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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 | |||
| 123825 | Bachelor of Theology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Apostolic Faith Mission Theological College | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| National First 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 | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0730/25 | 2025-03-11 | 2028-03-11 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-03-11 | 2034-03-11 | |||
| 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 Bachelor of Theology has been developed to empower learners with theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is essential to succeed as well-equipped leaders in the Church and society. Learners will be exposed to the full field of theological disciplines which will provide them with knowledge and skills that are crucial to excel in the practical work of the Church. The qualification thus provides the theory and practical application and skills of theology to ensure that learners will have the capacity to develop and grow intellectually. The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the field of theology that provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, gainful employment activity and rewarding contributions to society. In this qualification, learners are exposed to the six traditional disciplines of Christian Theology, namely Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Church History, and Missiology. In addition to this, the two Biblical languages, Hebrew and Greek, are also taught at a basic level. The study of the Old and New Testaments will provide the learner with knowledge of the contents and message of every Biblical book. As the sacred text of Christianity, this knowledge is indispensable. In addition, learners will also gain knowledge of the world of the Bible. Learners will also be equipped with the necessary skills in hermeneutics and exegesis in order for them to interpret the Bible responsibly and relevantly in a modern South African context. The study of Systematic Theology will expose the student to pertinent ethical issues as well as the dogmas of the Church and the development thereof. In Practical Theology students will be equipped to perform the full spectrum of ministry skills necessary for the practical work of the Church, including all preaching, teaching and pastoral work. In Church History students will gain valuable knowledge concerning the history of the Christian Church worldwide as well as in South Africa. In Missiology, learners will be equipped to responsibly perform the missionary mandate of the Church, especially also in the field of social upliftment. The study of the Biblical languages will serve a supporting role in the interpretation of the Bible. Students will thus be equipped to function in all fields of Christian theology and practice in both a South African and international context. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: ¿ Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the Bible, its text, background, theology, and interpretation. ¿ Develop foundational knowledge of Hebrew and Greek as the languages of the Biblical text. ¿ Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the different doctrines of the Christian Church as well as the distinctiveness of Pentecostal theology. ¿ Apply knowledge and skills to effectively perform the work of ministry in the church at various levels, including preaching, pastoral care and counselling, leadership, liturgy, church growth & administration, and mentoring & coaching. ¿ Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to the twenty-first century. Rationale: The levels of complexity within the modern world have grown exponentially in the last century. This increase in complexity has spread throughout society and has resulted in the fact that the monolithic responses to problems simply do not suffice. Throughout the world, there is a growing need to move away from the singular approaches to problem-solving and adopt more integrated approaches to problems. A degree in theology seeks to equip learners with an integrated approach that will produce results that are sufficient in dealing with the world around them. Another purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the field of theology and Christian ministry who meet the intellectual, personal, and technical requirements to function as leaders in the Church and Society both locally and internationally, and for entry into postgraduate academic programmes. The qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in theology and related disciplines who meet the intellectual, technical and personal requirements for direct entry into local and international theology-related professional activities and for entry into postgraduate academic programmes required for further intellectual development and entry into discipline-related work. To master the different fields of study, a learner will have to master an array of techniques, including understanding logic and being able to reason. Furthermore, a learner should develop an understanding of abstract ideas and be able to communicate ideas in both verbal and written form. Finally, the qualification entails a fair amount of analysis in a number of related disciplines. In terms of content, a degree in theology equips a learner to develop an understanding of the related disciplines. The qualification should also facilitate entry into post-graduate academic research programmes to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly and professional activity is widened. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The RPL Policy has been aligned with the criteria set by the HEQC and SAQA. Learners who apply to enter any programme at the institution will be assessed against the exit levels and learning outcomes of the course as mentioned in the RPL policy. The principles that will be followed: Recognition of prior learning will be applied on an individual basis against the relevant exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and will be conducted in accordance with the institution's RPL Policy and HEQC guidelines. Status will be awarded in line with credits as they pertain to the relevant outcomes of the programme. 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 Levels 5, 6 and 7 of the National Qualifications Framework totalling 368 credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 124 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 124 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the Bible, its text, background, theology, and interpretation.
