SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Theology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111234	Bachelor of Theology
ORIGINATOR
Auckland Park Theological 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
National First 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	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
122389	Bachelor of Theology	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	360	Will occur as soon as [NEW] is registered

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The qualification meets the national requirements within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) context.

The primary aim of the Bachelor of Theology is to provide a comprehensive, broad education that equips the learners with a knowledge base, theory and methodology within the field of Theology, and to enable the learners to develop initiative and responsibility within the occupations offered by the Church and community organisations.

This qualification fulfils the requirements for progression, as it provides the necessary entry requirements for admission to a Bachelor Honours Theology (or equivalent) Degree. The qualification meets the knowledge and skills needs of these ministers to enable them to lead in an ethical, responsible manner to affect the uplifting of not only their church community, but also their broader community.

There exists a need for quality trained church planters, pastors, pastoral counsellors, evangelists, hospital chaplains, cell leaders, youth workers, workers in children ministries, missionaries and workers in church-based community qualifications.

On completion the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Solve problems for instances in ethical problems, demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse the core of the ethical problem, to reflect upon this in a meaningful manner, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments pertaining to the issue at hand.

Make ethically correct and professional decisions within the ministry, based on knowledge accrued from the various subjects, by being able to discern these correct actions by drawing on ethical values and approaches within the church community and broader community.

Apply the principles taught in for example Homiletics and Liturgy in correctly communicating biblical values, whereby the learner can communicate his or her ideas and opinions in well-structured and well-formulated academic sound arguments.

Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and not system bound, and that it does not occur in isolation.

Take full responsibility for his or her own learning needs and for life-long learning.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Theology is aligned with the vision and mission of the institution, which is:

To provide quality, effective, education within the higher education sector, so as to.

Provide a biblical based theological education within the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector of the Church.

In order to equip Christians for effective ministry.

Establish responsible, ethical driven research related to the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector of the Church.

The qualification was developed due to a need that was established through research into the educational needs of active Christian ministers. Research was done by means of various research projects, discussions with church leaders and other sector stakeholders. It is stated that, within the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector of the Church-world, at least three hundred churches are established daily within the Southern African region, which are led by ministers of whom the majority have no educational grounding in theology. The effect in many instances is churches that are managed on questionable principles and unacceptable practices. The qualification will enable the institution to fulfil its vision and mission to provide a biblical based theological education within the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector of the church to equip Christians for effective, responsible, ethical ministry.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
Or

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
Or

Higher Certificate in Theology, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 108 Credits

Church History, 14 credits

Dogmatics and Ethics, 18 credits

Missiology, 14 credits

New Testament, 16 credits

Old Testament, 16 credits

Practical Theology, 30 credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 14 Credits (Choose one module):

Greek, 14 credits

Hebrew, 14 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 114 Credits

Church History, 16 credits

Dogmatics and Ethics, 20 credits

Missiology, 16 credits

New Testament, 16 credits

Old Testament, 16 credits

Practical Theology, 30 credits

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 124 Credits

Church History, 18 credits

Dogmatics and Ethics, 22 credits

Missiology, 18 credits

New Testament, 18 credits

Old Testament, 18 credits

Practical Theology, 30 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas, within the theological disciplines presented in this qualification namely: Church History, Dogmatics and Ethics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology and a Biblical Language, including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of these disciplines.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge as contested and the ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the above-mentioned theological disciplines.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in mentioned theological disciplines, and their suitability to specific investigations; and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practical ministry practice.
4. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex theological and ministry orientated problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
5. Demonstrate the ability to take decisions and act ethically and professionally (ministry), and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported theology and practical ministry environment.
6. Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a theology and practical ministry context or use; and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
7. Demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate his or her ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, and/or ministry discourse.
8. Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable theology and practical ministry contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
9. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
10. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Associated Assessment Criteria for the qualification is a comprehensive set to assess all the ELOs in an integrated manner.

Demonstrate an integrated understanding of Church History, Dogmatics & Ethics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology, and Biblical Language.

Apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories within these disciplines.

Show detailed knowledge of a specialised area and its interrelation with other disciplines or ministry practices.

Identify and evaluate different types of knowledge and explanations within a theological discipline.

Demonstrate an awareness of contested knowledge and its implications within theological discourse.

Demonstrate familiarity with different methods of enquiry within a theological discipline.

Select and apply suitable methods to address specific investigations or problems in ministry practices or theological discipline.

Identify, analyse, and evaluate complex theological and ministry-oriented problems.

Apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments effectively to these problems.

Make ethical and professional decisions within a specific ministry context.

Justify decisions and actions using appropriate ethical values and approaches.

Develop processes for gathering information in theology and practical ministry contexts.

Validate, evaluate, and manage information and sources of information independently.

Develop and communicate ideas and opinions coherently in well-formed arguments.

Utilise appropriate academic, professional, and/or ministry discourse.

Manage processes in unfamiliar and different theological and ministry contexts.

Identify the contextual and systemic nature of problem-solving.

Identify, evaluate, and address personal learning needs autonomously.

Facilitate collaborative learning processes successfully.

Take full responsibility for work, decision-making, and the use of resources.

Demonstrate limited accountability for decisions and actions of others, in varied or ill-defined situations.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The assessments are managed in accordance with the assessment policies of the institution Both formative and summative assessments are employed in the programme. Formative assessments in the form of self-assessment questions, and written assignments and/or tests are conducted in each module of the programme.

