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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122518  Bachelor of Theology Honours 
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
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  EXCO 0525/24  2024-07-11  2027-07-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11   2031-07-11  

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 this Bachelor of Theology Honours is to consolidate and deepen the learner's knowledge in the academic discipline and to develop research capacity in the Theological research methodology. The qualification prepares learners for research-based postgraduate study and equips them to apply and/or transfer knowledge to specialised areas of the ministry work environment). The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

This qualification is suitable for ministers in training, those in the ordained ministry who have completed undergraduate qualifications, and those already ordained who have an interest in post-ordination training that is vocationally centred and focused on practical outcomes.
The qualification will equip learners with specialised knowledge and theology about the Old Testament and New Testament regarding:
  • The systematic scientific exposition of the theoretical doctrine concerning God and God's work, based on the dogmas of the Church.
  • The empirical and theological theory of the interventions of the Christian faith in the praxis of modern society.
  • Missiological issues and missional practice of the church.
  • Critical reflection of church history.
  • The empirical and theological theory to facilitate the holistic well-being of the members of the church in the behaviour and attitudes of the followers of Christ, not limited to instruction and guidance, but also includes the support of the whole being of the person of faith; and/or
  • The empirical and theological theory for the intervention of the Christian faith in the praxis of establishing thriving communities.
  • The empirical and theological theory for the intervention of the Christian faith in the praxis of multi- and interdisciplinary understanding of chaplaincy in a military, correctional and police context.
  • The empirical and theological theory for the intervention of the Christian faith in the praxis of establishing and fostering child and family wellness.
  • The empirical and theological theory for the intervention of the Christian faith in the praxis of youth development and support.
  • The empirical and theological theory for the intervention of the Christian faith in the praxis of counselling to children, to facilitate the holistic well-being of children and provide appropriate support to children in need.

    The qualification is designed to develop learners' academic and cognitive skills, ethical and professional actions, academic communication skills, personal management of own learning and accountability. These are collective in fulfilling the requirements for progression, as they provide the necessary entry requirements for admission to a Master's degree in Theology or equivalent.

    Rationale:
    The Christian faith is growing rapidly in Africa and around the world. This extraordinary expansion of faith has the potential to make Africa one of the centres where global Christianity will be greatly influenced. Theological training is invaluable to ensure that the future of Christianity becomes one which is biblically grounded, ethically directed, and culturally relevant.

    Research indicates that at least three hundred new churches are established weekly within the Southern African region. These new churches are led by ministers of whom the majority (80-90%) have no educational training in theology. As a result, churches that are managed on questionable principles and unacceptable practices relating to financial corruption and unethical manipulation of congregation members. This qualification was developed 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, and ethical ministry. Being such a large segment of South African society, their professional, ethical, and academic development will have a positive impact on their communities.

    The development of the qualification was informed by values and the benefits of education and training set out in the constitution of the institution (2010:2), namely:
  • To meet the learning needs and aspirations of individuals through the development of their intellectual abilities and aptitudes throughout their training and lives.
  • To equip individuals to make the best use of their talents and of the opportunities offered by society for self-fulfilment.
  • To be a key allocator of life chances for achieving equity in the distribution of opportunity and achievement.
  • To address the development needs of society in a knowledge-driven and knowledge-dependent society, with the ever-changing high level of competencies and expertise necessary for growth and prosperity.
  • To teach and train people to fulfil specialised social leadership functions.
  • To contribute to the socialisation of enlightened, responsible, and constructively critical citizens; and
  • To contribute to the creation, sharing and evaluation of knowledge and to engage in the pursuit of academic scholarship and intellectual inquiry through research, learning and teaching.

    The qualification was motivated by the need for Theological training within the Pentecostal and Charismatic community in South Africa. The stakeholders and the target market that the qualification serves are the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector of the Church. This sector is the fastest-growing Church grouping in the world.

    The institution wants to equip and mobilise the Christian network to shoulder some of the burden of the vast humanitarian crises in South Africa. Unemployment is an existential crisis for the youth. According to Stats SA, in South Africa, for the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years. We have an HIV/AIDS orphan crisis that is unprecedented in the world with 2.3 million children being orphaned. It is estimated that a woman born in South Africa has a greater chance of being raped than learning how to read. Men who have been abused during childhood, are 5 times as likely to use violence against women. Frontline workers working in the context of healthcare, the military, correctional service, police and/or fire departments are staggering under the pressure and need for support. The qualification will address the needs of the church by the specialisation within the discipline of Practice Theology to include the modules: Pastoral counselling; Chaplaincy; Youth ministry; Child and Family wellness; Pastoral counselling of children and Community and Social Development.

