WHY DO AN INTERNSHIP?
Jesus intended for his disciples to become faithful, skilled and brave – their lives became a adventure in service of the kingdom of God. Jesus taught them how to serve alongside him, then sent them out. Mentored internships fit this life-giving pattern of growth – learning, practicing, building faith, and growi as they grow into a new realm of service. Participants join a close knit, authentic community of learners, and are individually mentored. Internships are NZQA accredited programme that provides a rewarding way to explore ministry, gain experience, and become kingdom-minded leaders. Placements can take place in churches, Christian camps, other non-profit organisations, or missions settings and involve areas like worship, youth or children’s ministry.
Have a place you'd like to serve? Chat with us!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bishopdale College offers two internship based diplomas. For full time students, each week involves twenty hours of developing your leadership skills through supervised ministry placement, integrated with mentoring and reflection and twenty hours of theological and biblical study.
Interns studying at Level 5 complete a one year NZ Diploma in Christian Studies (NZDipCS), majoring in Christian Leadership. This programme is offered by Bishopdale College in partnership with Laidlaw College. This is a full-year course - you can take it part time, but the internship component should be taken across a full year (February - November) so there is no mid-year intake. Alongside leadership skills, courses include Reading the Bible, Formation, Christian Leadership and Mission, and Engaging Theology.
Interns studying at Level 6 (usually those who already have a Level 5 Certificate or Diploma in Christian Studies, or equivalent in ministry experience) complete a one year Level 6 NZ Diploma in Christian Studies. This programme is offered by Bishopdale College. Students may start in Semester 1 or 2. Alongside advanced leadership skills, courses include Gospels, Christology, Spirituality for Ministry, and a choice of ministry-specific electives.
These are both standalone qualifications from which students can continue into a Bachelor of Theology with Bishopdale College - in partnership with Laidlaw College - or other theological providers.
FUNDING?
Students enrolling in the Level 5 NZDipCS(CL) through our partnership with Laidlaw College, can apply for student loans, student allowance, and also qualify for Fees Free Study in your first year of tertiary education.
Student enrolling in the Level 6 NZDipCS(CL) are at this point unable to access student loans or allowances due to lack of TEC funding. Students interested in this programme are encouraged to contact Bishopdale to discuss funding options.
Students may also be eligible for other scholarships, or financial support, from their home denomination - we are happy to help you explore these options.
For more information about internships, contact our internship coordinator, Jude Saxon by emailing jude@bishopdale.ac.nz.
Before applying, it’s a good idea to have a chat with our team to make sure you apply for the programme which is the best fit for you.
If you are applying for the Level 5 NZDipCS(CL), which we run in partnership with Laidlaw College, please complete the Level 5 BTC internship application form, before we ask you to complete the formal Laidlaw College application. We ensure students are suitable to enter internship programmes before they apply for academic entry.
If you are applying for the Level 6 NZDipCS(CL), please complete the Level 6 NZDipCS application form. Student’s suitability for the internship programme is assessed at the same time as their academic readiness.