SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109563  Bachelor of Theology Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary NPC 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-05-29  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to:
  • Train learners who have such a sense of calling for the full-time ordained ministry of the Church.
  • Train learners who have such a sense of calling for various non-ordained types of Christian ministries, for example, chaplaincy, leadership, counselling, community development/upliftment.
  • Train learners for full-time ministry and lay persons who have expressed the desire to exercise a transformational influence within their respective communities.

    Whilst the general requirement for ordained full time Christian Ministry is a Diploma or a Degree, there are those who wish to pursue Postgraduate training within this specific field for the purpose of research, teaching, training, publishing and also further equipping and enhancing their skills. This qualification aims to provide quality Postgraduate training for those learners who have expressed keen interest and desire to pursue their studies in this regard.

    Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Provide good Christian leadership within the church and community.
  • Apply Biblical theology and models of leadership.
  • Apply ethical insight and values.
  • Understand implications for ethical leadership of self, society and the world we live in.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is developed to foster transforming leaders for the church and nation by providing the spiritual formation, ethical development and academic training required to grow mature, informed, and vocationally skilled leaders of integrity, faithfulness and excellence.

    The Bachelor of Theology Honours qualification is designed to prepare ministers, church workers and lay persons who wish to make an informed and fruitful contribution to the transformation of their respective communities, through programmes that positively contribute to spiritual upliftment, human empowerment, ethical living, leadership and community development.

    This qualification addresses the need for church leaders with a developing soundness of character, knowledge of the Bible and theology, leadership, ethics, teaching, counselling, administration, evangelism and community development.

    This qualification is also suitable for ministers in training for the ordained ministry who have completed first-Degree level qualifications, and also for those already ordained who have interest in post-ordination training that is vocationally centred and focused on practical outcomes.

    This qualification also prepares those who wish to advance their studies beyond a first Degree for either vocation or professional purposes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is followed as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and prior learning may be assessed to award credit where relevant. Learners can apply for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through forma. Informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence for assessment, and credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the qualification, and/or admission may be granted into the qualification. Leaners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment results where credits or admission were not awarded.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements to this qualification is a:
    Bachelor's Degree in Theology at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.
    Or
    Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at NQF Level 7.
    Or
    Advanced Diploma in a related field. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Theory and Methods, 20 Credits.
  • Biblical Foundations of Christian Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • Transformational Leadership: Values Based Ethical Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • The Theology/ies of Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of leadership theories to given contexts.
    2. Demonstrate critical insight into the various viewpoints related to Christian Leadership.
    3. Apply the biblical theology and models of leadership.
    4. Assess leadership by examining aspects which define and form theologies of effective leaderships.
    5. Evaluate theological assumptions in contemporary views of leadership.
    6. Apply various frameworks of ethical insight, finding implications and application for leadership of self, society the world we live in.
    7. Examine the implications of Ethical Values Based Leadership.
    8. Apply problem-solving techniques in congregations and communities.
    9. Demonstrating effective Leadership in Practice.
    10. Conduct research and produce new information linked to the practice of leadership.
    11. Communicate faith concepts independently. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate foundational working knowledge of the range of theories, concepts, including general and secular definitions and principles of leadership from theological and other sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret, compare and critically analyse biblical and other texts in the context of Leadership skills.
  • Use other sources and disciplines to interpret biblical and other texts.
  • Address faith questions as this relates to Christian Leadership.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify leadership themes, philosophies and styles throughout the Scriptures.
  • Use biblical models as examples in defining what spiritual leadership, management, and administration should be and should not be.
  • Analyse, develop, compare, and contrast contemporary leadership models with biblically based characters and characteristics.
  • Appraise giftedness, calling, ministry vision, and personal issues impacting the ability to provide effective leadership.
  • Propose a Gendered theology of leadership using biblical examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and assess various theological profiles of leadership.
  • Draw conceptual parallels of Christian leader in contemporary African context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate various theologies of leadership and contemporary approaches to leadership.
  • Explain the theories and theologies of leadership, and how these are applicable in their contexts.
  • Apply the theologies of leadership in understanding the theories, values, skills and methods that characterise a variety of desired portraits of leadership in contemporary contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Engage a wide range of ethical frameworks to address issues of decision making.
  • Evaluate how Scripture appropriately shapes the church's moral discourse as ethical leaders in the making, utilising Biblical examples/characters.
  • Explore the relevance of other ecclesial practices, of reason, tradition, and experience to the church's moral discourse.
  • Evaluate ways in which moral theology and moral discourse has always been shaped by the social and historical location of the churches.
  • Explore moral discourse as it applies to everyday lived experiences and leadership placements.
  • Apply knowledge and critical insight into the complexities of current moral issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify current situations that probe ethical thinking and require an ethical response.
  • Explore ethical judgments and decisions against faith convictions and biblical/theological values as it relates to Leadership.
  • Evaluate the ecclesiological claim that churches are by tradition and vocation communities of moral discourse, deliberation, and discernment by being a community of memory.
  • Engage, analyse and critique styles of leadership in Africa (both religious and secular) that were both positive and negative.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain how cultural and aesthetic awareness across a range of social contexts contribute to crises and conflicts.
  • Identify and solve problems, make responsible decisions, demonstrating critical and creative thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Apply the practical requirements under the supervision of a senior leader.
  • Evaluate accountability, adaptability, flexibility and maturing as a leader in training within the range of critical skill sets in practical assessments.
  • Analyse the impact of cultural and religious differences on inter and intra community relations.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity towards different cultures and religions.
  • Evaluate current leadership trends from a biblical and theological perspective.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Investigate critical areas of leadership in various communities, focusing on the discourses of, for example, gender, patriarchy, ethnicity, race relations, youth, children, etc.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Demonstrate competence in both written and spoken communication, communicate faith concepts, lead meetings, lead bible study groups, lead an organisation, and lead a congregation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The different modes of delivery of this qualification have appropriate policies and procedures for internal assessment; internal and external moderation; monitoring of learner progress; explicitness, validity and reliability of assessment practices; recording of assessment results; settling of disputes; the rigour and security of the assessment system; and for the development of staff competence in assessment. The purpose of formative assessment is to assess the progress of each seminarian (learner) in terms of academic attainment against the stipulated standards appropriate to each course within the overall framework of the standards defined in the qualification.

