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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor Honours: Sacred Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36098  Bachelor Honours: Sacred Theology 
ORIGINATOR
St John Vianney 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  480  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 0249/03  2003-07-01  2006-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30   2010-06-30  

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 
The overall purpose of this qualification is for the candidate towards Catholic Priestly Ministry. It is also set on preparing the student for further education in the various areas of Theology

Rationale for the qualification:

This degree is taken by students who are candidates towards Roman Catholic Priesthood.
It is also for those who intend to do further studies in Theology so as to teach at the Seminary or other Theological Institution. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learning assumed in place is either a Degree or a Diploma in Philosophy. This of course is preceded by a year of Spirituality and Matriculation Certificate.
Competency in English, Computer Literacy

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Recognition for previous learning would be granted only if the learning took place in the same area of learning. A student with a master`s degree in agriculture will no obtain acknowledgment towards the theology degree, and would be required to do the study in whole.

A student who has a degree in English would not be required to do the English modules.

A student who has a degree in Scripture would not be required to do the Biblical course, but may have to fill in courses that s/he did not do such as the particular Catholic books in the Canon. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
N/A 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Exit Level Outcomes
  • Competence in theological articulation: oral and written.
  • Display creative and analytical thinking abilities.
  • Display competence in applying theoretical knowledge to practical pastoral situations.
  • Exhibit an ability to engage in theological inter-action, communication and inter-change of theological discourses and ideas.
  • Articulate confidently and with security the integration of theological knowledge faith/religious development.
  • Display an openness towards other faiths and Christian denominations.0
  • Ability to inculturate theological knowledge to appropriate settings.
  • Shows leadership and priestly administrative skills.
  • The ability to research, analyse, organize and critically evaluate learning material and to transfer learning to practical situations.
  • Exhibit the capacity to explore faith concepts independently with the skilfulness open for further development and growth.
  • Display an awareness of the requirements necessary for Catholic Priestly Ministry.
  • Display readiness for Ordination towards priesthood.


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes

    A learner that obtains the BTH and Bachelors Honours Degree in Sacred Theology can:
  • Communicate with theological competence and has the ability to take up priestly ministry that will respond to people moral, religious, biblical and sacramental needs.
  • Work pastorally in an effective manner applying the theoretical knowledge to practical needs.
  • Translate Biblical, Theological and Moral knowledge to informed homilies, to the administration and sacramental duties and celebration of liturgies.
  • Collect, collate, analyse, evaluate and organise research material and information and bring it to new insightful results.
  • Reflect on Scripture, apply exegetical skills and impart reflections to others with an openness to others ideas, insights and new scholarships.
  • Show how religious, biblical and moral knowledge can be applied appropriately and sensitively in pastoral situations.
  • Display openness, awareness and respect to cultural and religious diversities.
  • Display openness to further studies and an eagerness to take up priestly ministerial role. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Recognise, compare, evaluate and articulate various theological positions in a creative manner. Presentation of theological arguments and insights.
  • Account in a reliable way with practical insight on how theoretical knowledge of theology, moral theology and scripture would be applicable to various practical and ministerial situations.
  • Relate and translate theological moral, scriptural insights to inter-faith, inter-cultural communities.
  • Integrate the theoretical knowledge with personal development and that of the communities to whom they minister.
  • Examine the level of openness and tolerance by means of dialogue and interactive evaluations.
  • Account in a reliable and insightful manner on the value of other faiths and faith differences among various Christian denominations.Integrate theoretical and practical leadership skills.
  • Use basic analytical skills to identify and explain the religious, moral and sacramental needs of people and create appropriate responses.
  • Use basic knowledge to impart knowledge responsibly and openly and to identify problems and respond appropriately.
  • Demonstrate insight into the intricacies of Catholic Priesthood and to make value judgements.
  • Demonstrate the practical ability to administer the sacraments with the creative application of theological knowledge.


    Method of Assessment:
  • Semester examination
  • Continuous evaluation
  • Mid-semester evaluations - oral or written
  • Peer assessments
  • Group assessments
  • Individual assessments
  • External examiners.

