Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 5)
(Applications for NZ Domestic Students for Semester A 2025 close: 20/01/2025)
(Applications for International Students for Semester A 2025 close: 20/11/2024)
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Intakes in February and July |
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One year full-time study (two semesters) |
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Level 5 |
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120 Credits |
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For a full list of fees including food and accommodation please see our Fees page |
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If you are a NZ Student you may qualify for Fees Free |
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NZQA Accredited – NZ Diploma in Christian Studies (Intercultural Studies) Level 5 |
Programme Aim
The programme is designed for learners wanting to work effectively in fields of Christian intercultural ministry and mission. It is also notably suited to those looking to work in global intercultural Christian mission work with international mission agencies and NGOs.
The programme aims to equip learners with theological and biblical foundations, foster and support the ongoing faith journeys of learners, and develop practical intercultural skills relevant to ministry, mission, and Christian service through a holistic intercultural learning environment and supervised ministry activities.
Entry Requirements
Students will need to meet Eastwest’s general college admission criteria to study toward the Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 5).
Academic entry is open. However, all applicants will be assessed on to ensure capability of succeeding academically at Level 5. For students without existing tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent) is recommended.
International students require an IELTS Academic Score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 (or equivalent).
Applicants should have:
A Christian testimony of faith in Jesus Christ
A membership of—and at least one year’s involvement in—a local church or assembly
The commendation of the local church
Evidence that they can undertake a course of intensive study and practical activity, i.e.:
- The successful completion of a course of secular study or training
- Satisfactory performance in regular employmentPhysical fitness
Willingness for cross-cultural mission service
Be at least 18 years of age in the year of commencement of study
Course Details
Investigating the Old Testament (15 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with skills to investigate the biblical and theological foundations of the Old Testament and will introduce learners to the interpretation and application of the Old Testament to life, ministry, and mission.
Content:
Old Testament overview
Torah
Historical books
Wisdom and Poetry
Prophets
Biblical interpretation and application
Investigating the New Testament (15 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with skills to investigate the biblical and theological foundations of the New Testament and will introduce learners to the interpretation and application of the New Testament to life, ministry, and mission.
Content:
New Testament overview
Gospels
Acts of the Apostles
Epistles
Revelation
Biblical interpretation and application
Theology for Mission (15 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with a broad biblical foundation in Christian theology and the application of theology for life, ministry, and mission.
Content:
Systematic Theology
Core Christian doctrines
Doctrine of Scripture, God, Man, Sin, Salvation
Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology
Biblical Theology of Mission
World Religions and Faith (15 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with a missional understanding of major world religions and faiths and to develop skills for Christian missional engagement.
Content:
World religions overview
Primal religions
Islam
Hinduism
Buddhism
Secularism
Historic and Contemporary Mission (10 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with skills to evaluate and learn from historic and contemporary missional contexts and strategies and the impact missionary work has on people groups and communities.
Content:
Historic missionary strategies and context (political, national, ethnic, religious, and cultural)
The Aotearoa NZ missionary story
Contemporary missionary contexts and strategies
Communication in Context (10 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with skills to evaluate cultural contexts and contextualise the presentation of the Gospel message as well as develop contextually considered ministry resources.
Content:
Ministry communication
Cultural contexts
Contextualisation
Resource development
Ministry training
Introduction to Language and Culture (10 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with language learning and cultural engagement skills to assist learners entering cross-cultural mission.
Content:
Introduction to culture
Introduction to cultural anthropology
Introduction to language learning practices
Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Care (10 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with a foundation in spiritual formation and pastoral care to assist learners entering cross-cultural mission teams and communities.
Content:
Spiritual formation
Spiritual disciplines
Identity (culture, language, nationality, ethnicity, history, family, faith, personality)
Intercultural pastoral care (intercultural communication differences, conflict negotiations)
Intercultural Ministry A & B (20 Credits)
Aim:
This course aims to equip learners with skills for intercultural ministry service provision through targeted ministry training, learner participation in intercultural ministry activities, and reflective practice.
Content:
Intercultural ministry provision and skills
Cross-cultural communication
Mission in practice
Intercultural teams
Reflective practice
Delivery Schedule
The following is an indicative delivery schedule. As such, changes may occur year-to-year.
Semester A
Course | Credits |
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Investigating the Old Testament | 15 |
Theology for Mission | 15 |
Historic and Contemporary Mission | 10 |
Semester B
Course | Credits |
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Investigating the New Testament | 15 |
World Religions and Faith | 15 |