Thought and History (CHTH).
The coursework consists of six 20-point 400-level taught papers, of which three are core papers in the area of Chaplaincy (within the Ministry study area) and three are selected from a list of additional papers offered in the areas of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History and Ministry Studies.
Please note: The majority of this programme of study is taught via Distance Learning. This means that an international student who wishes to enrol for this programme will almost certainly be unable to be granted a student visa to study in New Zealand. Such a visa requires the majority of study to be in-person learning, and this programme does not fulfil this requirement. However, international students can enrol for this programme, remain in their home country and undertake the programme via distance learning (mainly Zoom videoconferences). Conditions of a student visa in New Zealand are explained here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/#44871.htm
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.