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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 |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 119077 | Bachelor of Theology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| St John Vianney Seminary 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 0333/25 | 2025-07-10 | 2028-07-10 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-07-10 | 2035-07-10 | |||
| 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 provide graduates with professional knowledge, specific human skills and growth, and applied competency that provides for continued personal intellectual growth within the seminary setting, and to contribute to the preparation for ministry and meaningful contribution to the contemporary world. The qualification will provide South Africa, and other countries, with qualifying learners in the field of Theology who are creative theological thinkers, and nurture in them the ability to draw critically on the biblical witness and Tradition of the Catholic Church. Throughout the programme, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Christian Scriptures, Theology, and the History of the Church, and how to apply them in the contexts of their respective communities. Further, the purpose of this qualification is to provide an intentional opportunity for personal growth and development through work-integrated learning and formation. These strands of the qualification encourage learners to see their studies as not only a time of academic and intellectual challenge, but also a period of ongoing spiritual, human, emotional and psychological nourishment, and growth. Rationale: The rationale for this qualification is to stimulate intellectual curiosity, encourage an open-minded view of the Christian faith, subjecting it to rigorous intellectual scrutiny for better comprehension and a meaningful contribution to the real situation of South Africa. It is also to encourage a willingness to critically engage with other academic disciplines on matters that affect humanity, with maturity and readiness to understand and appreciate opposing points of view. Given the ever-increasing tendencies of religious competition and intolerance, as well as the sad history of South Africa previously characterized by various forms of discrimination, founded on erroneous Christian Theologies and misinterpretation of Sacred Scripture, the critical study of Theology can play an important role in promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence in South Africa. Given its inevitable manifestation and expression through the political, social, and cultural history of South Africa, Christian Theology is embedded with great potential for healing the wounds of the past, thereby contributing toward the yearned-for-path to social reconciliation and restoration. It aims to broaden self-understanding and facilitate cultural engagement, and it plays a meaningful and constructive role in the current, ongoing social transition in South Africa. It also has immense value as the study of how people have thought and continue to think about the indispensable spiritual dimension of human existence. The qualification assists learners to develop in-depth knowledge across broad areas of Theology in particular areas of interest. It develops research and communication skills and prepares qualifying learners for further theological studies. It is therefore envisaged that this qualification will contribute towards providing insight into how perceptions of human dignity influence value systems and contemporary culture, providing a structured professional learning pathway for current and aspirant theologians. It also promotes professional and academic development such that the qualifying learners are able to develop the skills, morals and ethical values needed to lead Christian communities. It helps towards the development of a contextual theory of practice about how faith communities should function within their own set of circumstances, articulating the knowledge they have acquired to generate insights and communicate them through clear reasoned arguments, and have a theologically informed basis for engagement and service in various diverse communities and world at large. The qualification will therefore provide benefits to the learners, Church communities and society at large. Upon the successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners studying for Priesthood will, after ordination, work as Priests in the Church, while non-Priesthood-orientated learners may choose to work either within the Church structures, or any other equivalent institution or setting, both nationally and internationally. |
| 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 applicable 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: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 110 Credits, Elective Modules, Level 5, 5 Credits (Select one module) 1st Semester Elective Modules, Level 5, 5 Credits (Select one module) 2nd Semester Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 110 Credits. Elective Modules, Level 6, 5 Credits (select one module)1st Semester Elective Modules, Level 6, 5 Credits (select one module) 2nd Semester Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 115 Credits Elective Modules, Level 7, 5 Credits Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 108 Credits Elective Modules, Level 8, 7 Credits (Select one module)1st Semester Elective Modules, Level 8, 5 Credits (Select one module) 2nd Semester |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Integrated knowledge of, and engagement with, theology as a human and social science, and a critical understanding and application of theories relevant to theology.
