Calendar

College generally begins the last full week in January and closes after the first full week in December, giving 45 weeks of set lectures and research interspersed with public holidays and selected break periods.  Admission to the programme is usually in January, however, it is possible for a student to enter the programme at the beginning of any quarter subject to the discretion of the Administration. 

Programmes Available

Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies,  NZQA Level 5

240 credits. Two-Year Full-time Programme.  (May be studied part-time).

Approved by New Zealand Qualifications Authority. 

Diploma in Christian Ministry,  NZQA Level 5

120 credits. One Year Full-time program 

This course is designed for students who have a desire to go into full-time ministry and have completed the 2 year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies or its equivalent.

Approved by New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Individual Subjects

Students not wishing to complete a Diploma may select individual subjects within the Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies programme.  SPBC recognises completion of these subjects with an SPBC Recognition of Achievement Award during the graduation ceremony. Credits earned from these subjects may be applied towards a Diploma at a later if they apply.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students transferring to the South Pacific Bible College from other Schools of Biblical Studies may apply for credit recognition and need to submit their transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved.  Students may request the forms from the Dean of Academics at enrolment.

Educational Pathways

Graduates of SPBC attending other Training Establishments have received recognition of credits on a case-by-case basis.  A credit recognition agreement exists with the University of Otago Theology Department.  Graduates applying to Bible College of New Zealand, Bethlehem Institute (Tauranga, New Zealand), Abilene Christian University (Texas, USA) and Oklahoma Christian University (Oklahoma USA) will also be considered for credit recognition if it applies to degrees in similar areas of study.  Students should speak with the Dean of Academics for advice and more information.

Recognition of Excellence

A full-time Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies student will be enrolled in 254 credits.  To earn the Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies a student must have accumulated a minimum of 240 credits.  A full-time Diploma in Christian Ministry student will be enrolled in 128 credits.  Graduates must have accumulated a minimum of 120 credits.  In recognition of achievement students successfully completing more than the minimum requirements will receive the following notation on their diploma certificate: 

Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies:

“Merit” (for 254 credits)

“Excellence” (for 254 credits with a minimum B+ average)

Diploma  in Christian Ministry:

“Merit” (for 128 credits)

“Excellence” (for 128 credits with a minimum B+ average)

South Pacific Bible College Accreditation

The South Pacific Bible College is registered as a ‘Private Training Establishment’ by the New Zealand Qualification Authority pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 1990.  The College is accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to teach both the Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies and the Diploma in Christian Ministry.  Such approval allows international students to apply for student visas and NZ resident students to qualify for Student Allowances and Loans.