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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Divinity 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111897  Bachelor of Divinity 
ORIGINATOR
Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie (Die) NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  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  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-03  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

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 Bachelor of Divinity qualification is to enable learners to be equipped with a range of applicable knowledge, skills and competencies that:
  • Are based on an integrated and comprehensive body of knowledge of classical-reformed theology;
  • Can be responsibly utilised in the varied aspects of ecclesiastical service such as pastoral and teaching ministry, missionary service, counselling, community development, etc.; and
  • Can be adequately applied and effectively communicated in Christian ministry and leadership, community service and development appropriate to differentiated contexts.

    The qualification curriculum is designed to achieve its purpose. Learners will be exposed to the study of Biblical and Classical Languages, Old Testament and New Testament, Exegesis, Hermeneutics, Church History, Systematic Theology, Ethics, Church Polity, Practical Theology and Missiology. The qualification develops a broad range of skills and competencies, embodied in the Exit Level Outcomes, applicable to the field of classical-reformed theology and accordingly related to substantiated and integrated knowledge, effective communication, (service leadership and creative problem solving.

    Learners who achieve this qualification will, therefore, be able to:
  • Provide and integrate substantiated knowledge of and acquaintance with the disciplines that make up the academic study of classical-reformed theology (substantiated and integrated knowledge).
  • Demonstrate the ability of critical conceptual thinking, interpretation, research, analysing and presentation in clear, coherent oral and written format. This includes the capability to interrogate and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge, to present and communicate ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences and to apply self-critique which effectively address own and others' professional and on-going development (effective communication).
  • Operate, in terms of accountable leadership, effectively in a Christian congregation or church, based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system (service leadership), and in doing so, display a deeper understanding of individuals and communities who have been influenced by Christian belief and understand how these beliefs and interrelationships have shaped societies, in order to develop meaningful and creative responses to problems and issues, within the ambit of an appropriate ethical framework and professional practise, taking full accountability for the decisions and actions (creative problem solving).

    Rationale:
    The institution currently provides a three year Bachelor of Theology(BTh); therefore, the Bachelor of Divinity will replace this current qualification. Previously learners who followed a Bachelor of Arts qualification with some compulsory subjects were able to access the BTh which was at NQF Level 8. However, with the categorisation of the BTh as a category C qualification will be phased out.

    It is in line with contemporary practice at tertiary institutions that learners start at entry level with theological modules together with the required languages for such a qualification.

    The qualification meets the specific needs of the professional body. The typical range of learners will be those interested in the classic reformed ministry. Learning pathways for the BDiv provides an articulation both vertically (to NQF Level 9 qualifications) and horizontally (to NQF Level 8) qualifications.

    Learners with a Bachelor of Divinity degree will meet the minimum requirements for admission to appropriate structured or research Masters' qualifications (e.g. MA, MTh, MDiv). Horizontally they can articulate to cognate NQF Exit Level 8 Postgraduate Diplomas or Honours degrees. The BDiv can also serve as a platform for admission to Postgraduate Diplomas not limited to the field of Theology, e.g. in Education, Higher Education, Disaster Management, Community Development, Social Services, Relief Management, Life Coaching, etc. The qualification will benefit learners who are interested in studying Reformed Biblical theology. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL provides admission to the qualification, as stipulated and managed by the institutional Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT). RPL at this institution is aimed at empowering potential learners by opening up access to or providing enrolment to the qualification offered by this institution. With regard to admission to the qualification, potential learners are comprehensively informed and carefully guided to the possibilities of Recognition of Prior Learning. It encompasses formal, non-formal and informal prior learning.

