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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Christian Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88896  Postgraduate Diploma: Christian Theology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  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  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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:
The proposed Postgraduate Diploma: Christian Theology is designed as a non-professional qualification in Christian Theology that elaborates on and refines the basic knowledge attained by successful completion of the Bachelor's Degree: Theology.

The purpose of the qualification is to enable the Postgraduate learner:
  • To be equipped on an advanced level in applying the principles and perspectives of Scripture in ecclesiastical and social contexts.
  • To develop an adequate theoretical framework for church ministry, pastoral counselling, refined ethical decisions in complex situations, leadership in the establishment of sound values and community development.

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma: Christian Theology will guide Postgraduate biblical scholars in Theology to apply their knowledge in complicated and challenging ecclesiastical situations. The stakeholder Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) - is in need of people trained for ministry that will be well equipped to handle current challenges in a changing society in an innovative way. The proposed Postgraduate Diploma strives to provide advanced theoretical building blocks to assist a learner in exercising the necessary higher skills needed to align theory with diverse situations in ecclesiastical praxis in a responsible and effective way. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    An appropriate Bachelor's Degree with Theology.
    Or
    A cognate qualification with Theology at NQF Level 7.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Types of RPL as defined in the policy document of the NWU:
  • RPL for Access: establishment of a suitable level of study aimed at a qualification, for a learner who does not qualify for admission into that qualification via the ordinary admission requirements of an institution.
  • RPL for Advanced Standing: exemption from certain levels or modules of a course of study on the basis of the candidate's experience/learning acquired prior to applying for RPL.
  • RPL for Credit: granting credit for a level or a module of a course of study on the basis of experience gained or learning acquired before applying for RPL. At the NWU a full qualification cannot be obtained by means of RPL.

    At the NWU, the maximum portion of a full qualification that could be obtained by means of RPL is a third of the Credits of the full qualification.

    Eligibility for RPL at the NWU includes the following:
  • Learners who lack the minimum requirements for entry into formal learning for higher education qualifications (no articulation exemption or similar status awarded at the completion of NQF Level 4) but have a wealth of experience.
  • Learners who have exited formal education at a time in their education careers but have since accumulated experience through work and/or a series of short courses may seek exemption for some modules or levels or status for a whole qualification that would enable them to further their studies.
  • Learners who are under-qualified adult learners with some level of professional education, such as teachers or nurses, who want to upgrade their qualifications, may apply for exemption of some modules or levels.
  • Learners who want to fast-track progression through a learning programme by way of exemption for modules or levels in consideration of informal or non-formal learning accomplished.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access to the Qualification is open to all learners meeting the entry requirements for HEQF Level 8 qualifications. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are at NQF Level 8 and are compulsory:
  • Dogmatics 1, 8 Credits.
  • Dogmatics 2, 8 Credits.
  • Ethics, 8 Credits.
  • Homiletics, 8 Credits.
  • Church and Dogma History, 8 Credits.
  • Church Polity, 8 Credits.
  • Liturgics, 8 Credits.
  • Missiology 1, 8 Credits.
  • Missiology 2, 8 Credits.
  • New Testament 1,16 Credits.
  • New Testament 2, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament 1, 16 Credits.
  • Old Testament 2, 8 Credits.
  • Pastoral Science, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, distinguish and evaluate concepts and theories with regard to Theology as a human and social science.
    2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines (the theological encyclopaedia).
    Range: Theological subjects include for example Biblical Studies, Ethics, Systematic Theology, Church Ministries, History of Christianity.
    3. Identify and develop personal faith in critical interaction within own context and people with differing views, and exhibit a more advanced degree of critical self awareness.
    4. Develop and apply core human and Christian values to contexts.
    5. Develop and evaluate insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to development of Christian ministry and life.
    6. Interact constructively with multicultural and multi-faith communities from a theological perspective. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate critical insight into the various viewpoints related to theological issues.
  • Demonstrate the ability to formulate own viewpoint.
  • Critically compare and use theological and other sources at a more advanced level to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
    > Range: Other sources include concordances, commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, monographs, journals and other secondary literature.
  • Use other sources and disciplines when applicable to interpret biblical and other texts.
    > Range: Other texts include experiences, e.g. of women; histories and creeds, current documents in churches of various groupings, and narratives, archaeology and history.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Integrate theory and praxis.
  • Interpret, compare and critically analyse biblical and other texts.
    > Range: Other texts include experiences, e.g. of women; histories and creeds, current documents in churches of various groupings, and narratives, archaeology and history.
  • Communicate the Christian message in context, using various written and oral forms; writing at various levels of publication.
    > Range: Publication includes but is not limited to Church letters, journals, newspapers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Interpret biblical and other texts to address faith questions.
    > Range: Other texts include experiences, e.g. of women; histories and creeds, current documents in churches of various groupings, and narratives, archaeology and history.
  • Provide an insightful and critical account of the history and values of faith community and their personal faith development.
  • Integrate personal faith development with theological discourse and ministry in own faith communities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Employ advanced critical insight into the complexities of current moral dilemmas.
  • Identify, compare and critique key human and Christian ethical principles.
  • Engage own learning and analysis at a more advanced level into value based decisions and actions.
    > Range: Decisions and actions are based on Christian sources, theology and traditions, in the African context, with cognisance of the international context.
  • Identify and evaluate value systems in own community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and analyse individual, group and societal areas with reference to Christian ministry and life.
  • Use theological skills to develop, adapt and critique different models for Christian ministry, life and society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Present a reliable account of the history and value of other faith communities.
  • Analyse the impact of cultural and religious differences on inter and intra community relations beeing sensitive towards different cultures and religions.
  • Provide an informed description and constructive relationship with other faith communities relevant to own field of study.
  • Formulate and critique own presuppositions.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module is facilitated with a system of ongoing assessment in place. Formative and summative assessments are integrally included in the design of each module. Tests/assignments are part and parcel of each module in the proposed qualification. The test and assignment marks are utilised together with an assessment of the quality of a learner's contribution during contact sessions to compile a participation mark. This participation mark determines whether a learner can have access to the final examination opportunities.

