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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101129  Bachelor of Theology Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide specialised and advanced education in a particular theological discipline, in order to produce learners with intellectual capabilities and skills necessary for:
  • A systematic understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline.
  • Accurately interrogating multiple sources of knowledge and to evaluate knowledge and the processes of knowledge production.
  • Analysing and evaluating different sources (including scholarship and primary sources) of knowledge in an area of specialisation.
  • Describing and commenting upon particular aspects of current research, or advanced scholarship, in the discipline.
  • Conceptual understanding that enables learners to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques.
  • Critically evaluating arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem.
  • Communicating information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

    In addition, successful completion of the qualification will deliver learners that meet the requirements and qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and argued decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances. The qualification produces learners that will be thus equipped to make a rewarding contribution to challenges facing faith communities, churches, comparable organisations and societies in a range of contexts.

    Rationale:
    This Postgraduate qualification prepares learners for research-based Postgraduate study. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence and provides the platform for needed expertise and intellectual capacity in a particular theological discipline, developing research capacity in the methods and techniques of that discipline in order to pursue further study on Master's Level.

    The qualification enables learners to have an understanding of a complex body of knowledge within the ambit of a particular discipline, some of it at the current boundaries of the academic discipline. In addition, holders of a Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Theology will enjoy the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and argued decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances, that will put them in a position to make a rewarding contribution to challenges facing faith communities, churches, comparable organisations and societies in a range of contexts. Learners will have developed analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that will enable them to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgments and to communicate effectively. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

