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: 

Master of Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
113000  Master of Theology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's 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  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of Theology. Learners can function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of Theology. Learners thus contribute towards the improved understanding of Theology. Successful completion of this qualification also provides candidates with the possibility of further study at the doctoral level.

Rationale:
The qualification responds to the need to provide faith communities and the South African society at large with graduates possessing the critical knowledge, skills and competence required to make a positive but critical contribution to theological, ethical and global-political debates. These graduates can design, write and offer courses to foster an awareness of the crucial importance of Theology in contemporary society. 

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. The application of RPL is 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 Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
  • Learners' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor Honours in Theology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Divinity, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory dissertation at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Compulsory Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform exegetical and theological analysis and interpretation of Christian sources relevant to Theology at an advanced level. The ability to apply the integrated knowledge by critically using a variety of methods including historical debate, textual and literary analysis and philosophical discourse.
    2. Integrate, order, appropriate and communicate relevant sources of knowledge effectively in the context of research in Theology.
    3. Analyse, understand and position oneself and one's community within the scope of the history of Christianity and the world in a manner appropriate to Theology as a field of study.
    4. Choose and apply methodology appropriate to Theology as a field of research and Participate confidently in discussion and research into issues and problems relevant to Theology as a field of study and report their findings clearly in written and oral form.
    5. Present a coherent written research model supported by references as appropriate through effective communication skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Reflect on and demonstrate functional capacity in Theology by applying hermeneutical issues specific to Theology.
  • Evaluate and apply Christian theology in a manner appropriate to Theology as a field of study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and interpret knowledge with methodological soundness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the capacity for informed, independent, critical thinking and ability to perform appropriate library and online research utilised in the professional study of Theology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Write a concise and substantial dissertation that utilise theories from the discipline of Theology that integrate knowledge and interpretative skills to analyse topics related to the field of Theology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to and knowledge and understanding of the ethical needs of the country, and the ability to satisfy international standards of excellence.
  • Identify problems and questions and critically evaluate solutions and answers in the practical aspects of research into ethical problems;
  • Write a concise and substantial dissertation that utilise theories from the discipline of Theology that integrate knowledge and interpretative skills to analyse topics related to the field of Theology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification by dissertation awarded by the institution offers the opportunity for high-quality research in various theological disciplines. Among them are the exegetical, historical, systematic, philosophical, jurisprudential and practical theological disciplines. The assessment practice and approach, which is characterised by ongoing supervision to culminate in a final summative assessment.

    Integrated assessment: Design of a research proposal, the submission of an argued dissertation in terms of language, style, argumentation and documentation, internal and external assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Universität Heidelberg in Germany offers a Master's Degree in Christianity and Culture. This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country in the following criteria. The Master of Theology qualification standard is comparable in outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and notional learning time. The qualification matrix and articulation of the Master of Theology qualification is particularly close to the existing practice in universities taking part in the network of FIIT "Forschungszentrum Internationale und Interdisziplinäre Theologie".

    Brisbane School of Theology in Australia offers Master of Theology. This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the above country as it also requires a Postgraduate Degree in Theology or equivalent theological qualification to register. To receive the Master of Theology qualification from the Brisbane School of Theology, qualified learners also need to complete a single thesis. The Master of Theology qualification from the School of Theology in Brisbane Australia is also a research qualification with no taught elements. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Ethics, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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. North West University 


    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.