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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96565  Higher Certificate in Theology 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
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  Not Applicable  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to demonstrate an elementary competence for lay pastoral activities and will be sufficiently competent in entering training for the Diploma in Theology. The churches require better-qualified lay pastoral workers as well as a bridging course enabling Learners to gain entrance to university training. Qualifiers will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

The qualification recognises formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning) at a Further Education and Training Certificate Level 4 or a functional equivalent.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Comprehending and teaching the elementary aspects of a Biblical passage.
    2. Assisting in congregational pastoral work.
    3. Continuing his theological training at university level.
    4. Interpret simple biblical passage by being sensitive to form and content.
    5. Prepare a lesson on a passage and communicate it effectively in oral and written presentation.
    6. Articulate the conspicuous character of a church community, the main ideas of the doctrine of the church and the character of church work.
    7. Attaining a basis for a continuation of their study by reaching a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria is used in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Presenting a Bible lesson that complies with exegetical requirements, demonstrating knowledge of Bible, church, doctrine and work.
  • Assistance in congregational pastoral work.
  • Competence is achieved, through continuous assessment by demonstrating the ability to achieve the outcomes of the qualification.
  • A course mark through tests and written and oral examination, moderated externally.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are formatively and summatively assessed. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with similar international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of the Free State 


    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.