    Projects, practical and written, assignments, class tests, research group projects, conduct interviews and writing.
  • Universal and comprehensive assessment at the end of the four- year period of learning in the four major areas of learning.
  • A written assessment
  • An oral assessment in front of a panel of three assessors: professors and specialist in areas of learning and specialization.
  • Research papers in each area of specialization.
  • Practical assessment on the administration of sacraments and celebration of liturgies and delivery of homilies.


    Integrated assessment:

    The nature of the programmes are set out in such a way that theory and practice are in consistent interaction.
  • When the doctrine of a particular sacrament is taught, the practical administration thereof is conducted in the liturgical class eg Baptism, Confession.
  • When the theology of death and dying is done, the ritual of the funeral is practiced.
  • When the sacrament of marriage is done, the practical aspects thereof is applied in the practical liturgical class.
  • The practical skills of the study of scripture is applied in homiletics.
  • Moral theology is applied and appropriated in ministerial practices and counselling skills. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Local and abroad:

    Investigations have been conducted as to how the above degrees compare with similar programmes in South Africa, in other African institutions and in Europe.

    BTH offered at UNISA, St Joseph`s Cedara, Natal School of TheologySeminaries of other Christian denominations in South Africa.
  • This degree compares very favourably and in fact was regarded as very comprehensive and wide-ranging in what is offered.
  • The integrative manner of presentation and length of time allocated to the completion of the course was another point that was observed.
  • Professors of UNISA are also lecturers at St John Vianney Seminary.

    Visits to Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2002 with this idea in mind was also initiated.
  • The Catholic University of Uganda
  • The National Catholic Seminary in Kampala
  • The East African Catholic University, Nairob
  • The National Catholic Seminary, Nairobi
  • The International theological School for Religious, Tangaza, Nairobi.
  • The National Catholic Seminary, Harare.
  • The Jesuit Theological Academy, Harare

    Both the BTH and Honours in Sacred Theology are offered at the above institutions except for the Seminary in Zimbabwe. The programmes at St John Vianney compare extremely well and favourable. The length of studies at St John Vianney is slightly longer than at most of the above institutions.


    Europe:

    All Hallows, Dublin
    Urbaniana, Rome.

    These institutions take past students of John Vianney for further studies without any requirements of entrance exams, except a proficiency of Italian required by the Roman University. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertically:
  • A students that leaves St John Vianney half way through completion of the degree can complete the degree at any other Catholic Seminary either in South Africa, in other African States and in other seminaries in the world. The provision of a certified transcript should assist.
  • Other national and state universities in South Africa such as UNISA, University of Natal will grant credits and acknowledgment of courses already done by the students who seeks a transfer.

    Horizontal:
  • Students who have completed their studies at St John Vianney Seminary can do further studies at any other Ecclesiastical University in the World and will be accepted, provided that s/he complies to the entrance requirements such as languages etc.

    Any State University in South Africa, Africa and other parts of the world take the students for further studies


    Articulation possibilities with related qualifications:

    The Honours Degree in Sacred Theology is comparable to a Bachelor of Divinity. It is a Four Year Degree. At the end of the Four Years the candidate writes a comprehensive examination which incorporates all the work on the last Four Years in Systematic Theology, Sacramentology, Sacred Scripture and Moral Theology. Two types of Exams are sat: written and oral.

    The Candidate defends in knowledge in front of a panel of three. To obtain this degree requires a minimum of 60% in each subject: both oral and written.
    The degree is also equal to a three year degree in Theology and a post-grad honours degree of one year. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation procedures include:

    Semester examinations. Oral and written.
    Mid-term examinations and continuous assessment measures in the form of class-tests, assignment, research papers, projects, written and practical. Implementation of theory in the form of practical teaching, pastoral work, delivering evaluated homilies.
    At the conclusion of four years a comprehensive exams are done in the written and oral.

    Examination question papers, as well as written papers are moderated by external and internal examiners. Professors from Unisa as well as the University College, St Augustine`s, Johannesburg and Urbaniana, Rome. Visits from the Roman educational core are conducted every five years to ascertain whether the Seminary is in keeping with International standards.
    A report of the seminary achievements is sent every year to Rome and one in return is sent whereby they reflect on the standards of the students` examinations and the qualification requirements of the staff and students. A report is delivered twice a year to the South African Catholic Bishops Conference by the Rector of the Seminary on the status quo of the Seminary`s academic and formation procedures. 

    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.
     
    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.