What is a Micro-credential?
Micro-credentials are focused learning opportunities designed to recognise specific skills that meet the needs of learners, employers, industries, communities, and iwi. Approved by NZQA, these credentials certify a coherent set of skills and knowledge, respond to a clearly defined need, and include formal assessment. They are limited to 40 credits and can be offered at any level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). Like traditional qualifications, micro-credentials are listed on the NZQCF, ensuring they are credible and nationally recognised.
What is the purpose of this Programme?
The purpose of this micro-credential is to equip participants with a deeper understanding of theology. It is primarily focused on helping Christians grow in their understanding of God and his character. Looking at his will, ways, plans, and providential work, participants will be guided in how best to live God-honouring lives.
This is designed for Christians who wish to further their knowledge on theology, and those volunteering in a faith-based position, or working towards ordination. Ultimately, empowering participants to
engage with the Bible, and Christian thought, to
faithfully pursue God and His Kingdom on earth.
The micro-credential can be used as a stand-alone module to gain knowledge and skill to think theologically, or it can be added to other theology micro-credentials.
This micro-credential offers Christ-followers the opportunity to consider lives lived, decisions made, and words spoken, that align with an understanding of who God is and his sovereign ways. In doing so, this micro-credential also provides a stepping stone toward future ministry roles, such as leadership roles within faith communities (youth leaders, children’s ministry, community workers etc), teachers of Bible Studies and theology, Minita-a-iwi, and chaplains.
Programme Structure
This short-course programme is designed for self-directed learning and is fully online. Learners will work through video tutorials, each accompanied by supporting worksheets. Learners will complete selected readings and/or watch other videos. Upon completion of each video and other assigned material, learners will participate in online discussion groups and write weekly reflections.
After the five modules, learners will complete a written assignment to assess that the learning outcomes have been achieved. Only the written assignment, and not the weekly reflections will be assessed.
To ensure the student is well supported during their time of study, Vision College highly recommends that participants are part of a Christian organisation which has scope to develop learnings from the programme.
$660.00
Fees listed are indicative only and may vary with course selection. Exact fees can be confirmed when you
enquire or apply.
* International learners are required to pay additional costs to attend one of our courses or
programmes. These additional costs include medical and travel insurance cover.
Discovering Theology: Who God is
and Why it Matters (Level 4)
Micro-credential Theology (Level 4)
*Awaiting NZQA approval
You will need to contact StudyLink for the answer to this. All of our courses have been approved by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and, as such, all New Zealand students that enrol in a programme of study, that includes a study fee, can apply to StudyLink.
No, the Diploma in Christian Studies gives you all the knowledge and skills you need through block courses, online learning, individual tutor contact and (if full-time) an internship.
Our students have done a wide range of things for their internships. The most common would be 24/7 workers, ICONZ leaders, youth ministry or leadership, worship ministry and children’s ministry. Some churches place their interns in a range of different areas during their year so they can see how the church runs in its various ministries.
Yes, the Diploma in Christian Study is designed so that you can do your internship with your own local church with supervision from one of the leaders from your church. Vision College values the partnerships it has with local churches through its internship programme.
Yes, Vision College offers the Diploma in Christian Studies (level 5) part-time over 3 years. Part-time students complete 8 papers and don’t do an internship. Usually, part-time students are already actively involved in their church, and enrol in the Diploma because they want to gain in knowledge and skills to be able to minister more effectively.
The internship component of the Diploma in Christian Studies works out at about 15 hours a week on average, leaving 25 hours a week for reading and assignments.