Carey Graduate School

Carey Graduate School Ko te kura paetahi o Carey

I’ve always been interested in theology and God seems to be guiding me into postgraduate theological study. My current interests are in theological investigations into the dominance of monocultural accounts of multi‑ethnic New Zealand. So my research enquires into the dominance of whiteness in churches and communities and considers how they might become truly multicultural. I’m fascinated with Revelation and how John’s account of the nations might provide light and insight into issues of whiteness and superdiversity in New Zealand. I don’t know where this will lead but ultimately, I guess, this will result in me serving the church.”

Timote Naulivou Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology student

Carey Graduate School equips Christian leaders like Timote to integrate theological research with contemporary contexts and communities for more robust accounts of Christian faith and practice.

At Carey, integrative theology is applied theology. We explore the interrelationship between Christian faith, practice, and contexts in order to understand God’s missional purposes for the renewal of individuals, communities, cultures and all creation.

As a result, thesis topics can be wide ranging and deeply engaged in contemporary concerns of theology, the church, and God’s mission in the world. They draw from a range of research methodologies to enquire into the intersection of theology and lived reality. Our primary aim is to resource the church and society with compelling insights into the redemptive possibilities of the Christian faith for our time and place.

This approach invites disciplinary research interdisciplinary approaches that explore the intersection of theology and other related academic disciplines for more robust accounts of reality. The goal is to develop a body of integrative theological research that will both inform and encourage ongoing consideration within the wider church.

We invite you to join our community of integrative theologians as we share together in the fruits of our research journeys.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology

LEVEL 8 | 120 credits

Involves: Equivalent to one year full‑time study (part‑time options available) comprising:

Four courses including: MA801

Research Methods in Applied Theology (30 credits)

General admission for:

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Theology / Master of Applied Theology

An applicant will normally have completed one of the following:

A recognised undergraduate degree in theology or Christian ministry with a grade point average of B in courses of the undergraduate programme at Levels 6 and 7 (or within the field of theological study, as well as

equivalent) or,

A professional or other qualification which, in the judgment of the Academic Director, can be recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in theology or Christian ministry. An applicant who does not meet these requirements but who has completed a recognised undergraduate degree in a discipline other than theology or Christian ministry may be admitted as a candidate following successful completion of a bridging programme of study as determined by the Academic Director. For full information on admission requirements please go to carey.ac.nz.

Master of Applied Theology LEVEL 8-9 | 120 / 180 / 240 credits

There are three different entry points into the Master’s programme depending on prior qualifications and experience:

The 240 credit MAppTheol is the normal starting point for those with an undergraduate theology qualification.

The 180 credit entry point may be suitable for those with an undergraduate qualification AND with significant Christian ministry leadership experience, allowing a shorter pathway to the Masters.

The 120 credit, thesis-only entry may be the best option for those with a postgraduate theology qualification (including postgraduate research methods).

For the 180 and 240 credit options of the Master of Applied Theology, the programme

MA801

Research Methods in Applied Theology (30 credits)

AND

Courses from the postgraduate course selection

AND

90 or 120 credit thesis

Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy

Carey has a Memoranda of Understanding with the University of Otago and with AUT University, which allows Carey to assist students in the advanced research degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of comprises of:

Philosophy (PhD).

For more details please see: carey.ac.nz/study/ carey‑graduate‑school

Carey Graduate School 2021 courses

All taught courses are full year, on campus block delivery (full days). * Options include:

MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology (compulsory course) | (30 credits) | Dr Sandy Kerr & Dr George Wieland It is commonly said that the researcher is the main research instrument, shaping every aspect of a research project. Carey’s research methods course encourages self-reflexivity in order to understand your impact as the researcher while you shape a research project applied to a real-world issue of importance to you. The class will engage with a wide range of research practitioners, learning from their experience and together critically examining research methods across the traditional Christian disciplines and their intersection with related disciplines. You will design a research project that integrates different types of knowledge in order to inform the thriving of God’s church and world, and be ready to conduct your own research project within a rich and diverse community of Christian researchers at Carey. MA804 Intercultural Bible Reading | (30 credits) | Dr George Wieland Global migration is transforming New Zealand. How can the Bible equip us to live and minister cross-culturally? This course brings theory and practice together in an exploration of what happens when a variety of groups representing various ethnicities and situations read and respond to the same Bible passages. Together we’ll facilitate those encounters, record the conversations, and analyse the results. In the process, we’ll discover insights about the Bible, about its readers, and about the different ways in which it is heard and takes effect in those readers’ lives and communities. Through all this your understanding of others and of yourself will deepen and you’ll cultivate the dispositions and skills for fruitful intercultural community and ministry. MA826 Kingdom Economics | (30 credits) | Dr Sarah Harris & Dr Michael Rhodes The full impact of COVID-19 upon global and local economies is not yet known, but we do know it will have a significant financial impact upon churches, organisations and nations. This course will provide a rigorous exploration of Old and New Testament biblical texts that address theological economics, and explore a selection of contemporary economic theories, in order to shape our imaginations for economic decision-making. We will also sit at the table with Christian leaders and entrepreneurs to learn from those who lead creatively and courageously. The aim is to resource you and your church to form creative and courageous responses to the current crisis. MA827 Theology, Race and Church | (30 credits) | Dr Christa McKirland & Andrew Picard The rise of the #blacklivesmatter movement and protests about racism around the world raise important issues for theology and the church, not least because of the church’s entanglement in the construction of the modern racial condition. This course examines historical and contemporary misappropriations of theology in the development of current racial issues, and explores the biblical and theological possibilities for a gospel-centred account of the church’s anti-racial witness to God’s kingdom. The aim is to understand contemporary global and national issues, and examine possibilities for the church’s faithful witness to God in the face of racism. MA828 Discipleship and Gospel Transformation | (30 credits) | Dr Mick Duncan It is often said that if you get the gospel wrong, you get everything wrong. In conversation with N.T. Wright we will ask: What, then, is the gospel? Likewise, in conversation with Dietrich Bonhoeffer we will be asking: What are the measures of discipleship? And in conversation with John Wesley we will ask: How then can we design churches to produce people who embody kingdom holiness, where holiness is in part love of neighbour and neighbourhood? The aim is to retool Christian leaders, churches and their wider communities for the revolution that Jesus began.

*For block course dates please see the Carey timetable.

Other research courses include: MA821

Research Essay (30 credits)

MA901

Thesis (90 credits)

MA902

Thesis (120 credits)