Handbook for the

Diploma in
Theological Studies

Christian Studies Department

Contents

1. Programme Aims.................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Purpose and Opportunities .................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Graduate Attributes ............................................................................................................. 4
2. Accreditation Information.................................................................................................... 5
3. Faculty ........................................................................................................................... 5
4. Admission to the Diploma in Theological Studies................................................................ 5
4.1. Admission regulations .......................................................................................................... 5
4.2. Admission Procedure ........................................................................................................... 6
4.3. Other requirements ............................................................................................................. 6
4.4. Credit Transfers from Other Institutions ............................................................................. 6
4.4.1. From Diploma programmes ........................................................................................... 6
4.4.2. Applications for Cross Crediting..................................................................................... 6
4.5. Recognition of Prior Learning .............................................................................................. 6
5. Diploma in Theological Studies Regulations ........................................................................ 7
5.1. Completion requirements .................................................................................................... 7
5.2. Policy for awarding credit .................................................................................................... 7
5.3. Attendance ........................................................................................................................... 8
5.4. Assessment .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.4.1. Assignments, Tests, Examinations ................................................................................. 8
5.4.2. Extensions for Assignments: .......................................................................................... 8
5.4.3. Resubmissions and Resits .............................................................................................. 9
5.4.4. Appeals........................................................................................................................... 9
• Discuss the Result with the marker ..................................................................................... 9
• Lodgement of Appeal ........................................................................................................... 9
Appeals to NZQA ....................................................................................................................... 10
5.5. Awarding the Diploma ....................................................................................................... 10
5.6. Length of Academic Year ................................................................................................... 10
6. Curriculum ......................................................................................................................... 10
6.1. Papers ......................................................................................................................... 10
6.2. Subject Availability ............................................................................................................. 11
6.2.1. Semester length classes ............................................................................................... 11
6.2.2. Intensive delivery. ........................................................................................................ 11
6.3. Paper Descriptions ............................................................................................................. 12

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Welcome

It is our pleasure to welcome you to Alphacrucis and our Diploma in Theological Studies. We are
delighted you have responded to the call of God on your life and taken this important step to
thoroughly prepare yourself for ministry. The Diploma in Theological Studies is an NZQA approved and
accredited, foundational level programme in Christian Studies that enables students to complete the
New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) with a strand in theological studies.

This programme provides a unique opportunity to engage in theological and ministry education within
the framework of a Pentecostal-Charismatic expression of the faith. Alphacrucis has in recent years
developed a strong theological underpinning to the dynamic experiences of Pentecostal-Charismatic
practice. This is critical for the development of the next generation of leaders who want to combine an
empowering of the Spirit with thorough training and a Christian worldview. The diploma combines
contemporary scholarship with an emphasis on the dynamic experience of the presence of God.

The Diploma can be undertaken by fulltime study in campus based papers, or by distance e- learning.
From time to time intensives are offered in various locations through the country which either campus
or distance students may attend.

Alphacrucis also works collaboratively with other ministry training providers in New Zealand. This
means that students in partner colleges have preferential entry and facilitated cross crediting. Please
talk to the Academic Director about continuing your studies with Alphacrucis so that we can provide
the most efficient service.

We look forward to having you on the journey with us.

Jack Zoutenbier
Principal

To discuss any aspects of the Diploma in Theological Studies please contact:

Kerry Gordon
Head of Christian Studies,
Alphacrucis International College
60 Rockfield Road, Penrose
Auckland.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +64 9 580 1500

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1. Programme Aims

1.1. Purpose and Opportunities

A graduate of the Diploma in Theological Studies will be able to demonstrate a foundational
understanding of the biblical texts, use the tools of exegesis, describe the core theological beliefs
of the Christian tradition and apply these to spirituality, church life and mission in a variety of
contemporary contexts. They will have developed skills in pastoral ministry and leadership,
grounded in a theological framework and locating Christian mission in local, bicultural and cross-
cultural contexts.

The College has a strong ethos for shaping Christian and professional character and this is
expressed through the graduate attributes detailed below which shape the content and delivery
of all papers.