    Formative and summative assessments are usually deployed on a 50%/ 50% basis.

    The quality of the modules included in the qualification is assessed on an ongoing basis. In the course of the presentation of a module an evaluation form must be completed by each learner. The directors of the two schools involved in the Postgraduate Diploma: Christian Theology (the director of the School for Biblical Sciences and the director of the School for Ecclesiastical Sciences) will take the necessary steps to address problems indicated by the evaluation process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Christian ministry's 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.
    Australia: Graduate Diploma of Christian Studies (GradDipChrStuds):

    AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma:
    The course aims to equip graduates with the theological and other understandings and skills needed to apply a Christian perspective and commitment to their life in the world, including their professional and vocational life, and is designed to integrate theological reflection with the particular occupational and/or life interests of learners.

    The educational qualification for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Christian Studies is an approved three-year non-theological undergraduate Degree of a recognised university, or its equivalent:
  • 16 cps in core foundational level units (from OT501, OT502, NT501, NT502, CH501, CH502 and CH505).
  • 8 cps in Theology (from TH601-TH604).
  • 4 cps 600 level units.
  • A 4 cp project (IN650).
    The Project allows the opportunity to undertake sustained, in-depth research in the area of the integration of their professional and life interests with particular aspects of the Christian tradition.
    Learners will pursue in depth a topic of personal and/or vocational interest not studied elsewhere in the Degree; to enable learners to develop research skills at an advanced level, particularly if articulation to a research Degree is anticipated; to enhance the integration of the learners' professional and/or life interests with particular aspects of theological and biblical studies.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Skills in biblical exegesis, the practice of hermeneutics or interpretation, and theological reflection in such a way as to bring their theological insights to bear upon the world they face and on their roles and occupations in it.
  • Ability to integrate and synthesise insights gained from the learner's programme of study with his or her vocational and/or life interests.
  • Ability to investigate by means of the project the particular interface of theological study and the world of work and/or life interest of the learner.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and competence in their analysis of texts and ideas, undertake reading at greater depth and breadth than that expected of undergraduates, and show ability to read across viewpoints with understanding and to report these with empathy.
  • Display an ability to present well-structured and coherent arguments.
  • Demonstrate ability in all units undertaken to arrive at independent judgments and conclusions, and to engage in constructing their own theological world-view with attention to the deposit of faith and contemporary world-views.
  • Develop a critical appreciation of the historical context of Christian thought and practice and gain a critical appreciation of relevant cultural issues from a Christian perspective.

