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: 

Higher Certificate in Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73370  Higher Certificate in Theology 
ORIGINATOR
Union Bible Institute 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
National Higher 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  120  Level 5  NQF Level 05  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 
Purpose:

A person acquiring this Qualification will be able to serve as a lay leader or part-time worker in a church or other Christian ministry.

Rationale:

This Qualification addresses the need of churches and other Christian organizations for lay leaders and part-time workers with Christ-like character, knowledge of the Bible and theology, and ministry skills. It addresses the need of learners who are trying to determine whether they should pursue training for full-time ministry, of those who want a biblical foundation before pursuing studies in other fields, and of those who are already employed but wish to gain biblical knowledge and ministry skills on a part-time basis. It further addresses the need of those who are preparing for ministry in isiZulu-speaking contexts, as learners are given the option of studying in either English or isiZulu. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner entering this Qualification will have the following:
  • Ability to communicate in English or isiZulu.
  • Ability to formulate their own viewpoints in writing.
  • Ability to organize and process new information and viewpoints.
  • Basic understanding of Christianity.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Higher Certificate in Theology, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits allows for open access and may be achieved in part or in whole through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this Qualification. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their Christian ministry and theology aptitude through compulsory interviews, and knowledge and skills tests. All such evidence shall be judged according to the general principles of assessment: appropriate, fair, manageable, valid, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open, and consistent.

    Access to the Qualification:

    This Qualification is for all candidates who meet the entrance requirements and who would like to enter into, or who have been employed or involved in Christian ministry.

    Learners must have a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in English or isiZulu. Applicants who are over the age of 40, or over the age of 23 and have completed Grade 10, may also be admitted. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Components; Credits Allocated; NQF Level:
  • Fundamentals:
    > Bible introduction; 8; 5.
    > Bible study methods and hermeneutics; 8; 5.
    Total Credits; 16.
  • Core:
    > Systematic Theology; 24.
    > Biblical Studies; 40.
    > Practical Theology; 16.
  • Electives (choose 3); 24; 5.
    > Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Greek, Church History.
    > Cross-Cultural Ministry, Christian Education, Fieldwork, Practical.
    > Theology, English, and Computer.

    Total Credits; 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Ability to perform some leadership functions in a local church.

    2. Understanding of biblical history and its relationship to each book of the Bible.

    3. A more detailed understanding of certain biblical books.

    4. Basic understanding of Christian systematic theology.

    5. Personal growth in spiritual maturity and the skills to assist other believers to grow spiritually.

    6. Basic skills in the interpretation of the Christian Scriptures.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The programme aims to develop the SAQA Critical Cross-Field Outcomes listed below:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Basic principles of hermeneutics are explained.
  • Hermeneutical principles are explained in interpreting various genres of Scriptures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Passages are interpreted in the light of biblical history.
  • Problems of historical and systematic interpretation in theology are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The historical background, purpose, and message of each book of the Bible is explained.
  • The relevance of a biblical book to the African context is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The biblical basis for various doctrinal positions is evaluated.
  • Awareness of the role of cultural differences in biblical interpretation is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Habits of personal spiritual disciplines are established and taught to others.
  • The ability to understand the cultural and contextual roots of the congregation is displayed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Plan and lead worship in a church setting effectively.
  • Servant leadership habits and practices are developed.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Formative assessment integrates theory with practice, with transfer of skills being conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    The Purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the Outcomes of the Qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Candidates should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.

    Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification has similar content at a similar level to other one-year programmes at most national and international theological institutions

    The Redcliffe College Centre for Mission Training offers a Certificate in Applied Theology which provides students with foundational training in biblical, theological, cross-cultural and mission studies. The content includes introduction to Old Testament; introduction to the Gospels; Acts and Pauline Epistles; Biblical Perspectives on Wealth and Poverty and Gender Issues; New Testament; mission and church growth; nurturing Evangelism and discipleship skills; developing spirituality; children's and youth ministry; God/Church; primal religion/the Spirit World; Hinduism and Buddhism and theology of Religions, like Islam.

    In Ireland the Milltown Institute of the National University of Ireland offers a Certificate in Theology, covering the following content: definition of Theology; Old Testament; New Testament; Faith and Revelation; the Church; definition of Salvation; sacraments of initiation; art and spirituality; faith, conscience and the moral life; who is Jesus Christ; theory and practice of personal prayer; marriage; making choices; the mystery of the Trinity; Eucharist and reconciliation; Mary, the Mother of Jesus; the Holy Spirit and the Church History. This part-time programme facilitates a growth in understanding of the Christian faith and its implications for life in today's world.

    In Australia the Morling College offers a Certificate in Theology that covers the following content: Old Testament; New Testament; Christian Belief; Ethics and the Christian Faith; Evangelism; Introduction to Pastoral Care; Introduction to Christian Spirituality; Cults and Sects; Christian Leadership; Church History; Christian Mission and Missions.

    Also in Australia the Sydney Missionary and Bible School offers a Certificate in Theology that covers the following: Biblical Theology; Old Testament Exegesis: Isaiah; Old Testament Exegesis: Psalms; New Testament Exegesis (Mark, Hebrews, Romans, John); Christian Ethics; Christian Education; Church, Gospel and Culture; Cults and Belief Systems and introduction to Evangelism.

    The Kenya Methodist University offers a one-year fulltime Certificate Programme in Theology while the Tangaza College-the Catholic University of Eastern Africa offers the following Certificates: Certificate in Biblical Studies; Certificate in Mission Studies and a Certificate in Islamic Studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Completion of a Higher Certificate meets the minimum entry requirements for admission to an appropriate Advanced Certificate. Accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into a cognate Diploma programme. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessors and moderators assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of an assessor against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor and/or moderator with a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body.
  • Formative assessment will be conducted internally with internal moderation being done by registered moderators. The moderation body is the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA).
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a relevant Qualification at least on NQF Level 6.
  • Have relevant workplace experience.
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the enclosed outcomes as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • Be declared competent in all the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Union Bible Institute NPC 


    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.