1.2. Graduate Attributes

Attribute 1. Christian Worldview:
A knowledge of the Christian story, derived from the Scriptures and tradition of the church. An
awareness of the implications of this story for self- identity in the context of local and global
communities. This includes a commitment to engage with alternate worldviews, showing
appreciation of the values and perspectives of others.

Attribute 2. Integrity and Justice:

The ability to apply a Christian worldview in the diverse situations and responsibilities of life, and
to exercise faith, hope, love and generosity as prevailing attitudes. This includes the active
promotion of the gospel, social justice, equality, mutual respect and an ecological ethos.

Attribute 3. Communication:
The ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, in appropriate contexts using
high levels of verbal, written and technological skills. This includes visual and media literacy,
numeracy, rhetoric and persuasion.

Attribute 4. Personal and Social Skills:

Demonstrate relational skills that incorporate the flexibility for both independent and
collaborative situations. This includes personal and group organizational skills, conflict
management and resolution, as well as the ability to value and respect the opinions of others.

Attribute 5. Critical and Creative Thinking:

A capacity for critical and reflective thinking that is explored not only individually but within a
community context. This includes a capacity to be creative and to research, analyse and resolve
problems in innovative and prophetic ways.

Attribute 6. Professional Knowledge:

Use and maintain knowledge about a discipline or field, in terms of theoretical, conceptual and
methodological elements, striving continually and independently to secure further knowledge
and where appropriate, defined professional skills.

Graduate Outcomes
A graduate from this programme will be able to:

1) Evaluate and apply a broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations based on
textual interpretation and religious practice.
2) Evaluate a ministry programme based on strategies that integrate personal and
community faith journeys and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of
defined groups.

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 3) Integrate core tools of theology, biblical texts and ministry practice and apply these to
the broader community to provide leadership and direction that is culturally and
ethically appropriate.

Alphacrucis is required to ensure that all our programmes are consistent with not only the
graduate outcomes for this programme but also with other providers across New Zealand.
Consistency of graduate outcomes provides assurance that all graduates of New Zealand
qualifications meet the outcomes to an equivalent, nationally acceptable standard. Assuring
national consistency supports the credibility of New Zealand qualifications, both in New Zealand
and internationally
2. Accreditation Information
Alphacrucis is registered as a Private Training Establishment accredited by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989. Alphacrucis
International College has NZQA approval for this programme and accreditation to deliver it.

3. Faculty

Lecturer/Tutor Subject Area

Auckland Campus
Steve Allen Theology
Robert Coenradi Mission/ Evangelism
Dr Sean du Toit New Testament
Dr Michael Frost Theology
Kerry Gordon Ethics/Church History
Paul Gordon Leadership/ Pastoral
Jacqui Fuller Pastoral Ministry
Ray Moxham Old Testament
Jack Zoutenbier Theology

4. Admission to the Diploma in Theological Studies

4.1. Admission regulations

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

Applicants must have:

- a minimum of 14 numeracy credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pāngarau on the
Directory of Assessment Standards; and
- fifty credits at Level 2 or above with at least 12 credits in each of three subjects including a
minimum of 8 literacy credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori; of which 4 credits
must be in reading and 4 credits must be in writing; and
- the literacy credits were selected from a schedule of approved achievement standards and unit
standards found on the NZQA website at ‘Literacy requirements for University Entrance’

or equivalent to the above

NCEA equivalence can include:

- New Zealand University Entrance
- Overseas equivalent qualifications
- Other NZQA approved Level 3 or 4 certificates

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Students must be 17 years of age or over.

Students aged over 20 years old can apply for mature student entry which may require supporting
evidence from an employer.

International Student Entry Requirements:

International students must meet all of those conditions listed above for domestic students, AND;

International students for whom English is not a first language must meet one of the following
conditions:
- IELTS academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5, or;
- TOEFL (pBT) score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE), or;
- TOEFL (iBT) score of 46 (with a writing score of 20), or;
- University of Cambridge English Examination FCE or FEC for schools with a score of 162 and no
less than 154 in each skill, or;
- NZCEL Level 4 qualification (with the academic endorsement), or;
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 42, or
- City & Guilds IESOL B2 Communicator with a score of 42, or;
- complete two years study at a New Zealand secondary school and achieve either NCEA Level 3
or New Zealand University Entrance or both.

