The five academic disciplines are Biblical Studies, Theology and Ethics, History of Christianity, Practical Ministry, Ecumenism, plus Academic Skills.  The basic intent of the academic disciplines expressed below is to equip students in serving the needs of Pasifika communities and beyond in any capacity using ‘whole of life’ and justice-driven approaches appropriate to their contexts.

BIBLICAL STUDIES  

The Biblical Studies Discipline provides standard and advanced studies in the biblical languages, the various contexts in which the Hebrew and Greek Bibles came into being, the Bible as literature, as well as engaging the Bible from Pasifika ‘whole of life’ hermeneutic perspectives. The courses designed for the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) programmes, including research and thesis focus areas at Masters and Doctoral level programmes help to equip the Pacific Churches and communities with biblical scholars trained as communicators of the ‘Word of God’, in both the Old and the New Testaments. Hence, leaders who can serve in the ministry of the Church and communities in the elaboration of a biblically-grounded and whole of life Pasifika theology.

THEOLOGY AND ETHICS 

The Theology and Ethics Discipline provides advance studies in theology and ethics. The courses design for the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) programme and Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) programme, including research and thesis focus areas at Masters and Doctoral level programmes help to allow and create spaces for Pacific theologians to further reflect on and articulate the Christian faith in the different cultural and historical contexts in the region. Contextualisation of theology within Oceania is a focal endeavour. The courses are used to elicit, encourage, and enhance use of local concepts to articulate the central message of Christianity. The basic framework within which the programme operates is the doctrines of creation and incarnation as well as the current world and regional ethical issues.  

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY 

The History of Christianity discipline at Pacific Theological College offers a distinctive and comprehensive study of the history of Global Christianity, with a particular focus on the Pasifika Region. Through our specialised curriculum, students are introduced to the historical development of diverse Christian traditions from the first century to the present, encompassing a wide range of study, from well-known figures and movements to lesser-known diaspora, subaltern, and exile communities. In all our courses, our dedicated faculty demonstrates expertise in historical methodology and critical historiography, facilitating students’ exploration of the complex processes of orality, textuality, contact, transfer, entanglement, conflict, and cooperation between Christianity, Indigenous peoples, and other religious traditions.

PRACTICAL MINISTRY 

The Practical Ministry Discipline offer advanced level studies in practical theology and pastoral theology. The courses design for the Bachelor of Divinity programme and Postgraduate Diploma programme, including research and thesis focus areas at Masters and Doctoral level programmes help to assist future church leaders in developing expertise in one of the following disciplines of ministry: Christian Education, Church and Society, or Pastoral Care and Counselling. Henc, equip theological colleges and other tertiary institutions in the Pacific and beyond with teachers who are qualified to teach in the broad area of Practical Ministries, as well as in their special area of concentration.

ECUMENISM

The new discipline of Ecumenism is about ecumenism as Pacific churches see it. Basic to this programme of study is the new ecumenical consciousness, an understanding of Pacific ecumenism as the ‘Household of God in the Pacific’, and the relationship of God’s creations within the Pacific household. Focus will also be on the special duty of God’s human creation: the duty of stewardship. The studies will be conducted through research, workshops and seminars, and other interactive learning modes, on the spirituality, theology, biblical and missiological aspects of this new ecumenical consciousness. The Ecumenism Discipline currently offers studies at Bachelor degree level. In 2025 onwards the Discipline will add studies at Postgraduate Diploma level including research and thesis focus areas at Masters and Doctoral level programmes.

 LEARNING SKILLS

This discipline works across the university and offers advanced level studies in Academic Skills, Applied Research Skills, and English. The courses designed for the Bachelor of Divinity and Postgraduate Diploma programmes, including research and thesis focus areas at Masters and Doctoral level programmes, help equip students with essential skills for academic theological work in research, reading, writing, referencing, and critical thinking at postgraduate level. It helps keep English language skills fresh in academic reading and writing and aims to support all students with their learning needs.