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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97190  Bachelor of 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 First 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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 purpose of the qualification is to deliver learners who can critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in the service and leadership - both lay and ordained - of Christian communities, community organisations and society. This qualification produces life-long theological learners who are equipped to raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts. The qualification also seeks to enable learners to develop, clarify and articulate a value system from a Christian perspective. This qualification is intended for raising the conscious of learners with respect to issues of justice such as gender, social disparity, disability and the environment, and enables them to develop transformative communities, and contribute to the development of the society as a whole.
Learners who achieve this qualification can:
  • Interpret, integrate and apply Christian sources in context.
  • Understand their communities, in the light of the history of Christianity, and position themselves responsibly in their contexts.
  • Analyse information critically and be able to articulate and communicate the information effectively.
  • Evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics to themselves and in the community.
  • Practise and evaluate ministries in the church.
  • Initiate and develop Christian ministry in the wider community.

    Rationale:
    Upon qualifying learners of the Bachelor of Theology qualification are likely to be working in churches, para-church and community organisations. The qualification will give them the opportunity to integrate knowledge of the Christian faith with essential skills to be able to minister to and lead Christian communities and contribute to the development and transformation of the broader society. Learners who wish to gain an understanding of the Christian faith and to develop their own spirituality will also benefit from this qualification. Learners will also be able to continue after this qualification with post-graduate studies, which may be required by some faith communities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning, in which consideration of articulation and mobility plays a meaningful role. The University endorses the view that RPL, gained either through formal qualifications or informally (through experience), is an essential element when deciding on admission to and granting of credits for a specifically chosen teaching learning qualification at the University.

    The University acknowledges that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) must be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way and that it must form part of the existing policy on the admission and credit accommodation to prospective or current learners at this institution. An applicant's prior learning is evaluated in accordance with the relevant procedure, and the applicant is found either competent or not yet competent.

    RPL deals with proven knowledge and learning an applicant has gained, either by undergoing formal training qualifications or through experience. At all times the question will be what level of skill, reviewed in the context of the exit level skills are required for the envisaged teaching learning programme, or modules within it, or status for which the applicant applies, and not only the experience an applicant has record of. RPL is thus done on the grounds of applied competences that the applicant has demonstrated, considering the Exit Level Outcomes to be reached with the chosen teaching learning qualification in this case the Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching). If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirements are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor studies.
  • Senior Certificate with Bachelor endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels, 6 and 7 and elective modules at NQF Levels 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Total Credits required for the qualification: 466.

