Undergraduate Certificate in Biblical Studies

Students must choose one biblical unit, either Interpreting the Bible or Introduction to Theology and two of the ministry electives from the list below.

Overview of the New Testament (NT505)

This New Testament unit is exciting because it provides an opportunity to engage seriously with the biblical text. This is a core unit.

In the first half of the unit, students will gain an insight into the background, purpose, and overall message of the Gospels and Acts, introducing us to the person of Jesus, the kingdom of God and the mission of the church. Knowing the Bible and its overall message is important for any person involved in ministry. This cannot be done unless we understand the story of Jesus, both in the light of the meta-narrative of Scripture and the historical context from which the story unfolds.

Students will discover that this narrative is not only objective but also intersects their personal lives, as the reality of a risen Saviour calls them to participate in the continuation of a story that brings life and hope.

Not only will students grow in confidence by coming to grips with God’s bigger picture, but this unit will also provide an open door for further in-depth studies.

In the second half of the unit, students will gain insight into the New Testament letters’ background, purpose, structure, and themes and understand various methodologies for studying these books.

For any person involved in Christian ministry, it is important to know the New Testament well, as it is based on the authority of the Scriptures.

This unit will have a life-changing impact on students. They will be exposed to the teaching of Paul and other Apostles within the story of the Gospel, reaching various parts of the world in the context of internal church problems and external persecutions.

An overview of the New Testament letters also opens the door for further in-depth study. Students will grow in their faith and understanding as they’re exposed to topics that stir their desire to conduct additional research.

Overview of the Old Testament (OT505)

Although most of the Old Testament is written as a narrative, it is seldom read as such. Therefore, this unit aims to examine how Genesis to Nehemiah should be read as a narrative.

It starts by looking at what narrative is, how it functions and how it should be read. With this as a base, we look at the Old Testament’s meta-narrative (‘big picture’ narrative). Guided by the author, students subsequently consider the building blocks that make up the narrative.

In the course, we meet different characters and experience another world through the author’s eyes. We also look at the interaction between the characters and, in the process, learn to know the main character better – who He is and what He is like.

Furthermore, we also inquire how the author, through his narratives, draws his audience into his story world and changes their worldview. Having engaged with the characters in the story, we leave the narrative world with a different perspective on the characters, especially the main character, ourselves and the world we live in. The objective is that the narrative would fulfil its purpose in changing worldviews.

In the second half of the unit, we look at the story of God’s people. We will be looking at life in God’s presence. What does it mean to live as God’s people in every aspect of our lives? Ancient Israel expressed her life before God predominantly in the form of poetry. In prophetic literature, we hear God’s admonishing and comforting voice. In the Psalms, we hear the voice of God’s people in their heartache, suffering, pain, hope, joy, worship and celebration. In the wisdom literature, the sages of old give direction as to how God’s people should live wisely in this world.

Studying these books of the Bible gives us, as God’s people, the opportunity to hear His voice anew. It also gives us a voice to express ourselves in all our needs and joys.

Interpreting the Bible (HE501)

How does God communicate through the Bible? How do we apply the Bible today? What does this passage mean? How should I approach the Bible?

These are common questions for anyone who reads God’s Word. This unit helps to answer these questions and provides a foundation for all biblical study. It equips students to analyse and interpret the Bible responsibly and creatively by bridging the gap between the world of the Bible and our modern world.

In this unit, we look at different approaches to Scripture, the background of Scripture, how we, as interpreters, are involved in constructing meaning, and how we can effectively apply the message of an ancient book to our world and lives today.

This unit lies at the heart of all biblical and systematic theological studies. Thus, it integrates with all New Testament, Old Testament and Systematic theological subjects.

Introduction to Theology (TH501)

Introduction to Theology provides students with the big picture of God’s involvement with humanity and the world.It offers an opportunity to consider their faith’s foundation carefully. We will consider important questions such as:

• What is truth, and how can we understand and know God?
• Who is God, and how are we designed in his image?
• What is the effect of sin on God’s design for creation?
• Who was Jesus, and how do his life and work affect us today?
• Who is the Holy Spirit, and how is he involved with us now?
• What is the church’s charter today, and what is our unique role within it?
• How will this world end, and what lies beyond?

This subject takes a person’s biblical knowledge, which is often compartmentalised and places it in a broader theological framework. This allows students to think more clearly and wider about issues in ministry and everyday life.

The subject doesn’t only detail and describe the foundations of the Christian faith but places the major theological themes of the Bible into the dramatic reality of a gracious covenantal God. This approach gives the student a clearer perspective of God’s involvement with them in everyday life.

Course Completion

Upon completion of all four core units, students will be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate in Minsitry.

CRICOS Course Details

This course is not available for overseas students.

Recognition of Prior Learning

PBC will assess Recognition of Prior Learning on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to apply for RPL, please inform the College at the time of applying.

For more information on this, please see PBC’s Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.