Information on NZ Certificate in Christian Studies – Christian Ministry (NZCCS-CM)
This qualification will give you the knowledge and skills to confidently work in many areas of Christian Ministry. This qualification is for those interested in or already working in parishes, visiting the sick, prison ministers or youth ministers. Graduates are employed in either paid or voluntary ministry work within these specific interests. This certificate is separated in four specialised areas:
- NZCCS-CM – Parish
- NZCCS-CM – Christian Leadership
- NZCCS-CM – Hospital or Prison Ministry
- NZCCS-CM – Catholic Youth Ministry
This qualification is a Level 5 qualification of 60 credits. There are 6 main papers for this qualification. Each paper is 10 credits. A full-time student does 60 credits in a year. That is three papers or 30 credit points each semester.
- 3 papers x 10 credits = 30 credits per semester (NZCCS-CM)
- There are 2 semesters in a year = 30 + 30 = 60 credits (NZCCS-CM)
Part-time or distance students will take longer to complete this qualification as there are limits to the number of papers students can take each semester. This ensures a reasonable workload.
Where can I study for this programme?
Students can study for this qualification from anywhere in New Zealand through distance/online learning. Face-2-face classes are also offered in the various teaching sites annually; please see the timetable.
What are the entry requirements?
Students need to be over the age of 17, have left school and display a proven ability to cope with tertiary education.
What is the structure of this programme?
There are 6 main papers that you must complete in order to receive this award. Below are the programme structures for each qualification.
NZCCS-CM Parish
- SC501 Understanding the Old Testament – (10 Credits)
- SC502 Interpreting the New Testament -(10 Credits)
- TH501 What Catholics Believe – (10 Credits)
- TH502 What is Theology? – (10 Credits)
(and two of the following courses)
- PM501 Prayer and Liturgy – (10 Credits)
- PM503 Mission and Ministry – (10 Credits)
- PM504 Pastoral and Ministry Praxis – (10 Credits)
NZCCS-CM Christian Leadership
- SC501 Understanding the Old Testament – (10 Credits)
- SC502 Interpreting the New Testament -(10 Credits)
- TH501 What Catholics Believe – (10 Credits)
- TH502 What is Theology? – (10 Credits)
- TH504a Catholic Social Teaching for Ministry – (10 Credits)
- TH505a Christian Ethics in Ministry – (10 Credits)
NZCCS-CM Hospital and Prison Ministry
- SC501 Understanding the Old Testament – (10 Credits)
- SC502 Interpreting the New Testament -(10 Credits)
- TH501 What Catholics Believe – (10 Credits)
- TH502 What is Theology? – (10 Credits)
(and two of the following courses)
- PM502 Spirituality for Ministry – (10 Credits)
- PM504 Pastoral and Ministry Praxis – (10 Credits)
- TH504a Catholic Social Teaching for Ministry – (10 Credits)
NZCCS-CM Youth Ministry
- SC502 Interpreting the New Testament -(10 Credits)
- PM502 Spirituality for Ministry – (10 Credits)
- PM505 Catholic Youth Ministry – (10 Credits)
- PM506 Youth Ministry Practice – (10 Credits)
- TH501 What Catholics Believe – (10 Credits)
(and one of the following courses)
- SC501 Understanding the Old Testament – (10 Credits)
- TH502 What is Theology – (10 Credits)
Can I get recognition for previous academic study (Recognition of Prior Learning)?
Prior learning from an accredited institute at the same level is recognised by Te Kupenga. Please contact the Programme Co-ordinator for more details on how you can apply for this. Depending on your previous tertiary study, Te Kupenga may credit up to 40% towards a qualification. For previous study to be considered, it must have occurred no more than 10 years ago. There is an administration fee for processing an RPL application:
- RPL for an overseas qualification = $50.00
- RPL for a New Zealand qualification = $40.00
There is no charge for cross-credit or for processing pre-requisites for entry into the NZCCS.
What is the next step?
Now that you have decided on the qualification you want to study towards, the next step is to select which papers you would like to do first. Feel free to email our Catholic Theological College team for assistance in planning your study schedule.
If you would like to check out further studies above this Level 5 qualification, see our Degree, Graduate Diploma or Diploma level qualifications.