4.2. Admission Procedure

For returning Students
1. Obtain a returning student application form from the Registrar
2. Complete and return application to the registrar
3. You will be notified if an interview is required and whether your application is successful

For new students

Obtain an application to study at Alphacrucis from the registrar

4.3. Other requirements

Students will require regular access to a computer and internet. It is recommended that students
save all their assignments on an external hard drive or USB in case of computer breakdown of
theft.

4.4. Credit Transfers from Other Institutions

Students transferring from another institution may be able to transfer credits.

4.4.1. From Diploma programmes

Where the other institution an articulation agreement with Alphacrucis
The cross crediting allowances will have been determined. Please contact the Alphacrucis
Registrar.

For students from institutions that do not have an articulation agreement with Alphacrucis
Students may submit transcripts which will be assessed for cross-crediting.

4.4.2. Applications for Cross Crediting

An application form is available from the Registrar.
The fees for cross-crediting are published in the Alphacrucis Application Guide.

4.5. Recognition of Prior Learning

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 Students may apply for recognition of prior learning. This may be applied to previous study in
courses that have no recognised credit rating and to ministry or leadership experience. See the
student handbook for details. Students may apply to the Registrar and a decision will be made
by the Academic Committee.

5. Diploma in Theological Studies Regulations

5.1. Completion requirements

a. The successful candidate must complete 120 credits at Level 5 in the prescribed subjects.
b. Every Diploma component (paper or subject) will be 15 credit points. The qualification will
therefore require a total of 8 papers for full time study over one year.
c. The normal duration of the course for full time students is 2 semesters. These are normally
studied consecutively.
d. The maximum period in which to complete the Diploma is within 8 semesters or 4 years. This
includes any suspensions in study or repeated papers. Students may enrol for part-time
study.
e. Students will make subject selections each academic year or semester. Students may request
guidance prior to finalising their annual selection of subjects. Applications for guidance must
be made to the Dean of Christian Studies prior to the commencement of papers.

5.2. Policy for awarding credit

Policies for awarding credit are outlined as follows:

1. The determination whether a candidate has satisfactorily completed a paper is made by the
Academic Committee on the recommendation of the Programme Director or Head of
Department in which the paper is offered.
2. In order to complete a paper satisfactorily and to gain the number of credit points specified
for that paper a candidate shall:
• attend classes or participate in online lessons as required by the Attendance Policy of the
College
• complete required assessments as outlined in the paper
• reach a satisfactory level of achievement in assessments as outlined in the paper
3. Where a candidate is prevented by unavoidable disruption from satisfying the requirements
the policy for aegrotat passes will be followed.
4. Students are not required to pass each form of assessment for a paper but must achieve a
cumulative mark of at least 50% overall to pass.
5. Late assignments will attract a penalty of 3% per day up to a maximum of 21%. No essay will
be accepted more than one calendar week after the due date.
6. All assignments must be typed. Hand-written assignments will be returned to the student and
will incur the 3%/day penalty until submitted in an acceptable format.

Important Note: Please see the Alphacrucis Student Handbook for the relevant policies and
processes for extension requests, attendance requirements, aegrotat passes, resubmissions, re-
enrolments and appeals.

Grading Policy

A candidate’s grade for a paper offered by the College is determined upon an assessment of
performance in required coursework and/or examinations.

1. Grades for assessments and overall papers for a candidate are recorded as follows:

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 Grade Percentage Range
A+ 90-100%
A 85-89%
A- 80-84%
B+ 75-79%
B 70-74%
B- 65-69%
C+ 60-64%
C 55-59%
C- 50-54%
D 40-49%
E below 40%
DNC Did Not Complete

5.3. Attendance

Campus students are expected to attend all lectures and be prepared to participate in all college
activities. An attendance record for all students will be kept. Where any student’s attendance
falls below 80% the attendance record will be referred to Dean of Christian Studies and may
result in the student not being awarded the Diploma. Where students are studying the subject
by distance access to lectures and the submission of assessment material by the required dates
is evidence of attendance.

NB. Campus students will be required to attend weekly tutorials on campus. Details will be in
the Campus timetable.

Students may be excused for notified absence caused by illness or other unavoidable
circumstances. See the student handbook for full details of attendance requirements.