    Scotland: Free Church College Postgraduate Diploma in Theological Studies:

    Duration: It will involve a minimum of one year full-time study and a maximum of two years.

    Entrance Requirements: The new course is open to all who hold the Free Church College Bachelor of Theology or its equivalent.

    This course is well suited to ministers on sabbatical leave and to others with specific research interests. The Free Church College is particularly well resourced in the area of Scottish Theology and Presbyterian Studies, but the Postgraduate Diploma may be taken in any one of the College's five departments.

    A College professor will be assigned as supervisor and (if there are sufficient numbers) there will be regular Postgraduate Seminars.

    The Diploma will be awarded on the basis of a 20,000-word thesis. In addition, learners who do not hold the College's BTh will be required to attend the class relevant to the subject they are studying and to complete all class assignments and course work to the satisfaction of the Professor concerned.

    USA: Trinity College Bristol: Postgraduate Diploma in Theology:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology aims to develop the learners' interest in and knowledge and understanding of Christian theology. Through a variety of options, learners will be able to engage with biblical studies, ecclesiology, missiology and church history in some depth. Learners will acquire critical interpretive and theological tools that build on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theology programme. They will learn to develop insights that speak to contemporary issues.

    This taught Postgraduate programme is designed to give students who have a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theology (or equivalent programme) the opportunity to develop aspects of particular interest at a Postgraduate level. It will be of interest for people who wish to devote a year to more in-depth, focussed and critical study of theology, often as part of a programme of continuing professional development.

    Units include:
  • Issues in Biblical Theology.
  • The Bible in the Contemporary World: Hermeneutics.
  • Galatians and 1 Corinthians: Early Letters of Paul.
  • Luke, Acts.
  • Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Exegesis.
  • Elementary New Testament Greek and Exegesis.
  • Intermediate Hebrew and Exegesis.
  • Intermediate Greek and Exegesis.
  • Advanced Greek: Exegesis and Syntax.
  • The Church as a Prophetic and Pilgrim Community.
  • Dimensions of Worship.
  • From Wesley to Wimber: Contemporary Evangelicalism.
  • Revivals and Revivalism: Past and Present.
  • Christian Faith and Current Global Issues.
  • Mission, the Environment and World Development.
  • Mission in a Global Context: Concepts and Practices.
  • Mission and Anglicanism.

    In order to complete the Postgraduate Diploma programme, learners must complete taught units totalling 120 Credits. In the case of failing to achieve sufficiently well, learners may exit with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 Credits satisfactorily completed). The Postgraduate Diploma can be completed full time in one academic year or part time in two years.

    Conclusion:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology compares favourably with the qualifications above, except that each has a research component which Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology does not include. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Master's Degree at NQF Level 9, provided that the required reaserch competence is in place. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation (internal as well as external) will fully comply with the standards and practice as managed by the management of NWU's Faculty of Theology.

    Each examination paper is submitted to a strict policy of internal moderation (that evaluates whether all the module outcomes are addressed in the paper and that the paper is designed according to the appropriate HEQF level descriptor).
    The examination process is frequently (according to a fixed cycle) submitted to external moderation by peers from other South African higher education institutions.

    The following criteria are specified for moderators:
  • Moderators should hold at least the equivalent Degree to that which is being examined.
  • Moderators need to be competent in conducting assessment.
  • Moderators who have not yet undergone assessor training will be given the opportunity to do so wherever possible.
  • Moderators require peer review (academic and inter-disciplinary).
  • Moderation should validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes in the Exit Level Outcomes and Integrated Assessment options as described in the qualification. 
    		•

    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 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. North West University 


    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.