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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Philosophy in Theology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
24422	Master of Philosophy in Theology
ORIGINATOR
St. Augustine College of South Africa 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	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

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.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

There are two routes which can be followed to achieve the Master of Philosophy:

A. Master of Philosophy (by dissertation)
B. Master of Philosophy (by coursework and research paper)

Irrespective of whether route A or route B is taken the purpose of the M Phil (Theology) degree is to provide a general up grading of the NQF levels 6 & 7 in the field of theology. This will enhance the critical skills of the learner, widen the scope of theological investigations at a contextual level and so contribute to the full personal development of the learner and promote the social, moral and ethical development of the nations at large. This qualification will reach a combined study/research qualification at NQF level 8PG3.

Rationale for the qualification

This qualification will cater for religious leaders and other qualified persons in possession of a professional qualification at least N Q F level 6,7 or 8 PG 1 these professional leaders are required to assist the ethical and spiritual transformation of our new democracy. Theological discipline will provide the tools for religious dialogue in a multi cultural society and for the harmonious ordering of the political processes within broadly-based humanism.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This qualification assumes that the learner has basic methodological skills in the area of theology, is conversant with the sources, has mastered research skills and method and aspires to embark on the planning of a research paper or dissertation.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the filed and sub-field relevant to this qualification and is assessed by the academic board in conjunction with the rules of access quoted at 4 above.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Educational outcomes

The learner will:

be able to reason in the light of faith

be able to reconcile what we experience with what we believe

develop a sensitivity to cultural issues and their inpact on catholic faith

be able to provide strong ethical leadership within society and church

have the critical skills necessary to confront the wide-ranging problems emerging in a rapidly changing world

Outcomes of individual modules

General Programme in Theology

Biblical Literature
The learner will:

know the state of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics at the beginning of the 21st Century

understand the significance of method and interpretation in changing historical conditions

be able to make a practical application in a particular situation of biblical exegesis and interpretation.

Catholic Social Teaching
The learner will:

know the significance of the rapid rate of change in the contemporary world

know the challenges these changes present to Christians in the work place

understand the developing catholic social teaching over the past 100 years

be able to provide strong ethical leadership for a rapidly changing society

Church History: Church Councils
The learner will:

understand how disputes were settled in the early Church

be able to apply the decision making processes relevant to our times

in a leadership position make a contribution to conflict resolution in church and society.

Contemporary Christologies
The learner will:

analyze the problematic of faith and history with reference to the quest for the historical Jesus

have a critical appreciation of Jesus of Nazareth and the Christology contained in the pre- and post- Easter perspectives

focus on Christological controversies, councils and creeds from the second to eighth centuries. These provide the learner with tools for evaluating contemporary trends in Christology and the presentation of Christ in art, film and literature

Eucharistic Ecclesiology
The learner will:

have explored the implications of the sense in which the Eucharist makes the Church

be familiar with the development of eucharistic ecclesiology since the beginning of the 20th century

facilitate the growth of the local Church community which will serve as a societal model of unity, harmony and co-operation.

General Survey of Catholic Theology
The learner will:

have as overview of catholic theology

be able to identify some of the key theological themes

be able to effectively use theological method and sources

have developed the ability to think clearly about complex moral issues from a Catholic perspective

God and Trinity in Africa
The learner will:

have surveyed the development of the doctrine of the Trinity with a Greek cultural milieu in the early Church

have transposed the essence of the doctrine to African culture

have had practical experience of inculturation so developing a better relationship between Christianity and the African cultural tradition.

Inculturation
The learner will

recognise the role of culture in Christianity

understand the way in which the culture component of Christianity is woven into its theology

understand the notion of inculturation; its strengths and weaknesses

have learned some theological approaches to the inculturation problematic

carried out some practical research in the learner's own ecclesial context to investigate ways in which inculturation can be beneficial in the local church

Karl Rahner - 20th Century Theologian
The learner will:

have an understanding of Christianity, both of its meaning and its truth, as realized in Karl Rahner's Foundations of the Christian Faith.

be able to engage in the discussion of the validity of Rahner's theological synthesis.

be able to apply, through teaching, Rahner's theological reflections, of the concrete situation of church and society today.

Moral Theology
The learner will:

have the skills obtained through scripture, faith, reason and morality to provide moral leadership in his/her professional or work situation.

be acquainted with the implications of moral absolutes, conscience and authority, authority and dissent and feminist moral issues in developing skills to uphold the dignity of every person and the furtherance of societal goals.