5.4. Assessment
5.4.1. Assignments, Tests, Examinations
All papers will be assessed using a variety of assessment tools. The outlines for each subject
will clearly state the requirements for passing the paper.

5.4.2. Extensions for Assignments:

Extensions of assignment deadlines will only be granted on the following grounds:

Medical illness (certified by Doctor’s Certificate); Extreme Hardship; Compassionate Grounds.

• Extensions will not be granted for reflections (Where the contribution to the final grade is
less than 5%)
• Requests for extensions must be submitted via the link found on the Moodle website
• Requests for extensions should not be made to individual lecturers
• In extreme cases, students who are unable to complete the assessment for a paper due to
extenuating circumstances, will, subject to approval by the Academic Committee, receive an
‘Extension’ (E) grade for that paper. The student then has a period of time determined in
discussion with the lecturer (usually one month - maximum of 60 days) to complete any/all
assessment for that paper. The student will incur no financial penalty in this case, due to the

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 extreme nature of his/her situation. Further, once any/all forms of assessment have been
submitted, the ‘Extension’ grade will be replaced by the new grade.

5.4.3. Resubmissions and Resits

Where a student receives a ‘Fail’ grade for completed assessment, and the lecturer believes that
the student has made a genuine effort to satisfy the assessment requirements, the lecturer may
decide to ask the student to re-submit that assessment. If this occurs, the student will be given
an ‘Incomplete’ grade and has three weeks following the notification of the grade to re-submit
the assessment. If the re-submitted assessment is deemed satisfactory, the ‘Incomplete’ grade
will be replaced by a new grade. This grade will be 75% of the mark given for the resubmitted
assignment e.g. If the marker gives a resubmitted assignment a grade of 80% the actual mark
received will be 60%. This penalty will be incurred down to a minimum of 50%.

In the event of the assessment not being re-submitted within the stipulated period, the student
will receive a ‘Fail’ grade. Students will only be allowed to re-submit one piece of assessment
per paper, and further unsatisfactory assessments will result in a ‘Fail’ grade (unless exceptional
circumstances are approved by the Academic Dean).

If a student fails to achieve 50% overall in a particular paper, s/he will receive a permanent ‘Fail’
on his/her transcript. If the student then wishes to pass the paper, s/he must re-enrol (with a
50% discount on the enrolment fees only if a grade of 30% or greater was initially achieved) and
resubmit all forms of assessment required by the lecturer. If approved by the relevant lecturer,
and if the ‘Fail’ grade was not the result of poor attendance, the student will not be required to
attend classes. If this resit is not completed by the end of the semester following the fail grade,
then students wishing to redo the paper will be required to pay full-fees and attend all classes.
A student will not be permitted to repeat a paper more than once.

5.4.4. Appeals

A student is free to appeal against the grade given in any assignment if s/he believes that some
error in grading has occurred or if there are more general concerns about the grade given. The
process of appeals is as follows;
• Discuss the Result with the marker
• If a student has reason to believe that an error has been made or an injustice exists after
receipt of notification of paper results, the student may discuss such matters with the marker
responsible for that aspect of the paper.
• The purpose of this initial phase is to clarify the result and to correct incorrect perceptions
and misunderstandings.
• This phase may be resolved by the student accepting the result, or the marker determining
to re-address the issue (i.e. supplementary, re-marking of paper, etc.)

• Lodgement of Appeal
• Should the student not be satisfied with the outcome of such discussions, the student may
apply for a review of the matter and/or re-grading of the assessment.
• Applications must be submitted, in writing, to the Academic Committee within fourteen (14)
days of the publishing of the grade.
• All applications must be accompanied by supporting information and documentation. The
specific grounds on which a request for a review is based must be stated clearly.
• Such reviews could lead to no change or to either a less favourable or more favourable
outcome for the student.
• The review shall be completed by the relevant department head (Alphacrucis) and one or two
other faculty, apart from the marker.

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 • After the review has been completed, students should not expect staff members to respond
to informal approaches or pressures.
• Notice of the outcome of any review will be communicated in writing to the student
requesting the review.

Appeals to NZQA
Should a student believe that the above process has been unjust the student may lodge a claim
with NZQA, P O Box 160, Wellington.