2. Develop foundational knowledge of Hebrew and Greek as the languages of the Biblical text. 3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the different doctrines of the Christian Church as well as the distinctiveness of Pentecostal theology. 4. Apply knowledge and skills to effectively perform the work of ministry in the church at various levels, including preaching, pastoral care and counselling, leadership, liturgy, church growth & administration, and mentoring & coaching. 5. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to the twenty-first century. 6. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of Missiology from biblical and Pentecostal perspectives while putting it in the context of cross-cultural communication. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
¿ Apply understanding of the socio-cultural background of the Biblical world and its significance for responsible interpretation of the Bible. ¿ Discuss the contents and theological message of the Biblical canon. ¿ Apply a foundational understanding of the development of the text of the Bible. ¿ Analyse different Biblical texts through the application of the principles of Hermeneutics and exegetical methodology that will result in responsible Biblical interpretation. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ¿ Apply a foundational understanding of all aspects of the grammar of Hebrew and Greek and the application of that knowledge in the exegetical analysis of Biblical texts. ¿ Comprehensively define a range of key theological terms in Hebrew and Greek. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ¿ Identify and explain the different doctrines of the Christian Church. ¿ Illustrate an understanding of the unique nature of Pentecostal hermeneutics and theology. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ¿ Examine the theory and practice of Homiletics, and Pastoral Care and describe counselling. ¿ Analyse and apply the function of the pastor as a leader and effectively integrate leadership and management skills. ¿ Employ skills for time management and personal development ¿ Plan and execute the liturgy of a local church service, and clarify the principles and strategies of effective church growth. ¿ Identify and implement the principles of mentoring and coaching. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: ¿ Explore the global history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to modern times. ¿ Illustrate a detailed knowledge of the history of the Christian Church in South Africa. ¿ Illustrate understanding of the birth of the modern Pentecostal movement and the history of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa as the local expression of the global movement. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: ¿ Apply a thorough understanding of Missions in the Old and New Testaments. ¿ Exhibit detailed knowledge of effective cross-cultural communication. ¿ Contextualise different worldviews and religions as displayed in various cultural contexts and effective engagement thereof. ¿ Examine and discuss the Pentecostal worldview and missiological perspectives. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This Bachelor of Theology qualification standard is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with due regard to notional learning time.
Country: New Zealand Institution name: University of Otago Qualification title: Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) Duration: Three years Entry requirements: ¿ A New Zealand university entrance qualification, or equivalent. Rationale/Purpose The Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) learners are required to take papers in various Theology subject areas and are also able to include up to five papers from outside Theology in their degree programme. Learners are taught by research-active scholars, are expected to undertake a variety of learning experiences and are challenged to develop their intellectual independence. Graduates of the programme are well-informed about the key themes of and approaches to the different areas of study which are encompassed by the subject areas of Theology and have the ability to integrate learning across the range of subject areas of Theology. Course structure Modules: ¿ Interpreting the Old Testament, comparable to Old Testament ¿ Interpreting the New Testament, comparable to New Testament ¿ The History of Christianity, comparable to Church History ¿ Doing Theology ¿ God and Ethics in the Modern World Similarities: ¿ The University of Otago (UO) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years. ¿ The UO qualification learners are well-informed about the key themes of and approaches to the different areas of study which are encompassed by the subject areas of Theology and have the ability to integrate learning across the range of subject areas of Theology. ¿ Similarly, the SA qualification seeks to equip learners with such an integrated approach that will produce results that are sufficient in dealing with the world around them. ¿ Both qualifications offer similar modules such as Interpreting the Old Testament, Old Testament, Interpreting the New Testament, New Testament, The History of Christianity, and Church History. ¿ Both qualifications articulate into a Bachelor of Theology (Hons). Differences: ¿ The two qualifications differ in programme structure, the UO qualification requires that learners take papers in various Theology subject areas and include up to five papers from outside Theology in their degree programme. Country: The United Kingdom Institution name: University of Cambridge Qualification title: Bachelor of Theology for Ministry Duration: Two years Entry requirements: ¿ Entry to the First Examination year is possible for those candidates who have satisfactorily completed study equivalent to 120 credits at Level 4 (Certificate Level) or who have a good first degree. Purpose/Rationale The Bachelor of Theology for Ministry (BTh) is a two-year vocational degree. The qualification is divided into the First Examination and the Second Examination years. The regulations require that learners must complete a pastoral portfolio to the satisfaction of the examiners in order to proceed to the degree. The requirement of constant, intentional integration of pastoral activity (taking the form of a ministry placement), self-awareness and academic study makes it an intense experience and a good preparation for public ministry. Course structure Modules: ¿ Introduction to Biblical Hebrew ¿ Elementary Hebrew ¿ Introduction to New Testament Greek ¿ New Testament Greek, comparable to Greek ¿ Reading the Christian Bible ¿ Belief and practice in the early church ¿ Reform and renewal in Christian history, compared to Church History Similarities: ¿ The University of Cambridge (UC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both undergraduate qualifications that accept learners who have completed a study equivalent to 120 credits at Level 4, this is comparable with the SA senior certificate located at NQF Level 4. ¿ The SA qualification has been developed to empower learners with theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is essential to succeed as well-equipped leaders in the Church and Society. ¿ The UC qualification requires constant intentional integration of pastoral activity (taking the form of a ministry placement), self-awareness, and academic study, which makes it an intense experience and a good preparation for public ministry. ¿ Both qualifications share similar modules such as Reform and renewal in Christian history, Church History and New Testament Greek. Difference: ¿ The SA qualification is offered over three years whereas the UC is offered over two years. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation:
Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation |
| 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. |
| 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. |