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: 

Diploma: Theological Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
62611  Diploma: Theological Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Dumisani Theological Institute 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  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  240  Level 5  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 0415/23  2021-07-01  2023-04-18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-04-18   2028-04-18  

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 this qualification is to provide learners with suitable knowledge, skills and motivation to enable them to serve as full-time workers within the church, especially in a Xhosa Eastern Cape setting.

Rationale:

The qualification is designed to provide training at a suitable level for ministering amongst the Xhosa-speaking people of the Eastern Cape or in similar circumstances elsewhere. The Programme was designed with the needs of the Free Church in Southern Africa in mind but has proved suitable for the needs of other churches in the area and a wide range of denominations send their students to Dumisane Theological Institute for his training. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Basic knowledge in the main fields of Christian theology, namely, Old and New Testament, Theology and Ethics, Church History and Practical Theology.
Basic skills of reading, study, research, analysis and writing.

Recognition of Prior Learning;

Students who apply for this diploma, having studied at another similar institute, have their prior learning assessed and appropriate credits for Dumisane Theological Institute's diploma are granted to them.

Access to the Qualification:

Applications for the Diploma in Theological Studies are normally only considered from holders of Certificate in Biblical Studies who have gained at least 50% in all modules of the Certificate or the equivalent from another Institution.

In addition to these qualifications, evidence that a candidate is academically and spiritually equipped to undertake a theology Programme is required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate a reasonable grasp of written and spoken English.

Applications for the Certificate in Biblical Studies are normally only considered from holders of a Senior Leaving Certificate (Standard 10) but exemptions may be made on the grounds of mature experience of life. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
All components of the Programme are designed to be on Level 5 on the NQF. The minimum for obtaining this qualification is 20 Learning Units worth 12 academic each.

Learning Components; Number of Credits Allocated; NQF Level:
  • Fundamentals; 240; 5.
  • Core.
  • Elective.

    Because all these are on the same level and because they are so arranged that no Unit is required as pre-learning for other Units, there are no minimum credits required at specific levels within the Programme.

    More able students may gain additional credits by taking optional Learning Units. At present, Dumisane Theological Institute offers the following additional Courses to those who are considers able to cope with them:

    Unit Subject; Credits; NQF Level:
  • Biblical Greek; 16; NQF Level 5.
  • Biblical Hebrew; 16; NQF Level 5.
  • Pastoral Theology; 16; NQF Level 6.
  • Reading Biblical Greek; 6; NQF Level 5.
  • Reading Biblical Hebrew; 6; NQF Level 5
  • Presbyterianism; 4; NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The institute has general Outcomes for our Programmes and Specific Outcomes for the Diploma Programme, as follow:

    General Outcomes:

    The envisaged outcomes of the learning Programmes are:

    1. To equip Christians for a fuller life of devotion and of service within the context of their own church and so to make them more responsible and caring in their attitudes towards the family, society and the environment.

    2. To equip suitably qualified men for the work of the full-time ministry within their churches and communities.

    3. To develop the gifts of suitably qualified ministers so that they may be of fuller service to their church, family and community.

    4. To provide experience of learning techniques which will equip learners to learn for themselves, both under supervision, during the Programmes for which they are enrolled and, on their own, thereafter. More specifically, learners should learn to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively; they should know how to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    5. To provide sources of information regarding Biblical and theological subjects, suitable to the learners' circumstances and abilities and to which they may continue to have access on the completion of their studies.

    6. To develop mature Christian character which will encourage and enable learners to put the knowledge gained to practical use.

    7. To provide instruction in the varied branches of the Biblical and theological study: the Old Testament, the New Testament, Systematic Theology, Church History and Practical Theology, and to do so at increasingly greater depth as the learners progress in their studies.

    8. To use a range of techniques in the learning process, including contact sessions (involving lecturing, discussion etc), home assignments on an individual or group basis, and practical off-site work. More specifically, learners should be able to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking and recognising and wide range of elements connected with any problem; they should be able to work effectively with others as a team member; they should be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

    9. To provide instruction at a cost which will be within reach even of those who were formerly disadvantaged.

    10. To provide educational opportunities, at least at the lower levels, to persons already employed, without interrupting their employment and without compromising the quality of their education.

    11. To prepare all learners for higher studies should their abilities, desires and circumstances permit this.

    Diploma in Theological Studies-Outcomes:

    At the end of the Programme learners should be able to:

    1. State the historical framework of the Old Testament narrative.

    2. Conduct studies in the Old Testament Introduction and apply this knowledge to the exegesis of the text of the Old Testament.

