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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: |
| Diploma in Theology |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 123564 | Diploma in Theology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Diploma (Min 360) | 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 | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0729/25 | 2025-02-04 | 2028-02-04 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-02-04 | 2034-02-04 | |||
| 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 Diploma in Theology is to train well-rounded and skilled graduates for the work in the church. The qualification will equip learners with a comprehensive set of skills for work in the ministry. The structure of the qualification will provide learners with sufficient opportunity to grasp the fundamentals of theology, which will widen and deepen the biblical competencies and knowledge. The qualification will provide the knowledge, skills, and values individuals will need to work in the church and in roles related to the ministry of the church. Learners will be grounded in biblical principles and doctrines and put into practice in church and community contexts what they have learned. The qualification will prepare learners to communicate the Word of God effectively through teaching and preaching. Upon completion of the qualification, successful learners will be to: Rationale: The confessional Lutheran churches require thorough training in the bible and the Lutheran confessions. The qualification was identified to address the need to sufficiently prepare learners for the workplace to learn the bible and the Lutheran confession. The qualification will help the churches to employ well-trained employees since there is no seminary for confessional Lutheran churches in Southern Africa. The qualification is intended for learners who want to become full-time workers in the church. The education of pastors and deaconesses in the Lutheran Church is a two-step process. Learners first study at a seminary, before doing practical training within their churches. The practical training is the responsibility of the churches. Learners will firstly benefit by becoming employable in the church. Many churches, including the confessional Lutheran churches, have a lack of pastors. Completing their studies, learners are almost certain to receive work within the church. Society will benefit from the qualification, learners will learn how to deal with issues such as sociocultural and political challenges facing the community such as HIV/AIDS, ethnocentricity, tribalism, xenophobia, poverty, illiteracy, problems attendant to globalisation, etc. The Lutheran Churches need church workers who: Although the institution focuses primarily on confessional Lutheran Theology, the institution embraces a wide range of denominations in its commitment to serve churches on the African continent. The institution believes that diversity among its learners will lead to open communication and better co-operation with other denominations for the common good of society. The Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (LCSA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (ELCSA), the Lutheran Bapedi Church (LBC), and the St. Peter Confessional Lutheran Church have been sending learners to the institution. Most traditional Christian denominations require a three-year training programme for their learners. The qualification would reach a wide community of potential candidates for Christian Ministry. The Diploma in Theology envisaged at LTS compares to the similar qualifications offered by seminaries affiliated with the International Lutheran Council. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's RPL and CAT Policies will provide for the needs of learners who are coming from a lot of experience in formal, non-formal and informal training that can be accumulated towards credits to be recognized and transferred toward their qualification at the institution. Adult learners seeking access to study at the institution will approach the Admissions office and will then be directed to the Registrar, who will evaluate the application according to SAQA regulations. The outcome of the RPL process will be forwarded to the Rector for recommendation. RPL is not a certification process, but it is the exemption process from the acquired modules/courses for the applicant's intended qualification. The academic record will reflect the exempted modules/courses through the RPL process, but they will not appear on certificates awarded for successful completion of a qualification. RPL for access RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credits: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the main areas in fields of study related to the Bible and the Lutheran confessions. Learners should also demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories of these fields to unfamiliar, but relevant agricultural contexts and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices and different schools of thought.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures or techniques in processes of application within a defined theological context. Learners should also be able to identify, analyse and solve related problems in unfamiliar contexts, gathering evidence and applying solutions based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the specific field or practice. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions within the Lutheran ministry based on an awareness of associated philosophies, values and attitudes. Such decisions and actions should be emulated appropriately in familiar and new Lutheran contexts. 4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate different sources of information within the field to select and apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and communication. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and or how actions, ideas, or developments in one system may impact other systems. 6. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the performance of others against given criteria and to provide support to the learning needs of others. 7. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team and to take responsibility for his or her decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of others within well-defined contexts, including the responsibility for the use of resources in related ministerial and church settings. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
> Hebrew Readings > Greek readings > Old Testament > New Testament > Church History > Church Leadership > Christian Dogmatics > Homiletics > Hermeneutics > Church Leadership and Administration > Pastoral Care > Missiology and Evangelism. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: > Ethical decision-making in the Lutheran Ministry within the framework of the Lutheran Confessions. > Sustainable church ministry, leadership and administration. > Associated Biblical philosophies, values and attitudes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The integrity of assessment is governed by the institution's policies. The institution is committed to formative and summative assessment that is transparent, valid and fair and consists of the learning material taught in each module. Assessments should be aligned to the module outcome, assessment criteria and assessment methods as stated in the study guide of each module. They should give each learner the opportunity to demonstrate their grasp of the material, and the progress made. The assessment outcomes of the respective NQF levels are to be carefully implemented and adhered to. The study guide for each module describes the formative and summative assessment required of that module, and how these assessment marks will be calculated. The ratio between formative and summative assessment typically is 50:50, but this ratio may vary and be 60:40 for some modules. Formative assessment dates are communicated to the learners through the study guide. Summative assessment dates are communicated by means of the exam timetable well in advance. For formative assessment, there must be at least two assessments per semester to assess the learner's progress. For summative assessment, one exam paper on each subject during the exams is expected. Assessment methods and instruments include, but are not limited to: For assessments that require the recall of information, such as written tests and exams, an answer sheet with clear guidelines for the allocation of marks must be drawn up by the lecturer and sent to the academic registrar for internal or external moderation. For assessments that require the application or demonstration of learned knowledge, problem-solving, analysis, or practical experiences, such as assignments, presentations, reports, and role-plays, clear criteria for assessment must be given. The weight of the assessment criteria must also be indicated, for aspects such as format, use of language, referencing, and content. The criteria and its weighing will ensure that: Assessment of WIL is described in the study guide of each module. It can be done by the following: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The institution is part of a network of Lutheran Churches, the International Lutheran Council (ILC). Seminaries worldwide are part of this network. The qualification was developed in consultation with various overseas confessional Lutheran churches to ensure compatibility with their counterparts.
Country: Kenya Institution: Matongo Lutheran Theological College Qualification Title: Diploma in Theology Duration: Three years Full time Entry Requirements: Purpose: The Diploma in Theological Studies is designed for those who desire to be involved in Christian ministries but are yet unprepared to seek ordination. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Similarities: Country: Australia Institution: University of Divinity Qualification Title: Diploma in Theology NQF Level: AQF Level 05 Credits: 144 credit points Duration: One year full-time Entry requirements Or Purpose: The Diploma in Ministry equips learners with foundational knowledge and skills to engage in practical Christian ministry in a range of contexts. It explores the biblical and theological basis of ministry and assists learners to utilise tools of personal and theological reflection to understand themselves in relation to their ministry contexts, grow their capacity and respond effectively to their call to serve others. Learning outcomes: Graduates of the Diploma in Theology Graduates may proceed to an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry, an Advanced Diploma in Philosophy, or to the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology. Qualification structure The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Compulsory Modules: Similarities: Difference: Country: United States of America Institution: Newman Theological College (NTC) Qualification Title: Diploma of Theology Credits: 60 Duration: The qualification can be taken fully online on a part-time basis over 4 years. Entry Requirements: Purpose: The qualification is intended to give learners an understanding of the major areas in theology for personal interest, as a component in preparation for ministry, or in preparation for further study. The qualification provides theological education which is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules, 45 Credits Foundational Theology Sacred Scriptures Systematic Theology Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology Elective Modules, 15 Credits Electives 15 Credits can be taken from any undergraduate course. Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation:
Vertical Articulation: Diagonal 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. |
| 1. | Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane |
| 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. |