The purpose of the formative assessments is to enhance the learning of the learner and serves as an indicator to both the learner and the lecturer of the learner's strengths, weaknesses and progress towards ELOs. Assignments provide the opportunity for more situated participative, and 'real world' oriented learning. It allows for a "real life" challenge to organise the structure of learning rather than the academic subject alone. It creates a context that brings theory and practice together in a meaningful way. Formative assessment provides the opportunity for, experiential learning, work-directed theoretical learning and problem-based learning. The ratio of formative to summative assessment is 50:50.

Summative assessments of a module are performed at the end of a semester. The summative assessments serve as an indicator of the learner's competencies in relation to theoretical depth, and to the achievement of the outcomes of the various modules specifically, and the programme in general.

Assessments are aligned with the programme and the specific module's outcomes. Assessments are fair and measure the competencies of the learner aligned with the ELO and AAC. Assessment tasks are evaluated for accuracy and whether they comply with the institution's policy and DHET regulations pertaining to assessments, and whether the assessment questions or instructions are reliable, fair and understandable for all learners.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Bachelor of Theology has been compared with the Bachelor of Divinity from the University of London, United Kingdom which follows the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ). The second qualification it has been compared with is the Bachelor of Christian Studies from the Alberta Bible College, Canada which is accredited with the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University of London
Qualication Title: Bachelor of Divinity
Duration: Four years Full time

Country: Canada
Institution: Alberta Bible College
Qualication Title: Bachelor of Christian Studies
Duration: Four years Full time

Similarities and Differences:
Both the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from the University of London (UL) and the Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS) from the Alberta Bible College (ABC)were selected due to similarities between its subject-matter and that of the South African (SA) qualification.

Purpose of each Qualification:
All qualifications aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theological principles and prepare them for various careers or further academic pursuits in religious studies.

The SA qualification has a more specific focus on Christian theology, while the UL qualification offers a broader approach that includes the study of other religions. The ABC qualification is designed to prepare individuals for pastoral and educational leadership in Christian communities, as well as providing a basis for continuing higher education.

Entry Requirements:
The SA qualification has multiple entry pathways, including national senior certificate, tertiary qualifications, theological-related certificates or diplomas, and matriculation exemption for older applicants.

The UL qualification requires applicants to meet general entrance requirements, be at least 17 years old, and satisfy English language proficiency requirements. For South African applicants a national senior certificate with at least an achievement rating of 6 in 3 subjects and achievement rating of 5 in 2 subjects, is required.

For the ABC qualification applicants need to provide proof of English competency, and Canadian students under age 21 are expected to attain their grade 12 diploma or equivalent. The initial semester is considered a probationary period. Continuation in the qualification is contingent upon attaining a 2.00 GPA in the initial semester.

ELOs/Content/Modules:
The SA qualification consists of six theological disciplines (Church history, Dogmatics and Ethics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament and Practical Theology) with specific modules outlined for each discipline, and one of the two Biblical languages (Hebrew or Greek). All disciplines are taken every semester for 3 years, 6 semesters in total.

The UL qualification offers a range of modules covering topics such as biblical languages, Christian doctrine, history of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, religion and ethics, and more. The qualification is structured into 12 modules across 3 levels, where the student needs to complete 1 compulsory and 3 elective modules from level 4, or 3 elective modules from level 4 and a compulsory module from level 5, and 7 elective modules (at least two from Level 5 and three from Level 6), and one dissertation.

The ABC qualification offers compulsory modules in Bible/Theology (36 credits), General Education (30 credits) and Professional Studies (36 credits), and elective modules for specialisation (18 credits) in either Biblical Studies, Business/Non-profit, Counselling, or Pastoral Care.

Level, Credits, Duration and Mode of Study:
The SA qualification is aligned with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and is registered at NQF Level 7, with a total of 360 credits. It takes a minimum of three years to complete, with enrolment bi-annually in January and June, with students studying through distance learning.

The UL qualification follows the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ) and comprises 360 UK credits where 1 credit equals 10 notional hours of study. It also has a minimum duration of three years, with students studying through distance learning and at their own pace.

The ABC qualification is accredited with the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and consists of a total of 120 credits. Full-time study is 15 credits per semester with the duration of the programme being 8 semesters. The mode of study is in-person.

Types of Assessments:
The compared qualifications involve a variety of assessment methods, including written assignments, tests and exams. Most modules in the UL qualification are assessed by means of forum participation (5%), coursework (45%) and examination (50%).

Articulation:
All these qualifications provide a foundation for further academic pursuits in theology, religious studies, or related fields, as well as potential career paths in areas such as pastoral leadership, teaching, counselling, youth ministry, community management, and more.

The SA qualification gives successful learners access to a Bachelor Honours in Theology degree (NQF 8) at South African universities. The UL qualification gives access to postgraduate studies in theology or religious studies. The ABC qualification prepares students to pursue graduate studies with specialisation in Bible, Theology, Leadership, or Counselling.

Conclusion:
The SA QUALIFICATION is a specialised qualification, rooted in Christian theology. In comparison, the UL qualification offers a broader perspective encompassing various religious studies, while the ABC qualification emphasises practical and pastoral leadership within Christian communities. Each qualification provides a foundation for further academic pursuits and various career paths in theology, religious studies, and related fields.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for vertical and horizontal and diagonal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Ministry, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Theology in Christian Ministry, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Theology, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Theology Honours, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours: Theology: Christian Ministry, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Christian Religious Professional, NQF Level 5.

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 of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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.	Auckland Park Theological Seminary NPC