    The Institutional Policy on RPL provides for the following procedures:
  • If a learner is of the opinion that the skills and previous learning acquired are relevant to the Exit Level Outcomes, aim and structure of the qualification, he/she may apply for RPL.
  • The learner is to gather all relevant information and compare it to the Exit Level Outcomes of the Bachelor of Divinity.
  • Each portfolio is to be compiled in the format of a notebook, where a division is provided for each individual module/learning module a learner applies for.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • An appropriate Higher Certificate, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 510 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 108 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Latin, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Systematic Theology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Church History, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Diaconiology, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Missiology, 12 Credits.
  • Study of the Old Testament: Historical Books, 12 Credits.
  • Study of the New Testament: Sinoptic gospels, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Biblical Greek 1, 24 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew 1, 24 Credits.
  • Study of the Old Testament: Pentateuch, 12 Credits.
  • Study of the New Testament: Pauline Literature and General Epistles, 12 Credits.
  • Study of Church History: 33-900 A.D., 12 Credits.
  • Study of Diaconology: Catechetics, 12 Credits.
  • Study of Missiology: History of Religions, 12 Credits.
  • Study of Systematic Theology: From Confession to Dogmatics, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 156 Credits:
  • Biblical Greek 2, 24 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew 2, 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced study of the Old Testament: Prophetic Books, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced study of the Old Testament: Wisdom Literature, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced study of the New Testament: Johannine Literature, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Systematic Theology: God, Creation, Revelation and Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Church History: 900-1500, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Diaconiology: Liturgics, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Study of Missiology: African Traditional Religions and Islam, 12 Credits.
  • WIL, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 138 Credits:
  • Research Proposal, 6 Credits.
  • In-depth study of Church History: 1500-1800, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth study of Biblical Theology, 24 Credits.
  • In-depth of Systematic Theology: Man, Salvation, Church and Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Systematic Theology: Wisdom and Apologetics, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Church History: 1800-2000, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Poimenetics and Pastoral Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Homiletics, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Missiology: History of Mission, 12 Credits.
  • In-depth Study of Missiology: Theology and Theory of Christian Missions, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Advanced Study of Diaconiology: Youth Work (DKN 3172a) OR Advanced Study of Diaconiology: Liturgics (DKN 3172).
  • In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Homiletics (DKN 4282) OR In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Pastoral Counselling (DKN 4282a).
  • In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Poimenetics and Pastoral Psychology (DKN 4182) OR In-depth Study of Diaconiology: Church Planting (DKN 4182a). 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide and integrate substantiated knowledge of and acquaintance with the disciplines that make up the academic study of classical-reformed theology.
    2. Demonstrate the ability of critical conceptual thinking, interpretation, research, analysing and presentation in clear, coherent oral and written format. This includes the capability to interrogate and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge, to present and communicate ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences and to apply self-critique which effectively address own and others' professional and on-going development.
    3. Operate, in terms of accountable leadership, effectively in a Christian congregation or church, based on an understanding of the roles and relationships within the system.
    4. Display a deeper understanding of individuals and communities who have been influenced by Christian belief and understand how these beliefs and interrelationships have shaped societies, in order to develop meaningful and creative responses to problems and issues, within the ambit of an appropriate ethical framework and professional practise, taking full accountability for the decisions and actions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Display an extensive and systematic knowledge of the character and content of the various sub disciplines in classical-reformed theology.
  • Apply this knowledge in an innovative and original package in differentiated contexts where communication is determined.
  • Integrate knowledge within the ambit of understanding the development and value of applicable scholarship.
  • Explain the respective approaches to the interpretation of the theological concepts, belief systems and related to his/her own hermeneutical framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role and function of the components of the research process and integrate with advanced reference and bibliographical skills and communicate findings in an acceptable academic research proposal and project.
  • Refrain from all forms of plagiarism.
  • Analyse and appraise tendencies and discourses in disciplines by means of appropriate theories, concepts, principles and methods.
  • Critically and creatively respond to these perspectives and tendencies.
  • Evaluate scholarship.
  • Design, present and communicate coherent texts of information to different audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply and transfer appropriate standard procedures and techniques to unfamiliar problems typical of belief systems, individuals and communities.
  • Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address these problems.
  • Draw systematically on the body of knowledge and appropriate methods within the framework of classical-reformed theology.
  • Creative responses are developed to problems and issues pertaining to individuals, groups and larger communities.
  • Presented and communicate professional and occupational ideas, texts and responses effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
  • Take full responsibility for own work, decision making and use of resources.
  • Ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts, can be identified and addressed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Select and apply appropriate standard procedures and techniques and transfer to unfamiliar problems related to the interrelationships and practices of societies and faith communities.
  • Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address these complex and/or abstract problems.
  • Draw systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field interrelationships in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues pertaining to individuals, groups and larger communities.
  • Develop creative responses to problems and issues pertaining to individuals, groups and larger communities.
  • Present and communicate professional or occupational ideas and responses effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
  • Address ethical issues, based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.
  • Critically review information gathering, evaluation and management processes in specialized contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • 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 Integrated Assessment is embodied in the responsible use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods and assesses combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessment generates within a reliable and rigorous security system grading, ranking, selecting and predicting and thus provides feedback in order to improve the curriculum.

