Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts Te Tohu Paetahi (BA) is a flexible, three-year degree that lets you follow a subject you love — like New Zealand History or te reo Māori — or a vocational calling — like Youth Work — while growing in theological, biblical, and cultural formation alongside it.

Because you choose a specialisation (and can even combine two), the BA is a great fit if you're still discerning your next step, want a broader humanities education, or are looking to weave theology together with another field of study.

You can choose from four specialisations:

History The History specialisation builds the critical thinking, contextual understanding, and informed citizenship needed for roles in public service, community leadership, and the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums — as well as a strong foundation for postgraduate study.

Te Reo Māori Build your fluency and your cultural knowledge for a wide range of careers — as an educator, a Māori media professional, a content creator, or a cultural advisor (pou-tikanga) in government, social services, or health. Applicants will meet with a kaiako to talk through course workload and may complete a pre-entry assessment.

Theology Go deeper into Scripture, doctrine, and Christian thought. Theology graduates are prepared for contextual ministry roles — including youth, children's, and family ministry — and for work in faith-based not-for-profits that need a mature Christian foundation at the heart of their team.

Youth Work Learn to walk alongside rangatahi with skill and integrity. With 120 credits of practicum woven through the degree, you'll integrate theory and practice from day one, preparing you for work with young people across non-profits, government agencies, churches, schools, and hospitals. (Note: If you've completed the Certificate in Community Youth Work, you may be able to enter directly into Year 2.)

Laidlaw College is the largest interdenominational theological College in Aotearoa New Zealand, offering qualifications from certificate to doctoral level, in the areas of theology and biblical studies, mission, ministry, counselling and teacher education. We provide a dynamic learning environment for students throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, with a campus in Auckland, Christchurch, and online.

Laidlaw College has at its core a deep commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our programmes bridge the gap between faithful reflection on God and a deep engagement with the world.

College life is relational and community oriented and we are committed to seeing our students flourish academically, socially and through encounter with God and others. Our College reflects and celebrates the cultural diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand and its bicultural heritage.