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Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 5)

Intakes in February and July

One year full-time study (two semesters)

Level 5

120 Credits

For a full list of fees including food and accommodation please see our Fees page

If you are a NZ Student you may qualify for Fees Free

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 employment

  • Physical 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.

Delivery Schedule

Semester A

Course

Credits

Investigating the Old Testament

15

Theology for Mission

15

Historic and Contemporary Mission

10

Semester B

Course

Credits

Investigating the New Testament

15

World Religions and Faith

15

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