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
123121  Master of Theology 
ORIGINATOR
South African 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
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
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 Master of Theology is a preferred pathway for aspiring theologians pursuing an academic career and is sought-after for ministry professionals such as pastors and missionaries. The learner's goal is not to transition into academia, but to develop specialised expertise in a field of theology that will benefit their ministry. The expertise that learners will gain depends on the nature of their ministry and academic interests. They seldom want to do a thesis-based degree because narrow specialisation is not their felt need.
The proposed qualification would serve the country and the church by upskilling clergy and providing a sought-after pathway for aspiring theologians. The proposed qualification will produce graduates who contribute positively to the church and society. Learners will be trained to think through complex ministerial and ethical questions in a rigorous and responsible way, providing thought leadership in and beyond their faith communities. They will contribute to scholarly discourse on a wide range of theoretical and practical issues.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of a specialised area of theology to critique current theory and practice.
  • Contribute to scholarly discourse that refines or advances theory and practice.
  • Engage scholarly sources and discourses in ways that demonstrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.
  • Apply appropriate methods of theological research and reflection to address complex themes or problems in theological and ministerial fields.
  • Apply theological theories and responsibly to solve complex theoretical or practical problems in the field of Christian ministry.

    Rationale:
    The proposed qualification will serve the country and the church by upskilling clergy and providing a sought-after pathway for aspiring theologians. Church leaders wield considerable influence in their communities. Therefore, well-trained clergy make a positive contribution to the church and society. Conversely, untrained clergy can do great harm to people.

    It is in the best interests of church and state to have highly educated church leaders, since they contribute positively to the ethical and spiritual fabric of society.

    The institution has received many requests from churches and potential learners to offer a coursework-based Master of Theology. The seminary has also consulted with denominations (e.g., AFM; Pentecostal Church of Ghana) and ministry organisations (e.g., Summer Institute of Linguistics; Wycliff Bible Translators).

    The potential learners will mostly be leaders in churches or parachurch organisations. They are already in vocational ministry and are pursuing a master's degree to advance their expertise so that they can improve their praxis. Some of the potential learners will be those aspiring to an academic career in theology. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    RPL for access:
    RPL for admission applies, but not RPL for advanced standing.
    RPL for admission policy framework follows the national guideline that up to 10 per cent of the learners registered for a programme may be admitted based on RPL.
    In practice, RPL admissions to postgraduate programmes are rare at SATS Process The process is that the applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence to support the application for RPL-based admission.

    The programme coordinator evaluates the portfolio and, in most cases, schedules an interview to assess whether the applicant merits admission and has good prospects of success.

    Probation:
    In all such cases, the applicant will be required to complete one or more courses on NQF level 9 prior to registration. This is to ensure that they have the ability to operate at the required level.

    RPL for exemption
    At the master's level, the institution does not award RPL for advanced standing based on informal or non-formal learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Theology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Theology Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, NQF Level 9, totalling 108 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Master of Theology, 24 Credits.
  • Significance and Implications, 24 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 72 Credits (Select three)
  • History and Trends in Biblical Studies, 24 Credits.
  • History and Trends in Systematic Theology, 24 Credits.
  • History and Trends in Practical Theology, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Biblical Texts 1, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Biblical Texts 2, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Theological Topics 1, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Theological Topics 2, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Ministry Practices 1, 24 Credits.
  • Study of Ministry Practices 2, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a specialised area of theology to critique current theory and practice and to contribute to scholarly discourse that refines or advances theory and practice.
    2. Engage scholarly sources and discourses in ways that demonstrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.
    3. Select and apply appropriate methods of theological research and reflection to address complex themes or problems in theological and ministerial fields.
    4. Apply theological theories and responsibly to solve complex theoretical or practical problems in the field of Christian ministry.
    5. Conduct research and engage in discourse in an ethical and edifying manner.
    6. Conduct a comprehensive and insightful review of current scholarship on a biblical text, theological theme, or ministerial practice.
    7. Produce a variety of academic outputs and communication methods to make the results of your research available and accessible to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    8. Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the implications of your research and recommendations for your church and community contexts.
    9. Demonstrate intellectual independence and self-discipline in designing, conducting, and reporting on theological research projects. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Illustrate broad knowledge of the chosen theological subdiscipline.
  • Apply an in-depth understanding of the chosen topic or focus area.
  • Contribute to scholarly discourse on the chosen topic or focus area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Apply a nuanced understanding of the field and interact with scholarship in a theological focus area.
  • Engage scholarly sources and discourses by critiquing sources fairly but insightfully.
  • Illustrate mastery of the presuppositions, methodologies, and arguments of scholars.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Illustrate awareness and understanding of a range of research methods that can be used in the chosen field.
  • Rationalise the methods chosen for a particular study or component of it.
  • Apply the chosen methods responsibly, ethically, and skillfully.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Analyse primary and secondary sources, especially biblical materials, exegetically and theologically.
  • Master the conventions for reporting research findings in writing.
  • Solve complex theoretical or practical problems in a theological or ministerial field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Carry out data collection, analysis, and reporting in a way that respects the rights and dignity of any human subjects involved.
  • Apply the required writing and referencing conventions in a way that models both professional excellence and intellectual integrity.
  • Model the kind of ethical conduct and professional excellence in your scholarship and engagements with scholars, clergy, and laity that become Christian leaders or ministers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Select high-quality scholarly sources as the foundation for a review of relevant literature on a narrow topic.
  • Illustrate knowledge of the major contributors and understanding of their contributions to a selected topic.
  • Arrange a summary or synopsis of the state of scholarship in a clear and sensible way that is fit for purpose.
  • Interpret scholarly works accurately, insightfully, and magnanimously, discerning their strengths and limitations while showing respect for the authors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Write theological papers (argumentative and expository) that contribute to scholarly discourse on biblical, theological, or ministerial themes.
  • Explore the implications and potential impact of your ideas and proposals for professional ministry practitioners.
  • Translate the results of your specialised study into language and forms that make it accessible and applicable to the broader [Christian] community.
  • Participate confidently in scholarly discourses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.
  • Identify instances where your research may challenge or deviate from cherished traditions and practices.
  • Engage with affected stakeholders to evaluate the potential impact of your findings and suggestions.
  • Apply awareness of the historical evolution of thought that runs through the scholarship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9.
  • Identify relevant topics for investigation with the programme framework.
  • Design and conduct the investigation efficiently and effectively.
  • Report the results in well-written papers, reports, and a mini dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of Cambridge
    Qualification title: MPhil in the Faculty of Divinity
    Duration: Eight months