    The institution conducted research into the needs within the Pentecostal/Charismatic Church. The research was done by means of various research projects, and interviews with church leaders, pastors, and other sector stakeholders. The results revealed not only a need for undergraduate theological training but also post-graduate theological training and learning pathways to strengthen the sector and address the shortage of trained ministers. This qualification therefore addresses the need for church leaders with a developing soundness of character, knowledge of the Bible and theology, leadership, ethics, teaching, counselling, administration, evangelism, and community development.

    The present existing problem within the Church has a long history. The Pentecostal sector was known worldwide as a movement that had shown resistance to academic theological training in the past. To a certain extent, this has changed within South Africa. The need for sound theological training is growing. Together with this need, there is also a realisation that the challenges within the Pentecostal/Charismatic sector in South Africa necessitate post-graduate training and especially research output within this component of the broader Church. The need was identified and expressed for research-based post-graduate learning paths in the Pentecostal/Charismatic sphere: the need for an own understanding of its theology especially as it is the fastest growing Christian segment in South Africa.

    The typical range of learners for this qualification will be existing church leaders' pastors already active in the faith community (work environment) and future church leaders and pastors preparing to enter the workplace. It also includes general leaders within the church community who will not lead a faith community but will perform a supportive role such as community development, pastoral counselling, social development, youth work, child, and family wellness, etc.

    South Africa's socio-economic situation contributes to it being a traumatised society. The South African government cannot address these needs alone. Civil society, churches, Non-Governmental Organisations, and the private sector all need to actively be involved in addressing the socioeconomic crises. The qualification will equip and mobilise the Christian network to shoulder some of the burdens of the vast humanitarian crises in South Africa.

    The qualification allows the target market to a learning pathway within the specific focus area of the Pentecostal/Charismatic sphere, from undergraduate to a post-graduate degree, that will also provide future entry requirements for admission to a Master's degree in Theology or equivalent. 
    		•

    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 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.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from 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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Biblical Studies, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Theology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Theology in Christian Ministry, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • New Testament, 15 Credits
  • Old Testament, 15 Credits
  • Dogmatics and Ethics, 15 Credits
  • Pastoral Ministries, 15 Credits
  • Academic proficiency, 15 Credits
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits
  • Research Reporting Essay, 30 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge of, and engagement in the theological disciplines namely Church History, Dogmatics and Ethics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament, Practical Theology (Pastoral Ministries, Pastoral Counselling, Community and Social Development, Youth Work, Child and Family Wellness, Pastoral counselling of children and Chaplaincy).
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of various theories, research methodologies, methods, and actions relevant to the theological disciplines, and demonstrate an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a specialised area of ministry.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to exhibit the capacity to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in these theological disciplines of specialisation and to critically compare knowledge and the processes of knowledge production.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties by selecting, applying, or transferring appropriate theories, processes and actions pertaining to these theological disciplines to unfamiliar problems within various specialised areas of theology and practical ministry practices.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract theological and ministry-orientated problems, drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to theology and the ministry.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific theological and ministry contexts.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, the evaluation- and management processes in specialised theological- and ministry contexts, to develop creative responses to academic- and practical problems and issues.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to present and communicate academic, professional, and occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to theology and the ministry.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a given theological disciplinary system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements (concepts) within the system.
    10. Demonstrate the skills, to apply learning strategies in a self-critical manner which effectively addresses the learner's own professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional- and ongoing learning needs of others.
    11. Demonstrate the capacity to take full responsibility for the learner's work, decision-making and use of resources, and take accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Display an understanding of the concepts (elements) and their relationships within a given theological discipline.
  • Systematically draw from the body of knowledge, the theories, research methodologies, methods and actions associated with a theological discipline to address complex or abstract theological and ministry-orientated problems.
  • Gather information, analyse and synthesise information as part of a critical review process to develop a creative response to real-life issues.
  • Develop the capacity to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge.
  • Identify, analyse and address complex and/or abstract theological or ministry-related challenges.
  • Systematically draw from the body of knowledge, theories, actions, and methods appropriate to the theological discipline.
  • Anayse the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying, or transferring theories, processes and actions pertaining to unfamiliar problems and practical ministry practices.
  • Offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to theology and the ministry.
  • Through critical reflection identify and appropriately address ethical issues in a specific theological and ministry context.
  • Communicate academic-, professional- and occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences.
  • Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies to address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs as well as the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
  • Take responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessments are managed in accordance with the institution's assessment policies. Both formative and summative assessments are employed in the qualification.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments are in the form of written assignments and/or tests conducted in each module of the qualification, except the module Research Reporting Essay, that is, the conducting and reporting of research under supervision in the form of a Research Reporting Essay. weight is 30 credits (25% of the qualification). This Research Reporting Essay pertains to the work-integrated learning (WIL) component of the qualification and prepares the learner for research-based postgraduate study. The Research Reporting Essay is evaluated against an assessment rubric.