    3. State, explain and apply sound principles of exegesis to the different genre of Old Testament literature.

    4. State and explain the development of key ideas in Old Testament time and apply this knowledge to the exegesis of the text of the Old Testament.

    5. Use this knowledge and these skills to inform their studies in other subject, especially as a background for New Testament studies, in the development of Systematic Theology (including Ethics) and their practice of Homiletics.

    6. State the historical framework of the New Testament narrative.

    7. Conduct studies in New Testament Introduction and apply this knowledge to the exegesis of the text of the New Testament.

    8. State, explain and apply sound principles of exegesis to the different genre of New Testament literature.

    9. State and explain the development of key ideas in New Testament times and apply this knowledge to the exegesis of the text of the New Testament.

    10. Use this knowledge and these skills to inform their studies in other subjects, especially as the culmination of Old Testament studies, in the development of Systematic Theology (including Ethics) and in their practice of Homiletics.

    11. Use their biblical knowledge and skills in exegeting the text of Scripture in the preparation of sermons, and in the application of the Word of God to practical problems in the church, family, society and environment and to pastoral counselling.

    12. State and explain the Doctrines of the Christian faith and from a Scriptural point of view, defend them from alternative ideas that have been held throughout the centuries.

    13. Explain the place of church history in the overall study of the biblical and theological subjects.

    14. State and apply proper historical methods to the study of the subject.

    15. Describe the major events and personalities, factors and forces, which shaped the development of the church and its theology from Pentecost to the present and explain their inter-relations; especially they should have a knowledge of these as they affected the growth and development of Christianity on the African continent in general and in Southern Africa in particular.

    16. State the means by which the Christian life can be developed, both through personal initiative and through the fellowship of the church.

    17. State the personal qualities which should be produced.

    18. Draw up a practical programme for the development of these personal qualities and substantiate this programme from a biblical point of view.

    19. Formulate, substantiate and defend a valid biblical opinion and practice regarding Christian Living in relationship to traditional African practices; to modern western thought and to current moral issues.

    20. Formulate substantiate and defend a valid biblical opinion on the theory and practice of service within the church including both spiritual and social aspects.

    21. Formulate, substantiate and defend a valid Biblical opinion on the theory and practice of evangelism.

    22. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic beliefs of the groups which are generally known as False (Christian) Sects and formulate, substantiate and defend a valid Biblical opinion on how to present the Christian message in the face of such beliefs.

    23. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic beliefs of non-Christian religions and formulate, substantiate and defend a valid Biblical opinion on how to present the Christian message in the face of such beliefs. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria:

    Examiners must use a variety of assessment methods. Such methods may include, for example, class performance, revision exercises, assignments, tests and examinations, which may be either open book or closed book. There is therefore a continuous stream of assessment elements by formal means and informal means.

    Integrated Assessment:

    In the preparation of study guides and of the assessment of a learning unit, academic staffs are required to bear in mind the present state of knowledge, background and ability of the learners, the general and specific outcomes of the programme and the descriptors appropriate to Level 5 of the NQF.

    They must ensure that the assessment matches the offering in content, standards and level, that it is tied in to the general and specific outcomes of the programme, and that the mastery of skills, knowledge and the application of that knowledge are assessed in due proportion. In formal examinations, especially with respect to the theory of the subject, examiners must set their questions in a culturally-relevant practical framework wherever possible. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Dumisane Theological Institute's Diploma has been assessed by the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and credits are given to Dumisane Theological Institute's Diploma Units for comparable Learning Units in their BTh degree Programme.
  • Former students have been accepted by Fort Hare University for a one-year Honours BTh on the strength of their possessing Dumisane Theological Institute's Diploma.
  • A diplomat who went on to do a BTh degree here has, on the strength of his studies at Dumisane Theological Institute, been accepted for the Post-graduate studies by a training Institute in Scotland, which is affiliated to Glasgow University.

    There is every reason to think that this diploma is internationally acceptable for at least what it claims to be a two year qualification on NQF Level 5, equipping a person for the ministry in the Eastern Cape or similar setting elsewhere. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Within Dumisane Theological Institute, a student may progress directly from a certificate to a diploma to a degree. As indicated above, other Universities provide articulation opportunities, in particular, the North West University has arrangement with us, allowing our Diploma students to articulate to their Degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Because of our special relation with the North West University, all Dumisane Theological Institute's Diploma Learning Units are moderated by staff from the Potchefstroom campus of the North West University.

    Dumisane Theological Institute, therefore do not select moderators. They have every confidence that the Moderators selected by Potchefstroom are of the highest calibre. 

    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 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. Dumisani Theological Institute 


    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.