Join us in 2025!  Apply now ➡️

Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 6)

Intakes in February and July

One year full-time study (two semesters)

Level 6

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 6

Programme Aim

The programme is designed for learners wanting to lead 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 advanced theological and biblical foundations, foster and support the ongoing faith journeys of learners, and develop practical leadership and intercultural skills relevant to ministry, mission, and Christian service through a holistic intercultural learning environment and real-world ministry activities.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements:
• The Eastwest Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 5) (2793), or equivalent, or
• Through special admission made by application to the Academic Dean which may be granted based on broad theological, biblical, ministry and life experience.

International students will require an IELTS Academic Score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 (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

  • Be at least 18 years of age in the year of commencement of study

  • Physical fitness

  • Willingness for cross-cultural mission service

Credit Recognition and Transfer

Students may apply for programme credit to be recognised based on prior study and/or experience. Credit will only be awarded for complete courses; credit will not be awarded for individual learning outcomes or parts of courses.

Course Details

Biblical Interpretation (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills for biblical and theological interpretation of Old and New Testament Scripture and will prepare learners to develop biblically-based, application-focused messages for faith communities.

Content:

  • History of biblical interpretation

  • Biblical interpretation methods

  • Analyse and exegesis of Scripture

  • Expositional message development

Global Theology (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills to theologically analyse diverse contexts and apply biblical principles in order to propose solutions for theological issues in global cultural contexts.

Content:

  • Globalisation and Christianity

  • Western theology

  • Non-western Christian theology

  • Christian theology in global contexts

Integrity and Ethics (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with the skills to evaluate ethical issues facing contemporary Christian ministry and mission and to review and propose solutions to ethical questions facing those in the church ministry, missional, and workplace contexts.

Content:

  • Biblical and theological ethics

  • Contemporary ethical issues

  • Ethics in an intercultural context

  • Navigating the ethics landscape

Approaches to Mission (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills to evaluate and review contemporary approaches to cross-cultural mission and to propose appropriate missional responses to defined missional settings.

Content:

  • Emerging trends in mission

  • Business as mission

  • Community development

  • Digital mission

  • Ecological mission

  • Church planting

Leadership (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills to analyse and apply leadership skills within a Christian ministry, missional, or workplace setting.

Content:

  • Leadership strengths and dynamics

  • Biblical leadership

  • Leadership in practice

  • Leadership toolbox

Leading Multicultural Teams (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills to lead multicultural teams in ministry, missional, and workplace settings, and will help grow awareness in learners of the cultural aspects which impact communication and decision-making in these intercultural settings.

Content:

  • Leading multicultural teams

  • Multicultural team dynamics

  • Communication and decision-making

  • Intercultural conflict resolution

Professional and Spiritual Development (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with the skills needed to critically reflect on their own personal faith journey and to develop plans for personal and professional development in order to refine their own practice in ministry and mission.

Content:

  • Critical reflection

  • Spiritual formation, disciplines, and practices

  • Professional development planning

Integrative Ministry Practicum (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to provide learners with an integrative ministry experience in an intercultural setting to allow learners to exercise practical skills and to critically reflect on their own personal faith and professional development as a means to refining their own practice.

Content:

  • Integrative ministry practicum experience

  • Reflective practice

Cultural Anthropology (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with ethnographic research skills to allow the evaluation of community and individual cultural perspectives that inform implications for intercultural engagement.

Content:

  • Cultural anthropology

  • Ethnographic research methods

  • Cultural perspectives

  • Intercultural engagement

Mission and Church History: Ka Mua, Ka Muri (10 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills to research and evaluate missional trends and issues throughout mission and church history and to propose historically informed strategies for contemporary intercultural mission.

Content:

  • Mission and church history

  • Historical trends

  • Strategies for mission

Advanced Intercultural Ministry A & B (20 Credits)

Aim:

This course aims to equip learners with skills for intercultural ministry leadership through targeted ministry training, learner leadership in intercultural ministry activities, and reflective practice.

Content:

  • Intercultural ministry leadership

  • Cross-cultural communication

  • Intercultural teams

  • Mission in practice

  • Reflective practice

Delivery Schedule

The following is an indicative delivery schedule. As such, changes may occur year-to-year.

Interested in studying at
Eastwest College?