    The purpose of the formative assessments is to enhance the learning of the learner and serve as an indicator to both the learner and the lecturer of the learner's strengths, weaknesses, and progress towards Exit Level Outcomes (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 work-directed theoretical learning and problem-based learning.

    Summative Assessments:
    Summative assessments of modules 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 qualification and the specific module's outcomes. Assessment must be fair and must measure the competencies of the learner aligned with the ELO and AAC. Assessment tasks are evaluated for accuracy 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 
    Country: Zimbabwe
    Institution: Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Religious Studies and Theology
    Duration: 3-year Full time
    Credits: 396
    Entry Requirements:
  • Prospective learners must hold ZIMCHE-accredited National Diplomas in a relevant field.
  • Attained a qualification at Level 6 of the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF), Higher National Diploma awarded by a recognised university, college or institute.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • New Testament Studies comparable to New Testament
  • Old Testament Studies comparable to Old Testament
  • Research Methods comparable to Research Methodology
  • Religion and Ethics comparable to Dogmatics and Ethics
  • Research Project comparable to Research Reporting Essay
  • Work Integrated Learning
  • African Traditional Religion(s)
  • History of Christianity in Africa
  • Work Integrated Learning
  • Political Theology
  • Religion, Gender, and Health
  • Management and Finance in Religious Organisations.
  • History and Doctrine of Islam.
  • Management and Finance in Religious Organisations

    Elective Modules:
  • Introduction to Biblical Hebrew.
  • Introduction to Biblical Greek.
  • Hermeneutics.
  • Homiletics.
  • Further Studies in Biblical Greek.
  • Further Studies in Biblical Hebrew.
  • Pastoral Care and Counselling comparable to Pastoral Ministries.
  • Women and Religion.
  • Religious Education.

    Similarities:
  • The ZOU qualification is offered over three full-time studies whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications articulate to Master's degree in the related field.
  • The ZOU and the South African SA qualifications consist of some similar compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • The ZOU qualification has 396 credits while the SA qualification has 120 credits.
  • The ZOU qualification requires learners who attained a qualification at ZNQF Level 6 whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Bachelor's degree qualification at Leve 7.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian College of Theology
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Theology Honours
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 96 credit points
    Duration: 1-year Full Time

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor of Theology or Bachelor of Ministry with a GPA min 2.0 overall
  • Graduates with accredited undergraduate degrees in theology

    Rationale
    The Bachelor of Theology Honours is designed for learners who have graduated with a three-year undergraduate degree in Theology or Ministry and who have demonstrated high academic potential. It is a means of preparing men and women for advanced research in Theology.

    Learning Outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and
    concepts of theology
  • Apply an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods relevant to the field of Theology.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate complex theological matters with intellectual independence.
  • Exhibit research skills in designing and executing a project.
  • Communicate theological ideas and principles to, and engage with, different audiences.
  • Display interpersonal skills and teamwork.
  • Synthesise and apply knowledge and skills to identify and provide solutions to complex theological issues with initiative and intellectual independence.
  • Conduct research in a specialised field of study completed at a high academic level including the ability to exegete biblical texts in their original language if the area of the thesis so demands,
  • Demonstration of wide reading, intellectual independence, critical thinking and analytic
    rigour at the early postgraduate level such that the potential for further postgraduate research
    is emerging.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
    Common Ministry/Theology Stream Units:
  • 24cps coursework units from the designated field of research at level 8 or above
  • 12cps Introduction to Research Methods,

    Primary Course Discipline:
  • 36cps 16,000-word honours thesis

    Electives:
  • 24cps coursework units at level 8 or above, from any unit field

    Majors/ Specialisations
  • Languages comparable to Academic proficiency
  • Old Testament comparable to Old Testament
  • New Testament comparable to New Testament
  • Theology
  • Christianity in History
  • Philosophy and Ethics comparable to Dogmatics and Ethics

    Similarities.
  • The Australian College of Theology (ACT) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the Bachelor of Theology.
  • Both qualifications are offered over one full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at Level 8.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for advanced research in Theology.
  • The ACT and SA qualifications articulate vertically to Master's degree in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The ACT qualification has 96 credit points whereas the qualification has 120 credits.
  • The ACT qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The ACT qualification consists of six specialisations while the SA qualification consists of five specialisations. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Theology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Theology Honours in Biblical Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Religious Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Theology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Theology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Theology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Theology in Christian Ministry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Theology in Christianity, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Auckland Park Theological Seminary NPC 


    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.