To provide an advanced level theological qualification for those who have already completed a recognised bachelor's level or a Graduate Diploma qualification in Theology.

Graduates will be able to:
* Evaluate critically a wide spectrum of literature in each of the
coursework areas and in the areas of the research undertaken.
* Demonstrate mastery of the issues of debate in each of these areas.
* Give a fair and informed account of representative points of view in each subject area.
* Utilise sound hermeneutical principles in contextualising biblical theology within the subject area studies.
* Demonstrate advanced skills of research, critical analysis and constructive synthesis and application so as to make a significant
contribution to knowledge in their area of specialisation.
* Reflect on the professional, ethical, and relational implications of their study for ministry in the modern world

Graduates of the programme may progress to higher level study such as Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, master's, or doctoral studies.

The normal requirement for admission into the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (PGCertTh) programme is a completed three-year undergraduate degree in Theology or Ministry or equivalent qualification, as defined in the National Qualifications Framework of the NZQA, in an appropriate discipline. Entry into the PGCertTh is conditional upon:
* A grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQF levels 6 and 7; and
* Approval of the Postgraduate Committee.
An additional requirement for admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) version of the PGCertTh programme is normally a minimum of 2 years of people-focused ministry/professional experience.

Special Admission Requirements
Serious consideration will be given to those that hold qualifications of an equivalent standard. In exceptional circumstances the Postgraduate Committee may allow applicants who do not meet these requirements, or who do not have qualifications of an equivalent standard. Approval will be based on:
* Completion of a 120 credit Graduate Diploma in Theology with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying programme at NZQF levels 6 and 7;
* Completion of a recognised undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Theology or Ministry and the completion of a bridging programme of study approved by the Postgraduate Committee with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying programme at NZQF levels 6 and 7; or
* Approved entry by the Postgraduate Committee in consideration of relevant documented academic ability and background
Special admission for the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) is possible for students with a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline who have significant ministry experience.
Special admission for the (Theology for Education) strand is possible for students with a bachelor's degree in education, or a bachelor degree in another field with a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field of education.

Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant's overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on the student to provide details of all qualifications and experience relevant to the application procedure.

Applicants must meet both the Academic and English language requirements for this programme. In addition to the requirements outlined above applicants for whom English is not their first language must use one of the following methods to demonstrate that they have the required level of English proficiency to study in New Zealand:
* gained NCEA level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements; or
* holds a Bachelor's degree of at least three years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
* achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA); or
* achieved the required score, as indicated in the following subsections, in one of the following internationally recognised English proficiency tests, within the preceding two years:
o International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
o University of Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
o University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
o University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
o International English for Speakers of Other Languages qualifications by City and Guilds (IESOL)
o Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PToE)
o New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)
o Testing of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The requirement for this programme is:
* IELTS 7.0 with minimum of 7.0 in writing OR
* Pearson's Test of English (Academic) score of 65 or higher OR
* equivalent (see here)
A waiver for the English language test may be granted:
* For those applicants who have an undergraduate or higher qualification gained from; New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
* For those who have studied in NZ for a minimum of two years at secondary school and gained either a) eight, level 2 NCEA University Entrance literacy credits (4 credits in reading and 4 credits in writing) gained prior to 2014 or b) ten, level 2 NCEA University Entrance Literacy credits (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing).
* For long-term residents (10+ years) in New Zealand, or another English-speaking country, who are able to demonstrate English language competency appropriate to the desired level of study. Competency must be documented.
International applicants to Postgraduate Certificate in Theology should seek NZQA evaluation of their non-NZ (overseas) qualifications prior to applying.