University of Otago

What you'll study

The BTheol Hons (Pastoral Studies) builds on prior undergraduate study in theology, religious studies or a closely related discipline. The programme combines advanced coursework in biblical and systematic theology with focused modules on pastoral practice, pastoral theology and applied ministry skills. Typical subjects and learning areas include:

• Biblical studies — advanced reading and interpretation of Old and New Testament texts, including hermeneutical approaches relevant to ministry.
• Systematic and practical theology — discussions of doctrine, theology of pastoral care, and ethical reflection on pastoral decision-making.
• Pastoral care and counselling — theories and skills for pastoral listening, crisis intervention, grief and bereavement support, and boundaries in ministry.
• Preaching and worship leadership — homiletics, liturgy, sermon construction and communication skills for diverse congregational settings.
• Church history and contextual theology — historical perspectives on ministry and contextual approaches to theology in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.
• Research methods and honours dissertation — training in qualitative and theological research methods leading to an independent research project supervised by faculty.
• Practical placement — supervised ministry placements or fieldwork with a local congregation, chaplaincy setting or community organisation to integrate theory and practice.

The honours year typically involves a combination of taught papers at advanced level and a substantial dissertation or research project focused on a pastoral topic. Assessment methods include essays, reflective portfolios, case-study work, sermon presentations and the honours thesis.

Entry requirements

Admission to the honours programme normally requires a completed bachelor degree with a significant component of theology, religious studies or equivalent study. Typical applicants have completed a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts with theology papers, or similar qualification. The Faculty expects applicants to demonstrate:

• Academic preparedness — evidence of strong performance in prior tertiary study in relevant subjects; applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they can show adequate foundational theology study.
• Ministerial or practical experience — for a pastoral major, churches, denominations or employers may support applications; relevant volunteer or paid ministry experience strengthens an application.
• Research readiness — ability to undertake an honours dissertation; applicants may be asked to submit a research proposal or writing sample.
• English language proficiency — international applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Selection can be competitive and may take into account references, personal statements of purpose and interviews. Prospective students should contact the Theology programme or the Faculty of Theology for advice on eligibility and admissions pathways.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BTheol Hons majoring in Pastoral Studies move into a range of ministry and community-focused roles. Common career directions include:

• Ordained and lay ministry — parish leadership, associate ministry, youth and family ministry within denominations and independent churches.
• Chaplaincy — hospital, university, military and pastoral chaplaincy roles, often requiring additional vocational endorsement or employer-specific training.
• Pastoral counselling and social services — roles in counselling centres, community organisations and NGOs; professional counselling usually requires further accredited training.
• Community development and advocacy — working with faith-based and community groups on social justice, pastoral support and community engagement programmes.
• Further study and academia — progression to postgraduate theology, ministry training programmes, or research degrees (MA, MTheol, PhD) for those interested in teaching or specialist research.

The honours year is particularly valuable for those intending to pursue postgraduate research or specialised ministry training, providing both academic rigour and supervised research experience.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago’s theology programme benefits from a long-established Faculty with experienced staff who combine scholarly research and practical ministry experience. Students have access to small-group teaching, personalised supervision for honours projects and opportunities for supervised field placements with local churches and community agencies.

• Academic resources — strong library collections and archival materials relevant to theology and church history, and access to the University’s wider research facilities.
• Practical connections — established relationships with denominations, chaplaincies and community organisations across Otago and beyond, supporting placement and vocational pathways.
• Supportive learning environment — a campus culture that fosters critical thinking, reflective practice and inter-disciplinary engagement in theology, ethics and social issues.

Students who complete the BTheol Hons majoring in Pastoral Studies leave with both the intellectual grounding and the practical skills needed for effective ministry, community leadership and further academic work.