    Assessment may be formative or summative in nature. Formative Assessment describes an assessment process that provides developmental feedback to a learner so that they can adjust their plan for future learning. It is not recorded for external purposes. Formative Assessment is often called 'Assessment for learning'. Summative Assessment describes an assessment process that is generally undertaken at the end of the programme of learning, which is used to make a judgement on the learner's overall attainment. A key purpose of Summative Assessment is to record, and often grade, the seminarian's performance in relation to the stated learning objectives of the qualification and the designated National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels.

    Various instruments may be utilised for the purpose of assessing learners. These include:
  • Assignments: Reading Reports/Essays et cetera).
  • Case studies.
  • Examinations.
  • Extended response questions.
  • Journal-keeping.
  • Multiple choice questions.
  • Multiple response questions.
  • Oral questions.
  • Practical exercises - Specifically leadership in practice.
  • Discussions.
  • Projects.
  • Role-plays.
  • Personal Interviews Questionnaires.
  • Simulations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications.

    Country: Kenya.
    Institution: The International Leadership University.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Theology (BTH).

    The Bachelor of Theology Program in Kenya is a four-year Degree in the School of Theology. It provides the biblical and theological foundations that are essential for Christian ministry. The program covers broad areas in Bible, Theology, Missiology, Christian Education and Pastoral studies in an effort to meet a broader range of needs for Ministry and Academia.
    The goal of the BTh program is to equip leadership for church and para-church ministry and for transformational leadership Christian leadership in society. In addition to providing a sound foundation in Bible, theology and ministry skills, the BTh Degree seeks to develop Christian leadership that is characterised by integrity, vision, commitment to the Great Commission, and ability to initiate biblically informed movements of transformation in the church and society in Africa. The program places particular emphasis on developing a vision and passion for the Great Commission and movement-building through the development of the skills of evangelism, discipleship and equipping others as leaders. The purpose is to train and equip kinds of leaders who are capable of initiating ethical and holistic transformation in the Church and society. Modules such as spiritual formation, practical ministry and relational skills development are integrated within the biblical and theological foundations required for effective ministry and leadership in the Church and society. A similar goal in both qualifications is to equip leadership for the church and for transformational, Christian leadership in society. In addition to providing a sound foundation in Bible, theology and ministry skills, the qualification of the International Leadership University in Kenya seeks to develop Christian leadership that is characterised by integrity, vision, commitment to the Great Commission, and able to initiate biblically informed movements of transformation in church and society in Africa, which is a common vision.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK).
    Institution: Wesley House Cambridge.
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Ethical Leadership.

    Wesley House Cambridge in the UK offers a Postgraduate qualification in Ethical Leadership. The qualification draws from various historical examples to help learners both grasp their role as influencers in their professional, religious, and broader communities as well as identify and confront the ethical issues currently facing all religious leaders. A 'best practice' identified in this particular qualification is that it takes place across borders as an attempt to allow learners to benefit from the power of the place and immersive, contextual learning.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: Duke University Divinity School.
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Foundations of Christian Leadership.

    The Duke University Divinity School offers a post-graduate qualification in "Foundations of Christian Leadership", with few qualification outcomes as follows:
  • Form a learning community rooted in Christian practices.
  • Refine a vision of thriving communities that includes the work of Christian institutions.
  • Learn how to assess the context in which they are serving and appropriately plan for the future.
  • Explore the concepts of traditioned innovation, transformative leadership and vibrant institutions as the underpinnings of effective Christian leadership.

    Conclusion:
    These qualifications compare favourably with this qualification with regard to essential outcomes, assessment criteria, level of depth, complexity involved in the study process, and notional learning time. It must be noted that the above are a few examples of the international comparability of the programme as a whole. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's Degree in Theology, Level 9.
  • Master's Degree in Arts with Religious Studies, Level 9.
  • Master's Degree in Christian Leadership, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary NPC 


    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.