2. Develop, evaluate and articulate critical theological thinking in relation to sacred scripture, Christian spirituality and faith, world religions, and the history of Christian church teaching within the contemporary context. 3. Compare and use theological and other sources in an integrated manner to explore faith questions and proclaim the Christian faith in context. 4. Undertake and interpret in-depth analysis of specific existential contexts in order to formulate appropriate theological and pastoral responses relevant to the context. 5. Development of their personal faith in critical interaction with their context and people with differing views and exhibit a more advanced degree of critical self-awareness. 6. Engagement in and articulation of critical and creative theological thinking at a more advanced level. 7. Play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian values to contexts and being critical of all value systems. 8. Development and critical evaluation of insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to the development of Christian ministry and life. 9. Apply and interrogate varying theological disciplines to develop critical thinking concerning issues of power and leadership in church and society. 10. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT Integrated assessment centres on: The ability to read and interpret philosophical texts. The assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the programme modules. These assessment methods include: Formative assessment: The scheme of work includes tests and assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes. Summative assessment: Examinations or equivalent assessments such as a portfolio to determine a representative selection of the outcomes assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessments also test the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Integrated assessment: All assessments will attempt to integrate knowledge, critical thinking skills and attitudes and applied competence. Principles of assessment: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The specific outcomes, prescribed reading, level descriptors and associated criteria were compared with that of the Bachelor of Theology at several international institutions. Desktop research was comprehensively undertaken in the following institutions and areas:
Country: Australia Institution: Alphacrucis College Qualification Title: Bachelor of Theology Similarities: The Alphacrucis College (AC) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in terms of the following aspects. Entry Requirements: The AC qualification shares similar entry requirements with the SA qualification in that both qualifications require the secondary school qualification or Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification or NQF Level 5 qualification. The entry requirements for the AC qualification are as follows: Applicants with Work and Life Experience: Both the AC and SA qualifications may be accessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) because learners over the age of 21 at the time of commencement can apply for admission based on provisional entry and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate. Purpose/Rationale: Both the Alphacrucis College (AC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are designed to prepare learners for ministry and leadership within church and community settings. The AC and the SA qualifications integrate a well-developed foundation in Christian Studies with a broad and coherent theoretical and practical knowledge of theology and biblical studies. These include exploration of the Christian tradition as developed historically and within faith traditions. They also include engagement in the study of the primary texts of the Christian faith (Old and New Testaments) with reflection on how those texts have been interpreted both historically and in contemporary readings. Learners will also get to hone their skills in communication and problem solving, alongside developing specialist knowledge and expertise in their chosen specialisation, like biblical studies, biblical languages, and theology. Theories are applied and professional skills are developed through practical assessments and work-integrated learning. Upon completion of both qualifications, graduates will be able to: consolidate, synthesise and communicate a Christian worldview, with particular emphasis on the role of the gospel in providing an ethical framework for personal living. Qualification structure: Both AC and SA qualifications consist of compulsory modules and elective modules. Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules (Select Five modules at least one at 300 level taken from an accredited Level 7 course of study offered by AC). Language Specialisation: OR AND Christian Studies Specialisation. Work Integrated Learning: Both the AC and SA qualifications consists of compulsory WIL. To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Theology, a candidate will complete at least one subject (10 credit points) of Professional Practice. Differences: Credits: Duration: The AC qualification is offered over a period of three years whereas the SA qualification takes four years of full time study. Qualification structure: The course structure is based on six semesters (each of 12 weeks duration, plus an exam week), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises: Country: United States of America Institution: Ezra University (EU) Qualification Title: The Bachelor of Theology Duration: Four years Credits: 180 Similarities: The Ezra University (EU) qualification is comparable to the South African qualification in the following ways. Duration: Both the EU and SA qualifications are offered over a period of four years. Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the EU and SA qualifications. Or Anyone possessing a high school diploma, or its equivalent meets the basic academic requirement for admission to the qualification. Or Applicants for admission must have, or have candidacy for, a high school diploma or General Education Diploma. Purpose/Rationale: Both the EU and SA qualifications are designed to give learners the maximum benefit of a broad education in theological studies with an emphasis on biblical studies. General Education (GE) requirements ensure that the learner is broadly educated in the arts and sciences, while a significant portion of time is spent learning the fields of theology and the history of Christianity. The majority of the learner's coursework is dedicated to the bible, theology, and practical ministry Learners who complete both EU and SA qualifications will be the emerging leaders and serving the church as the pastor, evangelist, lay leaders, and the world with leadership with the following expertise: Qualification structure: The EU and SA qualifications consist of both elective modules. The general education (GE) requirement: 56 units The Bible and theology requirement: 80 units Unit requirement: A minimum of 180 units Residence requirement: 80 units General Education Requirements, 56 units Humanities and the Arts (4 modules) Social/Behavioural Sciences (Select Four modules from at least two disciplines): Natural Sciences/ Physical Sciences/Mathematics (Select Four modules) Bible and Theology Requirements: 80 units Biblical Studies, 40 (Select a minimum of ten modules): Theology 16 Units (Select a minimum of four modules): Christian History, 8 Units (Select a minimum of two modules), Practical Ministry and Church Administration, 16 units (Select a minimum of four modules) Differences: The AC has 180 credits while the SA qualification consists of 480 credits. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |