Qualification Overview

Qualification Title New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies (Level 5) with strands in Christian Ministry, and Religious Education
Qualification Type Certificate
Level 5
Credits 60 - 80
Subject Area
  • Society and Culture » Philosophy and Religious Studies » Religious Studies
Strategic Purpose Statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide Christian churches, agencies and community organisations with people who are able to develop, evaluate and deliver programmes that provide guidance and direction to groups to support both individual and community spiritual development in a range of ministry and/or education contexts.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification which recognises their theoretical knowledge and skills in developing, evaluating and delivering such programmes; enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity.

This qualification focuses on the underpinning principles of Christian theology, and depending on the strand chosen, also Christian ministry principles and/or the Religious Education curriculum. It is targeted at people who are ready for positions of responsibility in a variety of roles in Christian church ministry, agencies or community organisations, or as teachers or administrators in Christian integrated schools.

The Christian Ministry strand allows people to gain the knowledge and skills for managing the spiritual and pastoral care of Christian communities, agencies or community organisations in a variety of contexts.

The Religious Education strand allows teacher-trainees, or those who have already gained a teaching qualification, to gain the additional core knowledge and skills required for teaching Religious Education in integrated Christian schools, early childhood centres and parish-based programmes, and for positions associated with maintaining the special character of the school as defined in the Private Schools Conditional Integration Act (1975).

Graduates will be capable of working autonomously within established parameters and may have some responsibility for the management of learning and performance of others.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Synthesise broad theological and biblical knowledge and analyse the functions of church ministry, agencies or community organisations to provide leadership and direction of defined groups.
- Identify the biblical and theological principles that apply to one's own faith journey; and recommend strategies that use this understanding to enhance personal and community spiritual development.

Graduates of the Christian Ministry strand will also be able to:
- Develop and evaluate a pastoral care programme for specific groups based on the understanding of Christian ministry principles and functions to achieve community goals.

Graduates of the Religious Education strand will also be able to:
- Develop, evaluate and deliver a Religious Education programme for a specific year level in a school, early childhood centre or parish community based on underpinning principles of Religious Education.
Education pathways
This qualification can lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) with strands in Chaplaincy, Christian Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Performing Arts, Te Minita Taha Māori, Theological Studies and Biblical Studies [Ref: 2793] or the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 6) with strands in Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education, Te Minita Taha Māori, and Theological Studies i [Ref: 2773].
Employment pathways
Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of roles in Christian church ministry, agencies or community organisations.
Roles may include:
Christian Ministry Strand:
- administrators of community groups in a church, parish or workplace environment
- assistants to chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools and workplaces
- licensed Ministers in some faith denominations.

Religious Education Strand:
- teachers of Religious Education in Christian integrated schools, early childhood centres, and in parish based Religious Education programmes.
- tagged positions and/or holders of areas of responsibility in school wide programmes, liturgy, prayer, retreats, outreach, social justice and other religious observances in Christian integrated schools, or as they apply in early childhood centres and parish-based programmes.To find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
Religious education teachers in integrated primary and secondary schools must also have New Zealand recognised teacher qualifications.
Education Organisation 3 Organisations can assist in gaining this qualification
Developed By Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES)
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 2771
Status Current
Created 2015-07-07 11:37:27.0
Next Review 2027-03-31 00:00:00.0
Content View full qualification details

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Te Reo Maori Title

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Matauranga Maori Qualification

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Level

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Credits

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Subject Area

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Strategic Purpose Statement

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Graduate profile

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Education pathways

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Employment pathways

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