theology@otago.ac.nz
otago.ac.nz/theology

" />
Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Study Biblical Studies at Otago

    Study Jewish and Christian scriptures.

    Biblical Studies looks in detail at the biblical writings in their ancient contexts and considers how they should be interpreted.

    Biblical Studies papers are divided between Old Testament (Tanakh or Hebrew Bible) and New Testament.

    You can also study the biblical languages (Classical Hebrew and New Testament Greek) to an advanced level.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level BIBS 112 Interpreting the Old Testament 18
    BIBS 121 Interpreting the New Testament 18
    200-level Three 200-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 200-level CHTH paper 54
    300-level Four 300-level BIBS papers, one of which may be replaced with a 300-level CHTH paper 72
    Plus 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts 198
    Total 360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    Two 100-level BIBS or HEBR papers

    36
    200-level

    Two 200-level BIBS papers

    36
    300-levelOne 300-level BIBS paper18
     May include either RELS 211 The Dead Sea Scrolls or RELS 311 The Dead Sea Scrolls (Advanced) 
    Total 90

    Note: This minor subject is not available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol).

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    BIBS papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    BIBS112 2025 Interpreting the Old Testament 18 points Semester 1
    BIBS121 2025 Interpreting the New Testament 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS131 2025 Introductory New Testament Greek Language 1 18 points Semester 1
    BIBS132 2025 Introductory New Testament Greek Language 2 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS211 2025 God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS213 2025 Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2 18 points Full Year
    BIBS215 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS218 2025 Judaism in the Time of Jesus 18 points Semester 1
    BIBS221 2025 The Gospels 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS223 2025 Greek New Testament Exegesis 2 18 points Full Year
    BIBS224 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS225 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS226 2025 Jesus in the New Testament 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS227 2025 Mātauranga Māori and the Bible 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS311 2025 God, Land and Exile in the Hebrew Prophets (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS313 2025 Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3 18 points Full Year
    BIBS315 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS317 2025 God, Suffering and Justice 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS318 2025 Judaism in the Time of Jesus (Advanced) 18 points Semester 1
    BIBS321 2025 The Gospels (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS322 2025 The New Testament Epistles 18 points Semester 1
    BIBS323 2025 Greek New Testament Exegesis 3 18 points Full Year
    BIBS324 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS325 2025 Special Topic 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS326 2025 Jesus in the New Testament (Advanced) 18 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS327 2025 Mātauranga Māori and the Bible (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2
    BIBS411 2025 Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis (Advanced) 20 points Full Year
    BIBS412 2025 Special Topic 20 points Semester 2
    BIBS413 2025 God, Suffering and Justice (Advanced) 20 points Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
    BIBS421 2025 Greek New Testament Exegesis (Advanced) 20 points Full Year
    BIBS423 2025 Special Topic 20 points Semester 1
    BIBS490 2025 Dissertation 60 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)

    More information

    Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams

    Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.

    Connect with us


    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

    Not sure what to study?


    Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.

    Take the quiz
    Undergraduate student
    Back to top