New Testament Issues
The learner will:

be acquainted with interpretations of the New Testament at several levels.

be able to apply such interpretations to societal changes at the beginning of the new millenium.

have a greater understanding of the value of the New Testament for the Church and society.

be able to evaluate the importance of kingdom values to the moral upliftment of society.

Old Testament Studies
The learner will:

be acquainted with the method in contemporary biblical scholarship in the area of Old Testament studies.

use the Book of Psalms for a personal appropriation of Old Testament spirituality.

be able to critically evaluate both the individual and society in the light of prophetic literature.

Philosophy of Religion
The learners will :

be aware of the central problems in the philosophy of religion.

appreciate the epistemological, metaphysical and anthropological questions involved in religious experience and religious belief

be familiar with questions relating to African religious beliefs

have knowledge of some major themes such as the nature of religion and religious belief; world religion and philosophy; the arguments for and against the existence of God: and contemporary reformulations of the problems of evil

Science of Religion
The learner will:

know that science and religion are not in conflict; rather, they ask different questions.

be acquainted with the theological and philosophical insights on the question of creation, the knowing subject and human access to its reality and purpose.

be further acquainted with the differing position apropos the relationship between science and religion.

acquire skills to promote goodwill and harmony between the faith community and the world of science.

Spirituality in the New Testament
The learner will:

be acquainted with a spirituality that empowers a lived relationship with God in Christ through the Spirit.

be acquainted with an understanding of spirituality within the different traditions of New Testament writings.

have particular knowledge of the spirituality of discipleship as it emerges from the Gospels with special reference to Luke- Acts & the Johannine writings.

The Sacrament of Marriage
The learner will:

understand the sacrament of marriage in its juridical aspects.

learn and have a sound basis for pastoral care in marriage.

have professional expertise in dealing with marriage annulments, the dissolution of the bond and other matters pertaining to the marriage law of the Catholic Church.

Specialisation A: Canon Law

The Theology and History of Canon Law
The learner will:

understand the necessity of law in the church and the historical development of Canon law.

be able to apply the methodology of Canon law, including relevant sources consulted.

be able to apply the general norms and procedures used in the code of Canon Law.

The Universal Church and Particular Churches
The learner will:

be acquainted with the structure of the Church at a universal level i.e. the Supreme Authority of the Church.

understand the internal ordering of the local (or particular) Church.

be able in a professional capacity to mediate in disputes at various levels within the church.

Obligation and Rights of Christian
The learner will:

be acquainted with the obligations and rights of all Christ's faithful.

will demonstrate a knowledge of the associations in the Church and the norms governing Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

be able to uphold the dignity and value of each Christian within the Church.

The Teaching office and the Celebration of the Sacraments
The learner will:

be acquainted with evangelisation as the primary function of the Church.

have the skills required for effective evangelisation

have the skills to administer the sacraments according to the law of the Church

be able to administer other acts of worship and be acquainted with laws concerning sacred places and sacred times.

be able to provide professional expertise in these areas within the diocese.

The Sacrament of Marriage
See above

Temporal Good and Sanctions in the Church
The learner will:

have knowledge of the meaning of stewardship and the necessity of accountability in the administration of the temporal goods of the Church.

understand the reason for sanctions in the Church and the manner of applying them.

be able to assist the diocesan bishop in the administration of Church properties and advise the bishop in regard to the application of sanctions against individuals and groups within the diocese (i.e. various forms of abuse)

Processes and Tribunals
The learner will:

be able to vindicate rights in the church.

have skills to deal with the declaration of the nullity of marriage.

will know the judicial procedures of the church.

have professional skills in dealing with contentious issues in the church and thus uphold the dignity and rights of the individual.

Specialisation in Christian Spirituality

Dignity of the Human Person
The learners will :-

have an overview of the historical development of the notion of human dignity.

be able to identify situations where dignity is overlooked or where reductionary or distorted accounts of dignity need to be critiqued.

be able to make responsible decisions and judgements in their diverse professions relating to family life, social and political order, education, justice and equality and human rights, human good and culture.

be acquainted with debates over multi-culturalism as well as the African view of the human being

learners will be able to engage contemporary developments in feminist thought and gender issues.

