Diploma of Christian Studies (Theology) (Level 5)
The School of Bible and Mission, a faculty of BCM, offers courses which can lead to credit for Laidlaw College awards, in particular, the Diploma of Christian Studies (DipCS)
This qualification is the academic component of the first year of officer training at Booth College of Mission, through the School for Officer Training. In addition, these courses are all open to external students on a part-time or full-time basis.
BCM’s Diploma in Christian Studies Theology is a one-year programme (or equivalent part-time) of 120 credits at Level 5 which aims to meet the learning needs of Salvation Army officer cadets and other students who may go on to take leadership and ministry roles in The Salvation Army and other Christian denominations.
Graduates of the programme will achieve the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Theological Studies Strand) Level 5 Qualification Reference No. 2793.
The DipCS Theology encourages cadets and students to develop a deeper understanding of the Biblical story and reflect on Christian life and faith. It provides them with an introduction to Biblical studies, theological studies, missional studies and spiritual formation, preparing them to live out the Gospel of Christ by engaging thoughtfully and compassionately in the world.
The programme consists of eight 15 credit courses in the following areas:
For Salvation Army officer cadets, this qualification is the academic component of their first year of training for ministry as Salvation Army officers. In Year 2 they are enrolled in the DipCS Leadership Level 6 which is more denominationally specific to The Salvation Army.
For non-cadet students this qualification can lead to 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 and credits towards undergraduate degrees in Theology and Ministry.
Diploma of Christian Studies (Leadership) (Level 6)
BCM’s Diploma in Christian Studies Leadership is a one-year programme (or equivalent part-time) of 120 credits at Level 6. This qualification is the academic component of the second year of officer training at Booth College of Mission. It builds on the Diploma of Christian Studies Level 5 (Theological formation and Biblical understanding) and, linked to an inquiry approach, generates a distinctive diploma which aims to meet the denomination-specific learning needs of those seeking to become Salvation Army Officers or Salvation Army corps (church) leaders.
Graduates of the programme will achieve the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership Strand) Level 6 Qualification Reference No. 2773.
This qualification consists of eight 15 credit modules.
*Currently these modules are available to those in training to be Salvation Army Officers.
Ongoing Learning and Qualifications
Booth College of Mission (BCM) has a memorandum of understanding with Laidlaw College which recognises the DipCS (Level 5) and the DipCS (Leadership) Level 6 taught at BCM and gives 120 credits for each qualification towards its Bachelor of Theology degree. BCM Salvation Army officer graduates frequently go on to complete the Laidlaw College Bachelor of Theology on a part-time basis.