A student prevented from completing any major item or items of work for assessment in a paper,
or who considers that his or her performance in completing any major item or items of work for
assessment in a paper has been impaired by illness or injury or bereavement or any other critical
circumstance, may apply for aegrotat consideration for the paper.
5.5. Awarding the Diploma
The following conditions are applied to the conferral of the Diploma:
1. Meeting the Diploma regulations
2. Accounts department clearance
3. Library clearance

Students meeting these conditions will be presented to the Academic Committee to have the
Diploma awarded. The Academic Committee may award the Diploma with merit or distinction
according to the following definitions:

Merit: a grade average of 75 across all papers contributing to credit in the Diploma

Distinction: a grade average of 85 or higher across all papers contributing to credit in the Diploma

Where a student is awarded merit or distinction this will be recorded on the Diploma award.

5.6. Length of Academic Year

The year consists of 34 study weeks and 4 holiday weeks giving a total of 38 weeks.

6. Curriculum

6.1. Papers

Subject / Paper Credits

Core Subjects
Narrative of the First Testament 15
Writings of the New Testament 15
Understanding the Faith 15
Communicating the Gospel 15
History of Christianity 15

Leadership Principles 15
Introduction to Ministry 15

Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry 15

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6.2. Subject Availability
Papers in the curriculum may be available through several delivery options:
• Semester length campus class
• Online
• Intensive & online

6.2.1. Semester length classes

These are taught at the Alphacrucis campus.
See the annual calendar for subject availability

6.2.2. Intensive delivery.

These lectures are blended with the resources provided through Alphacrucis’ on-line e-learning
platform, Moodle. The intensives are delivered from Alphacrucis’ Penrose campus and from time
to time in selected locations through NZ.

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6.3. Paper Descriptions
LEA101 Leadership Principles
This paper will help students to find answers to
BIB101 Narrative of the First Testament these questions in the light of contemporary
This paper provides an overview of the First leadership theory and a Christian worldview. We
Testament in light of the historical and cultural will explore theory on leadership skills, traits and
framework of the Ancient Near East. Student will behaviours and consider the important question
will study key themes, as well as principles and of what makes a leader great or...what would
insights derived from the First Testament, for make you a great leader.
contemporary life and ministry.
MIN102 Communicating the Gospel
BIB102 Writings of the New Testament In this paper, students will find themselves
This paper seeks to introduce the content of the engaging with the historical, biblical and
books of the NT with a view to providing a basis theological roots for communicating the Gospel
for further reading and study. The primary focus and gaining the skills (along with the
will be on the message of each book within its empowering of the Spirit) to communicate
particular historical-cultural setting, with some effectively. In doing so, students will explore
attention being given to its contribution to the ways to engage with a world where the
theology of the NT as a whole. Selected critical acceptance of the Christian story is counter-
issues will be dealt with on occasion. cultural, as well as ways to connect the good
news of the kingdom to contemporary social
THE101 Understanding the Faith concerns.
This paper provides you with the opportunity to
explore those beliefs that are foundational to MIN101 Introduction to Ministry
Christianity. It argues that what we believe Students will explore a broad variety of topics
about God (our theology) has a practical impact that form the very basis of pastoral ministry.
upon our life and ethics and, therefore, provides Primarily, students will consider contemporary
an overview of Christian faith, and reflects on the pastoral models that connect academic
ways in which this faith informs our everyday life reflection with the real world. Topics discussed
and calling. The topics addressed range from the will range from defining ministry, calling and
doctrine of God, creation and sin, to discussion culture to conflict resolution, and being effective
on the person and work of Christ, and the nature in caring for others. Students will also be
of the coming kingdom of God. provided with ample opportunity to engage
creatively with these topics to make connections
HIS101 History of Christianity with their own contexts.
This paper is an introduction to the rich and
inspiring heritage of Christian tradition. It MIS101 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry
explores early church formation, the challenges This paper will give you an overview of the
of the medieval era, the repercussions of the foundations of the call to cross cultural ministry
renaissance and the reasons for the as well as helping you understand and appreciate
reformation. Major revivals are analysed as well culture in this context. We will explore the
as the effectiveness of modern missionary practical issues of a lifestyle of cross-cultural
movements. ministry and look at some of the ways we can
sensitively reach out to those who hold differing
beliefs

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