    Entry requirement:
  • BA Honours degree
    Or
    A relevant subject or major (eg Theology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Classics, History, Social Anthropology).

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Cambridge MPhil is a demanding and rigorous nine-month qualification that offers excellent preparation for doctoral research and a rewarding educational experience in its own right. Its modular structure allows for either a specialised focus or an interdisciplinary approach, and the modules are taught through small-group seminars that put learners in direct contact with the faculty's academic staff.
    It provides learners with the springboard for going on to a PhD, while for others it is preparation for work in a wide variety of sectors, including journalism, charities, NGOs, policy research, consultancy, education, law, and government. The MPhil cohort can include learners coming straight from an undergraduate degree or returning to university after a couple of years, as well as people further advanced in their careers or even some who have taken retirement.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • New Testament and Early Christianity
  • Philosophy of Religion, comparable to Introduction to the Master of Theology.
  • Religions of Late Antiquity
  • World Christianity
  • Dissertation, comparable to Mini-Dissertation.
  • Research seminars

    Similarities:
  • The University of Cambridge (UC) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed an honours degree in the relevant field.
  • The UC qualification is meant for learners returning to university after a couple of years, as well as people further advanced in their careers or even some who have taken retirement.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification will benefit the learner's goal not to transition into academia, but to develop specialised expertise in a field of theology that will benefit their ministry.
  • Both qualifications offer a dissertation and other similar modules such as Philosophy of Religion, comparable to Introduction to the Master of Theology.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over one year, whereas the UC qualification is offered over eight months.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Sydney College of Divinity
    Qualification title: Master of Theology
    AQF Level 9
    Credits: 108

    Entry requirements:
  • A three-year AQF Level 7
    Or
  • An 8 award in any discipline (or equivalent) from an institution recognised by the Academic Board
    Purpose/Rationale
    The Master of Theological Studies is a master's degree (Coursework) award. The qualification is designed for those who hold a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies and who wish to pursue a further qualification in the discipline of Biblical Studies and the subdiscipline of Systematic Theology as part of their continuing education for ministry.
    The qualification is designed for two categories of candidates:
    Those who hold a tertiary qualification in a non-theological discipline, who seek a comprehensive education in theology comparable in breadth and depth to the Bachelor of Theology, including a deeper biblical and theological understanding, spiritual formation, and cultural literacy that will prepare them for ordained or other professional ministry in church, parachurch or non-profit organisations, and other similar vocational settings, and those who hold a tertiary qualification in a theological discipline who wish to pursue a graduate qualification in theology as part of their continuing ministerial education.
    The Graduates will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in a theologically related area.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Biblical Studies, comparable to Study of Biblical Texts.
  • Biblical languages
  • Systematic Theology
  • Church History
  • Christian Spirituality
  • Pastoral Counselling
  • Worship & Liturgy
  • Research, comparable to Mini-Dissertation.

    Similarities
  • The Sydney College of Divinity (SCD) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both registered at level 9.
  • The SCD qualification is designed for learners who hold a tertiary qualification in a theological discipline and wish to pursue a graduate qualification in theology as part of their continuing ministerial education.
  • The SA qualification is designed for aspiring theologians pursuing an academic career, and to transition into developing specialised expertise in a field of theology that will benefit their ministry.
  • The SCD qualification will provide learners with specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills in a theologically related area.
  • The SA qualification learners will be trained to think through complex ministerial and ethical questions in a rigorous and responsible way, providing thought leadership in and beyond their faith communities.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Biblical Studies, Study of Biblical Texts, Research and Mini-Dissertation.

    Differences:
  • The SCD qualification consists of 108 credits, whereas the SA qualification consists of 180 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Theology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Theology in Christian Ministry, NQF Level 9.

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

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. South African 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.