General Survey of Catholic Theology
See above

Catholic Social Teaching
See above

Classical and Contemporary Spirituality
The learner will:

be acquainted with the development of "schools" and "models" of spirituality.

understand the historical development of Christian spirituality.

be able to critically discern the emergence of contemporary model of spirituality and the rediscovery of the gifts of the old schools.

be able to provide spiritual leadership and have the skills to discern the differing gifts of the spirit.

Key Issues in Spirituality
The learner will:

be acquainted with various definitions of Christian spirituality.

understand the relationship between spirituality and theology; spirituality and culture; spirituality and eco-feminism and spirituality and post-modernism.

be able to integrate faith and daily experience.

be better equipped to respond to the call to self-transcendence.

Mysticism
The learner will:

be acquainted with the nature of mysticism and Christian mysticism in particular, misconception concerning mysticism, the theoretical study of mysticism and personal experience and other related issues.

have knowledge of the principal mystical traditions and the key mystics in the Christian tradition.

be equipped to provide spiritual direction.

Spirituality and Psychology
The learner will:

be acquainted with the interface of psychology and spirituality.

have gained knowledge of Jungian spirituality; spirituality and psychic therapy as well as healing and mysticism.

be able to counsel Christian believers effectively.

Spiritual Direction
The learner will:

understand the rich tradition of Christian spiritual accompaniment.

be able to dialogue in regard to contemporary writings and development.

have the skills to provide spiritual direction in a South African context and aid the process of spiritual growth and healing.

Spirituality in the New Testament
See above

Outcomes of research paper

Research paper Outcomes:
The learner will :

have developed the ability to identify valuable areas and topics for research especially those linked to his/her own interest, concern or experience

be able to critically investigate a topic and ground it in an appropriate theoretical framework

be able to research the available literature on a topic

have demonstrated an understanding of the chosen field and an ability to apply the research methods appropriate to the field

be able to explore and analyse data forms in order to provide a (new) perspective or understanding of the problematic

be familiar with methods of scientific research including writing, referencing and correct style

be able to defend his conclusions with peers and qualified educators.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Competence is evident when candidates are able :

o read and critically assess theological and scholarly texts and integrate the knowledge gained to think creatively about faith matters

to use theological methods and sources within their area of specialisation to foster theological research within the Southern African context

to aid their particular Church/Denomination to facilitate dialogue with other Christians and other faiths and to seek solutions to common problems in a multi-cultural and multi-faith society

to publish scholarly articles and to research areas of theological and societal concern in Southern Africa.

Integrated assessment

An integrated assessment will have to demonstrate competence at foundational, practical and reflexive levels. The final integrated assessment of the learner in the M Phil (Theology) programme will show that the learner can:

Foundational Competence

demonstrate mastery of the subject matter of a specialised field within the discipline of theology

critically evaluate literature within the field

demonstrate an awareness of the provisional nature of theological statements

produce written assignments for the various modules of a quality which demonstrates the above

pass a written examination which assesses the above

Practical competence

use well-developed theological research skills

demonstrate a mastery of the research techniques applicable to the specialised field

critically and independently review evidence which supports a theological conclusion.

The above would be assessed in class discussion, seminars, term papers and interaction in parish groups

Reflexive competence

demonstrate a capacity for independent study through completion of a research paper

effectively interact and engage in debate with professional theologian within the specialised field

adapt theological insights to a multi-cultural milieu within a Southern African context.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification has been worked out in consultation with our International Advisory Board consisting of academics from Notre Dame University USA, The Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), Nijmegan University, Koblenz-Landau, Uganda Martyrs University in Uganda and the Catholic Institute of West Africa.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Students who complete the degree of Master of Philosophy qualify to do our degree of Doctor of Philosophy. As the standard of the degree is high, we also understand that it would be acceptable at local universities as well as universities overseas, and certainly at the Catholic universities with which we have informal ties.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The moderators/assessors are normally academics of standing in their fields and would normally hold a qualification of not lower than a doctorate. External examiners are always appointed for all examinations and for the research paper. The procedure for appointing all examiners is by nomination to the Higher Degrees Committee and formal appointment. The criteria for appointing them is that they should have a high standing in their academic field and hold a doctorate. In a few isolated cases the College might appoint someone who holds only a Master's degree, but who has professional expertise instead.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

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.	St. Augustine College of South Africa NPC