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: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97821  Bachelor of Theology Honours 
ORIGINATOR
George Whitefield College 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
Honours 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  120  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 purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to acquire a comprehensive, critical and systematic knowledge of Christian Theology, and/or a particular theological discipline, and to become conversant with contemporary theological discourse. Furthermore learners will be enabled to develop a foundational understanding and use of the research methodologies relevant to theological disciplines.

The qualification will also provide learners with the necessary applied and theoretical competencies to carry out a limited research project and communicate their new insights creatively (e.g. a mini-dissertation of approximately 10 000 words), thus playing a constructive role within church and society. Learners who achieve this qualification can, with a more advanced measure of independence:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of selected topics in the Old and New Testament studies.
  • Analyse the different historical periods and/or persons in relation to the bible, for example, Patristic Trinitarian Thought, or, Thomas Cranmer and 16th century Anglican theology.
  • Display extensive, systematic and profound knowledge of pastoral care and counselling as a practical theology discipline and biblical task.
  • Justify mission from a biblical and theological perspective.
  • Display extensive, systematic and profound knowledge of homiletical theory and practice by, first, familiarizing themselves with the state of research in this field and, by in-depth study of a representative selection of relevant primary texts, for example. Augustine, Chrysostom, Bernard, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Barth, Bonhoeffer, Thielicke.
  • Understand methodologies of research to be utilised in the field of theology and ethical norms and practices to be followed.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Theology Honours (B.Th. Hons) seeks to increase the critical insights and theological competence of the learners. The majority of the learners for this qualification may be working in churches, other Christian Ministry ventures, community organisations and society. The qualification will equip learners with further exegetical, theological and/or ministerial skills which will inter alia enable them to further contribute to Christian ministry in church and society and/or advance their intellectual theological skills. Some learners may, upon completion, proceed to advanced post graduate studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification can be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the criteria laid out. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous local or international qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the note to assessors.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission:
  • Bachelor of Theology Degree at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Theology at NQF Level 7 or a related field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 7 compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 and 5 electives at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits. Learners must choose one elective.

    Compulsory modules, 104 Credits:
  • Old Testament, 16 Credits.
  • New Testament, 16 Credits.
  • Christian Doctrine, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Research Proposal, 8 Credits.
  • Specialist Reading, 8 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 32 Credits.

    Electives, 80 Credits (Choose 1):
  • Church History, 16 Credits.
  • Pastoral Theology, 16 Credits.
  • Missiology, 16 Credits.
  • Homiletics16, Credits.
  • Ethics 16, Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of selected topics in the Old and New Testament studies.
    2. Analyse the different historical periods and/or persons in relation to the bible, for example. Patristic Trinitarian Thought, or, Thomas Cranmer and 16th century Anglican theology.
    3. Display extensive, systematic and profound knowledge of pastoral care and counselling as a practical theology discipline and biblical task.
    4. Interrogate the concept of mission from a biblical and theological perspective.
    5. Display extensive and profound knowledge of homiletical theory and practice by, first, familiarizing themselves with the state of research in this field and, by in-depth study of a representative selection of relevant primary texts.
    6. Understand methodologies of research to be utilised in the field of theology and ethical norms and practices to be followed. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Relevant materials, including both exegesis of primary biblical sources and in-depth mastery of appropriate contemporary secondary literature are identified, analysed and synthesized.
  • Relevant themes are selected and analysed, evaluated, and the result is communicated in various suitable formats.
  • Viewpoints on utilisation of socio-historical data in biblical exegesis are assessed.
  • Independent and defensible views in an ethical framework are developed and communicated orally and in a written format.
  • Complex problems relating to germane themes are identified, especially in contemporary and current biblical research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Coherent and critical understanding of the relevant subject material, including primary texts and leading-edge secondary literature is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge is effectively and critically selected, analysed and evaluated, and presented in a suitable academic forum, all within an ethically acceptable framework.
  • Information appropriate to propose solutions to complex issues in the history of theology is identified and synthesized.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Intelligent understanding of key terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories is shown.
  • One or more relevant themes from existing pastoral care models are selected, evaluated independently, and results communicated in various suitable formats.
  • Complex problems relating to appropriate issues are identified, especially in contemporary and current research in pastoral counselling, by means of critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of data in the form of an argument and defended individually, in class context and written form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Intelligent understanding of key terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories is shown.
  • One or more relevant themes from existing pastoral care models are selected, evaluated independently, and results communicated in various suitable formats.
  • Complex problems relating to appropriate issues are identified, especially in contemporary and current research in pastoral counselling, by means of critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of data in the form of an argument and defended individually, in class context and written form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Intelligent understanding of key terms, rules, concepts, and principles and theories is demonstrated.
  • Complex problems relating to relevant homiletical themes are identified, especially in contemporary and current research, by means of critical analysis, synthesis and data in the form of an argument.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Key terms, rules, concepts, and principles and theories are understood.
  • Complex problems relating to relevant ethical issues are identified.
  • Complex problems relating to the practical methodology of research as applied to theological disciplines are identified.
  • Conceptual precision with regard to the methodology of research through the practical process of data collection, organisation of ideas, critical analysis and interpretation is displayed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    Each module in excess of 4 Credits requires at least one formative assessment per 8 Credits. The number of tests, assignments, and other formal and informal formative assessments is dependent on the nature of the module.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessments include tests and assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Charles Sturt University in Australia offers the Bachelor of Theology (Honours) which is designed to provide learners with the opportunity for advanced study in theology and an avenue to postgraduate research study. Learners are able to articulate a broad understanding of the scope and disciplines of theological study; show advanced competence in methods of theological research; and demonstrate advanced competence in one of the following specialist theological fields of Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology and Church History.

    Briercrest College in Canada offers the Bachelor of Arts (Theology) Honours qualification which guides learners into the rich and complex heritage of Christian belief and practice. By more deeply understanding the intricacies of the Christian tradition, learners will be better able to interpret it within contemporary culture and to appreciate the complex traditions of others. An important component of this involves the careful use of the Christian Scriptures, and so all Bachelor of Administration (B.A) Theology (Honours) learners will gain competency in the study of a biblical language. Learners also gain skills to think and write clearly as they analyse sophisticated theological ideas. Since a high priority in the qualification is placed on robust dialogue and discussion, learners learn important relational and communication skills.

    Finally, since theological ideas shape living and character, learners are pushed to become competent and effective leaders in whatever context they find themselves. This qualification offers broad preparation for a variety of careers. The B.A Theology (Honours) also offers an excellent foundation for studies in fields such as theology, religious studies, and pastoral ministry.

    The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a one year Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol (Hons)). The aim of the BTheol (Hons) degree is to help learners to become highly skilled, versatile, independent thinkers with the research experience, information literacy and communication skills necessary for an advanced professional career in Theology or further academic study at the Masters or Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) Level.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to rationale and purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification can possibly articulate with the following qualifications:
    Articulation Horizontal:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership at NQF Level 8.

    Articulation Vertical:
  • Master of Philosophy in Leadership and Coaching at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Theology at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. George Whitefield College 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.