New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies

Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES)

Subject area

Religious Studies

Qualification

Check out Fees Free to see whether you are eligible for a year of fees-free study or two years industry training. Contact your provider to confirm your study options meet the criteria.

Entry requirements

Religious education teachers in integrated primary and secondary schools must also have New Zealand recognised teacher qualifications.

About the course

What can I expect out of this qualification?

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.