    Continuous formative assessment in this regard is provided through:
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Oral tests and examinations.
  • Peer group evaluations.
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments.
  • Practical workbooks.
  • Case studies and case presentations.

    Summative assessment is conducted in terms of oral and written examinations, as well as the submission of a comprehensive research report in the final year of study. With regards to summative assessment, internal moderation checks are undertaken and recorded in order to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Bachelor of Divinity is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    The Katholieke Universiteit Leuvenin in Belgium offers a Bachelor of Theology and Religious studies. The admission requirments are as follows:
  • TOEFL test;
  • A Flemish degree of secondary education (equivalent to our Grade 12);
  • A Flemish degree of short-course higher education;
  • A Flemish degree of higher education for social advancement, except for the Certificate of Pedagogic Aptitude;
  • A Degree or Certificate, awarded in the context of the Flemish HBO;
  • A Degree or Certificate which, according to a Law, Decree or European guideline or another international agreement.

    Learners will take all the modules on offer from the theological components such as:
  • Old and New Testament studies are compulsory.
  • Two modules from the religious studies department.
  • History and Philosophy are compulsory in the first year.
  • 20 credit electives of which Greek, Hebrew, Latin, German or French.
  • Guided individual Work integrated learning.
  • Academic essay.

    The Theologische Universiteit Appeldoorn in the Netherlands offers a Bachelor in Theology. The admission requirments are as follows:
  • A two year Diploma (equivalent to grade 12).
  • Must accept the reformed confession of faith.
    Learners will take:
  • Eight modules in the first year with Hebrew and Greek as compulsory courses and Latin as elective.
  • Philosophy and Introduction to Biblical Theology mandatory in the first year.
  • Five compulsory modules in the second and third year with Greek as an elective from the second year.
  • Course work.
  • Contact study.
  • English and Dutch.

    The Ghana Baptist University College in Ghana offers a Bachelor of Theology and Ministry. The admission requirements are as follows:
  • The learner must have passed in six (6) subjects on senior high school level.
  • The learner must have passed core English on senior high school level.
  • Moral behavior.
  • Church recommendation.
    The qualification comprises:
  • Compulsory courses in biblical-, theological-, historical-, educational studies, liberal arts, guided practical ministry studies and research methods.
  • The learner must pass beginners Greek and Hebrew.
  • Electives include Music, History and Islam in West Africa.
  • Supervised research component.
  • No credit rating to course work, student must pass all compulsory courses.
  • 63 theology credits in total.

    The Australian College of Theology (ACT) in Australia offers a Bachelor of Ministry. The admission requirements are as follows:
  • No specific admission requirements, other than Grade 12.
  • An applicant should meet ACT's entry requirements determined by the admission committee.
    The qualification comprises:
  • A core structure consists of 96 credits in Old Testament, New Testament, Christian History, Theology and Exegesis and one primary course discipline, e.g. Ministry and practice.
  • 24 Credits are electives.

    The Marquette University in the United States of America offers an MA in Theology. The MA in Theology is an Undergraduate Degree. The qualification comprises:
    Ten courses, coursework, the fulfillment of a foreign language requirement, passing comprehensive examinations, and completing a final project. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters of Arts, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Theology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Divinity, NQF 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.