    Entry Requirements.
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Theology, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Theology, Level 7. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following elective modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 128 Credits.
  • Advanced study in Liturgy (TPTH6814), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TNTT6810), 32 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TOTT6811), 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TNTT6811, 16 Credits.
  • Textual Criticsm Hermeneutics (TNTT6812), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TOTT6810), 32 Credits.
  • History of Israel and the Culture (TOTT6814), 20 Credits.
  • History of the New Testament (TNTT6813), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Introduction to the Bible (TOTT6813), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TOTT6821), 16 Credits.
  • Methodology of Exegesis and Hermeneutics (TOTT6812), 20 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TOTT6820), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Church Policy (TELG6825), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in the History (TELG6823), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Homiletics (TPTH6813), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TELG6810), 32 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TELG6811), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Theoretical (TELG6812), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in the History (TELG6813), 20 Credits.
  • Studies in General Church History (TELG6814), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TELG6821),16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TELG6820), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Church Policy (TELG6815), 20 Credits.
  • Studies in General Church History (TELG6824), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Theoretical (TELG6822), 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to and Theology (TNTT6816), 16 Credits.
  • History of Israel and The Culture (TOTT6824), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in the Theology (TMIS6825), 20 Credits.
  • Specialised Missiological Mini (TMIS6824), 20 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TMIS6810), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Mission Theology (TMIS6813), 20 Credits.
  • Studies in Recent Mission History (TMIS6812), 20 Credits.
  • Studies in Recent Mission History (TMIS6822), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in the Theology (TMIS6815), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Mission Theology (TMIS6823), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TMIS6811), 16 Credits.
  • Specialised Missiological Mini (TMIS6814), 20 Credits.
  • Textual Criticsm, Hermeneutics (TNTT6822), 16 Credits.
  • History of the New Testament R (TNTT6823), 16 Credits.
  • Theology of the Old Testament (TOTT6825), 20 Credits.
  • Exegesis of Selected Parts of the Bible (TNTT6815), 16 Credits.
  • Theoretical Aspects of History (TNTT6814), 16 Credits.
  • Theology of the Old Testament (TOTT6815), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Introduction to the B (TOTT6823), 20 Credits.
  • Theoretical Aspects of History (TNTT6824), 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to and Theology (TNTT6826), 16 Credits.
  • Methodology of Exegesis and He (TOTT6822), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theology (TNTT6821), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TNTT6820), 32 Credits.
  • Exegesis of Selected Parts of (TNTT6825), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TMIS6820), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Faith Form (TPTH6811), 16 Credits.
  • Jonathan Edwards Studies (THTH6826), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Faith Formation (TPTH6812), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Spirituality (TSYS6825), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Systematic (TSYS6822), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Apologetics (TSYS6824), 20 Credits.
  • History of Post-Enlightenment (TSYS6826), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Ethics (TSYS6823), 20 Credits.
  • History of Post-Enlightenment (TSYS6816), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theology (TSYS6821), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TSYS6810), 32 Credits.
  • Archival Studies (THTH6812), 20 Credits.
  • The Discipline of Historical Theology (THTH6823), 20 Credits.
  • Philosophical Theology (THTH6825), 20 Credits.
  • Historical Theology (THTH6824), 20 Credits.
  • Research Report (THTH6820), 32 Credits.
  • Archival Studies (THTH6822), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Theory (THTH6821), 16 Credits.
  • Jonathan Edwards Studies (THTH6816), 20 Credits.
  • Historical Theology (THTH6814), 20 Credits.
  • Philosophical Theology (THTH6815), 20 Credits.
  • The Discipline of Historical Theology (THTH6813), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methods and Theory (THTH6811), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Ethics (TSYS6813), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theology (TSYS6811), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the History (TRLS6812), 20 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TPTH6800), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Pastoral C (TPTH6803), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Introduction to Practise (TPTH6802), 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TPTH680), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Pastoral C (TPTH6804), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Pastoral C (TPTH6805), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Pastoral C (TPTH6806), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Congregation (TPTH6807), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Congregation (TPTH6808), 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Congregation (TPTH6809), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TRLS6810), 32 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TRLS6811), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TSYS6820), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Apologetic (TSYS6814), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Doctrine (TRLS6824), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Worldview (TRLS6825), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Writings (TRLS6823), 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Theory (TRLS6821), 16 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation (TRLS6820), 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the History (TRLS6822), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Doctrine (TRLS6814), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Worldview (TRLS6815), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Study in the Writings (TRLS6813), 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Faith Formation (TPTH6810), 16 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learners will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding by way of reflection, interpreting and arguing of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field of study.
    2. Demonstrate argued acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge of the field of study.
    3. Accurately interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    4. Analyse and critically evaluate differentiated sources of knowledge (including scholarship and primary sources).
    5. Describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or advanced scholarship, in the discipline.
    6. Devise and sustain arguments, and/or solve problems, using ideas, methods and/or techniques.
    7. Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgements.
    8. Frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions to a problem.
    9. Operate effectively within a system, or manage the system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
    10. Take full responsibility for own work, decision making and use of resources and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others, where appropriate.
    11. Effectively communicate (also in writing) information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate the required levels of knowledge, competencies and skills by utilising effectively a range of academic and professional discourses, based on applicable sources, integrated theories, methodologies and practices.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Examine, criticise and compare a range of multiple sources of knowledge, methods and theories, demonstrating advanced skills of interpretation, analysis and identification and frame questions on theological issues in the field of specialisation.
  • Demonstrate the application of skills.
  • Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgments and take full responsibility for own work, decision making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Bachelor of Theology Honours qualification offered by institution provides for specialisation in the applicable theological disciplines that include, but are not limited to, the exegetical, historical, systematical, philosophical, jurisprudential and practical fields of study. The rationale, purpose and specific outcomes of the qualification are incorporated in the assessment practice and approach. To verify whether leaners have acquired the stated (generic) outcomes of the qualification, an integrated assessment approach is required. In this regard, linked to the specific outcomes of modules and exit-level outcomes of discipline-directed programmes, a selection and/or combination of Formative, Summative or Continuous Assessment is employed.

    To monitor and evaluate the levels of knowledge, skills and competencies as well as academic engagement and self-evaluation of learners in mastering the outcomes of the modules and qualification. Formative and Continuous Assessment: Written summaries, Assignments, presentations (including the design), debates, group discussions and seminars.

    Establishment and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative learning that took place. Summative assessment: written and or oral examination Appraisal of the leaners achievement of the intended learning outcomes Integrated assessment: Design of a research proposal, the submission of an argued research report in terms of language, style, argumentation and documentation. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Theology Honours in Ministerial Studies, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Theology, Level 9. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of the Free State 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.