    NQF Level 5 modules: Total of 128 Credits:
    Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
    English Composition, 8 Credits.
    Bible Study Methods/Hermeneutics, 8 Credits.
    Bibliopoly, 8 Credits.
    Children's Ministry, 8 Credits.
    Old Testament History 1, 8 Credits.
    Systematic Theology 1, 8 Credits.
    Devotional Life, 8 Credits.
    New Testament History 1: Life of Christ, 8 Credits.
    Old Testament History 2, 8 Credits.
    Systematic Theology 2, 8 Credits.
    Homiletics 1, 8 Credits.
    New Testament History 2: Acts, 8 Credits.
    Old Testament History 3, 8 Credits.
    Systematic Theology 3, 8 Credits.
    Computer Skills, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 modules: Total of 88 Credits:
    Method of Exegesis, 8 Credits.
    Children's Ministry Fieldwork, 6 Credits.
    Greek 1, 8 Credits.
    Ethics 1, 8 Credits.
    Missions 1, 8 Credits.
    Greek 2, 8 Credits.
    Church History 1, 8 Credits.
    Minor Prophets, 8 Credits.
    Leadership 1, 8 Credits.
    Ministry Trip Fieldwork, 4 Credits.
    Hospital Ministry Fieldwork, 2 Credits.
    Counselling 1, 8 Credits.
    Church Ministry Fieldwork, 4 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 modules: Total of 120 credits:
    Prison Epistles, 8 Credits.
    Greek 3, 8 Credits.
    Pastoral Epistles, 8 Credits.
    General Epistles, 8 Credits.
    Romans, 8 Credits.
    Hebrew 1, 8 Credits.
    Homiletics 2, 8 Credits.
    Major Prophets, 8 Credits.
    1 Corinthians, 8 Credits.
    Eschatology, 8 Credits.
    Isaiah, 8 Credits.
    Gospel of John, 8 Credits.
    Capstone, 8 Credits.
    The Writings, 8 Credits.
    Hebrews, 3rd year, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 modules: Learners will be guided by the faculty in the selection of the electives.
    Youth Ministry, 8 Credits.
    Worship, 8 Credits.
    Teaching Methods, 8 Credits.
    Christian Home, 8 Credits.
    Youth Ministry, 2nd year, 8 Credits.
    Evangelism, 8 Credits.
    Church Planting and Growth, 8 Credits.
    Pastoral Theology, 8 Credits.
    Comparative Religion, 8 Credits.
    Men's Ministry, 8 Credits.
    Women's Ministry, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 modules: Learners will be guided by the faculty in the selection of the electives.
    Missions 2, 8 Credits.
    Ethics 2, 8 Credits.
    Greek 4, 8 Credits.
    Church History 2: African Church, 8 Credits.
    Leadership 2, 8 Credits.
    Hebrew 2, 8 Credits.
    AIDS and the Church, 8 Credits.
    Counselling 2, 8 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and distinguish basic concepts and theories with regard to theology as a human and social science.
    2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines.
    3. Critically compare and use theological and other sources to explore questions relating to faith and proclaim Christian faith in context, particularly the African context.
    4. Engage in and articulate critical and creative theological thinking and writing.
    5. Play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian norms and values to contexts, to facilitate moral decision making and formation.
    6. Facilitate Christian pastoral ministry to individuals and communities and evaluate its effectiveness. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Christian teachings in context are applied and analysed.
  • Appropriated goal-oriented Christian principles is developed and inculcated.
  • Ethical decision making and formation in a church and social context are facilitated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Unity and diversity of theological subjects are explained and information in theological contexts is accessed, interpreted and applied.
  • The mission throughout church history is understood and a personal mission is defined.
  • The impact of relationships on "humanity created in the image of God' are explored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The biblical and other texts are interpreted, compared and critically analysed.
  • Other sources and disciplines are used where applicable to interpret biblical and other texts.
  • Questions relating to faith are critically addressed.
  • The Christian faith in context, particularly the African context is understood.
  • Personal faith development with the theological discourse is integrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Biblical and other texts are interpreted responsibly and creatively, sources such as concordances, commentaries, archaeological and historical documents, etc. are used.
  • The Christian faith is communicated in well-structured arguments showing an awareness of audience and using academic professional discourse appropriately in various written and oral forms.
  • Different theological positions are identified, classified and critiqued, evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments are used for evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critical insight into the complexities of current moral issues is demonstrated.
  • Key human and Christian ethical norms and values are identified.
  • Christian norms and values with appropriate goals, consequences and virtues for moral decisions are applied.
  • Learning and analysis are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Individual, group and societal areas in need of Christian pastoral healing and other ministries are identified and analysed.
  • Effective Christian pastoral ministry is understood and evaluated.
  • Participation in multicultural and multi -faith communities is conducted constructively.
  • History and value of other faith communities are carried out.
  • The impacts of cultural and religious differences on inter and intra-community relations is analysed.
  • Sensitivity towards different cultures and religious is demonstrated.
  • Transformative responses to contemporary societal needs are identified and formulated.
  • The analytical skills to identify and explain the needs of society are developed.
  • Contextually relevant responses are developed.
  • Transformational processes and programmes are implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of methods is utilised for both formative and summative assessments in each module belonging to the learning programme that leads to this qualification. Wherever possible these methods reflect authentic tasks and situations relating to the purpose of the qualification. The methods used include oral, written, individual and group work such as presentations, role plays, reports, reflections and portfolios. Assessors are required to design and utilise assessment practices which are open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable in order that no learner is disadvantaged and to ensure the integration of theoretical and practical components. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In Australia, the Charles Stuart University offers a similar qualification: Bachelor of Theology which encourages and fosters the search for meaning and spiritual depth in the context of cultural and religious pluralism in contemporary Australia. Learners are offered a thorough grounding in the four foundational areas of theology: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology and Church History. Each module has a strong basis in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology. There is a focused emphasis on theory and practice together in the area of Practical Theology; however learners have opportunities to pursue a significant number of modules in any of the four main areas.

    Learners are introduced to the four sub-disciplines which include introductory subjects in the Old and New Testaments. They will also study two modules in Church History; one on the early church and the other on the Reformation. This is complemented by two subjects from Practical Theology; one on worship and the other an introduction to practical theology itself. The qualification is rounded off with two modules in Systematic Theology which provides an introduction to theology and a module on the theology of the church. The intention is for the learner to be responsive to the range of possibilities in theology and also enable the learner to integrate these four areas.

    The Bachelor of Theology is offered in conjunction with St Mark's National Theological Centre in Canberra and United Theological College in North Parramatta to equip learners to undertake lay religious ministry functions or to pursue ordination. The Bachelor of Theology aims to deepen the learners' faith and understanding in whatever context they live or work. Learners can choose to study only theology modules or they can integrate their study of theology with another area of interest to further enrich their qualification. Learners looking to ordination or professional ministry can access module offerings which are vocationally oriented, ecumenically sensitive and integrated with practical experience.

    Career opportunities include chaplaincy in a variety of institutional settings, such as military, prisons, police, ambulance, hospital, trade and industry, or work in the social welfare arms of charities and the church, e.g. overseas development aid, communication functions and pastoral care. Learners may also use the generalist skills and specialist vocational training provided by the Bachelor of Theology as a good grounding for a career in many fields.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the identified international qualifications as the ,curriculum is similar and the focus of the qualifications is on integrating the knowledge of the Christian faith with essential skills to minister to and lead Christian communities and contribute to the development and transformation of the broader society. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides possibilities for a learner to be able to articulate both:
    Horizontally:
  • Advanced Diploma in Theology, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertically:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Theology, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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. 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.