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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours in Biblical Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112938  Bachelor of Theology Honours in Biblical Studies 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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, as a Postgraduate specialisation, is to prepare learners for research-based Postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen learners' expertise. Learners acquire comprehensive, critical and systematic knowledge of Christian Theology. Learners choose a particular theological discipline and become conversant with contemporary theological discourse, which requires a high-level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. Furthermore, the qualification enables learners to develop their research capacity in the methodology and techniques relevant to theological disciplines.

Rationale:
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) provides the basis for redress that underpins curriculum transformation and development in our post-apartheid South African society. Consequently, all qualifications should contribute to the social transformation and holistic development of learners.

Qualifications focus on healing the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. These values improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

Aligned with the Bill of Rights as encapsulated within the Constitution, this qualification lays a foundation for the achievement of these goals. It is sensitive to issues that promote inequality, such as poverty, race, gender, language, age, disability. The qualification enhances denominations, faith communities, partners of the Faculty of Theology and individuals engaged in ministry or community-related service. These include those in disadvantaged communities and regions with classical reformation-determined theological education that provides for:
(i) Thorough grounding in knowledge, theory, and (moral) principles;
(ii) A higher level of skills and a broader range of competencies associated with professional requirements; and
(iii) Adequate preparation for further Postgraduate studies. However, due to various constraints and obligations, a growing number of potential learners are deprived of the opportunity that allows for addressing the need for the mentioned theological education.

The qualification is professionally-orientated and is designed and taught through distance learning, thus bridges the physical, transactional and epistemic distance in teaching and learning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL applies according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Health Science manages the process. Assessment of Learners is against NQF Level 7 competencies.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • New Testament Exegesis, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Interpretation of the Old Testament and the Pentateuch, 16 Credits.
  • Honours Mini Dissertation, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits (Choose Six):
  • Doctrine of Scripture to the Doctrine of Sin, 8 Credits.
  • Principles and Practice of Preaching, 8 Credits.
  • The Ecumenical and Reformed Confessions, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Reformed Church Polity, 8 Credits.
  • Liturgical Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Human Rights, 8 Credits.
  • Principles and Practice of Preaching, 8 Credits.
  • Creative Biblical Instruction, 8 Credits.
  • A Christian Theology of Religions, 8 Credits.
  • The Synoptic Gospels, 8 Credits.
  • Narrative Text: The Early Prophets, 8 Credits.
  • Home Visitation and Counselling, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate knowledge of and engagement with Theology as a human and social science and a critical understanding and application of theories relevant to Theology.
    2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines (the theological encyclopaedia).
    3. Critically compare and use theological and other sources in an integrated manner to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
    4. Critically interact with their context and people with differing views, and exhibit a more advanced Degree of critical self- awareness.
    5. Engage in articulate critical and creative theological thinking at a more advanced level.
    6. Develop and apply core human and Christian values to contexts, and critique all value systems.
    7. Develop and critically evaluate insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to the development of Christian ministry and life.
    8. Interrogate varying theological disciplines to develop critical thinking concerning issues of power and leadership in church and society.
    9. Demonstrate sensitivity to and interact constructively with, multicultural and multi-faith communities, from a theological perspective.
    10. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Review and interrogate the theories associated with Theology as a social science.
  • Critically reflect and appraise the application of relevant theological theories to society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Distinguish between and apply theological concepts regarded as the theological encyclopaedia.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, analyse and synthesise relevant materials of biblical sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Portray the ability to develop and communicate independent and defensible theological worldviews in oral and written format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify complex problems to contemporary ethical issues and propose possible solutions based on research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Give an insightful and critical account of the history and values of their faith community and their faith development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Conceptualise a research project through the practical process of data collection, critical analysis and interpretation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of church and society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines by incorporating theory and praxis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of church and society.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In the assessment of qualifications taught on digital-mediated environments, the emphasis is on the optimal usage of the digital learning platform for ongoing formative assessment.
    Procedures are stipulated to receive, record, process, and turn around assignments within a time frame that allows students to benefit from feedback before the submission of further assessment tasks.

    The study unit, modules and qualification exit levels include a variety of formative assessment tasks such as tests and quizzes, participation tasks, formal formative tests, online tests, assignments and examinations. There are typically two to three smaller assignments per module per semester, and one major written assignment and small participation tasks (e.g. reading to be done and short questions regarding the reading). The participation mark is part of formative assessment, and the examination is a summative assessment. The ratio between the formative and summative assessments varies from module to module, but it is between 70:30 and 50:50. Summative assessment goes through internal moderation checks. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: Morling College Australia.
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Theology (Honours).
  • This qualification is comparable to the qualification offered by the above country because it accentuates the outcomes of the Bachelor of Theology.
  • It prepares men and women for advanced research in theology and ministry.
  • Career options allow for advanced Church leader preparation and Postgraduate research (at Masters or Doctoral level) in a specialist field in the Departments of Bible and Language, Christian Thought, or Ministry and Practice.

    A 120 Credits (typically one year) Postgraduate Honours qualification is not common in universities around the world. However, learners graduating with a Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) have attained a qualification comparable to the discipline-specific Honours qualifications in the United Kingdom and African countries operating under the same system (e.g. Kenya and Nigeria).

    Thus the South African Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) qualification standard is comparable to similar international qualifications in outcomes, assessment criteria, level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and due regard to notional learning time. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Semitic Languages, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Theology, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • 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.