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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98789  Higher Certificate in Theology 
ORIGINATOR
George Whitefield College NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
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 qualification aims to provide basic theological and pastoral training for church workers who wish to improve their knowledge and skills to better serve their churches and/or communities. Successful learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in Biblical interpretation and communication; show a good understanding of the doctrine and functioning of a church; and reflect on the character of church work within a community. Graduates will be able to apply acquired knowledge and skills in various church ministries or a general church leadership role. As the medium of instruction is in English, two 12 Credit electives in English language are provided for applicants who need to improve their English proficiency. Successful candidates will also have a basis for continuation of studies, if so desired.

Rationale:
Churches need better trained pastoral workers for both lay and full-time. There is a strong desire amongst many lay persons for a formal qualification (which can be attained on a full-time or part-time basis) to enable them to better serve as assistants within various church ministries. In addition, there are many full-time Pastors who have little or no theological training; the majority of whom do not meet the entrance requirements for Degree studies. The qualification provides for basic theological and pastoral training and provides a pathway for further Diploma or Degree studies. Pastors and assistants who are better trained and more knowledgeable will have greater confidence and ability which will greatly enhance their service to their church members and the wider communities in which they operate. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
A maximum of 10% of applicants in any year may be admitted through RPL in accordance with the regulations as set out in George Whitefield College (GWC's) Policy 20: Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules totalling 80 Credits and a minimum of 40 Credits must be selected from available electives. The total Credits for the qualification is 120.

    Compulsory modules: 80 Credits:
  • Learning Development, 16 Credits.
  • Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament Introduction, 8 Credits.
  • New Testament Introduction, 8 Credits.
  • Biblical Theology, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament Exegesis, 8 Credits.
  • New Testament Exegesis, 8 Credits.
  • Church History Survey, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Christian Thought, 8 Credits.

    Electives modules: 40 Credits:
  • English for Theological Students 1, 12 Credits.
  • English for Theological Students 2, 12 Credits.
  • Evangelism, 8 Credits.
  • Small Group Management, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, 8 Credits.
  • Church Administration, 8 Credits.
  • Youth Ministry, 8 Credits.
  • Women's Ministry, 8 Credits.
  • Religions and Worldviews, 8 Credits.
  • Ministry to the Disadvantaged, 8 Credits.
  • Children's Ministry 1, 8 Credits.
  • Children's Ministry 2, 8 Credits.
  • Children's Ministry 3, 8 Credits.
  • Children's Ministry 4, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an ability to manage his/her study programme, to read and research efficiently for academic study, use computer software to create and organise typed documents, and analyse and make sound arguments.
    2. Prepare a sermon or a lesson on a passage and communicate it reliably, accurately and coherently.
    3. Interpret and teach Biblical passages being sensitive to form, content and context.
    4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the nature of Theology and apply a Christian understanding of the doctrines of the Bible in his/her ministry.
    5. Apply the lessons of Church History to his/her proclamation of the Bible and pastoral ministry.
    6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of one or more specialist areas of ministry.
    7. Articulate the main ideas of the doctrine of the church and the character of a church community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Summaries and diagrams showing effective organisation and processing of study information are produced.
  • Effective researching, referencing and use of computer software are demonstrated.
  • Ability to analyse arguments and to reason coherently is shown.
  • Good examination planning and writing strategy is practised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Hermeneutical principles for the exegesis of various genres of Scripture are applied.
  • A methodology for preparing an expository talk is explained and applied.
  • At least two competent sermons or talks are presented with attention to introduction, aim and structure, interpretation of passage, application, delivery and presentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A schematic diagram of the major stages of revelation in both Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) is produced.
  • Biblical Theology, its importance, and relationship to other branches of Christian theology is explained.
  • Relevant aspects of the historical, geographical and socio-political backgrounds of the Bible are discussed and their relevance explained.
  • Important primary and secondary sources for the study of the Bible are identified.
  • The structure, contents and main themes of selected Biblical books are described in broad outline.
  • The English text of selected passages are exegeted with reference to meaning, context and significance.
  • Application of selected passages to the current context, in particular the African and South Africa context, is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The nature of Christian Theology and its place in the theological curriculum is explained.
  • The use of the Bible in applying and erecting theological doctrines is explained.
  • Faith and reason, and their respective roles in erecting theological models of truth are compared and contrasted.
  • Christian thought is compared and contrasted with non-Christian thought in an apologetic model.
  • The relationship between Christian Wisdom and Theology is explored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The principles and practices of the study of history in general and church history in particular are described.
  • The advances and regressions of the Christian Church in history are explained.
  • The significance and impact of key individuals is outlined.
  • An awareness of how past events can influence and impact current practice is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The purpose and value of specialist ministries (pastoral, youth, children's, etc.) is articulated.
  • The key components of specialised ministries are determined biblically and outlined.
  • Different approaches to specialist ministries are compared, contrasted and evaluated.
  • Challenges and difficulties in ministry, particularly in African context, are identified, evaluated, and solutions proposed.
  • Ability to minister in one or more specialised fields is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • A basic biblical-theological doctrine of the Church is articulated and applied.
  • The significance of the marks and attributes of the Church are explained.
  • The purpose and functioning of a church community is explained.
  • The responsibilities and requirements of various specialised ministries in the Church are articulated and demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Applied competence is determined through:
  • Informal Formative Assessment, including self-and peer-assessment and diagnostic assessment.
  • Formal Formative Assessment, including group and individual presentations, assignments and practical tasks, e.g. presentation of lessons. At least one formal formative assessment is required per 8 Credits of each module.
  • Summative assessment: Required for every semester of a module, generally by written examination.
  • The presentation of sermons and talks, as well as practical work undertaken through ministry electives provides opportunity for integrated assessment of knowledge and skills acquired through the core modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to similar qualifications of theological colleges and universities in the United Kingdom with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process, and with regard to notional learning time. For example, "The Certificate Higher Certificate in Theology" of the London School of Theology and the "Certificate in Theology" of the Department of Continuing Education of the University of Oxford. Similar qualifications in the United State of America tend to be delivered only by distance education. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation:
    Completion of the Higher Certificate in Theology meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to George Whitefield College (GWC's) Bachelor of Theology Degree. The Higher Certificate may also provide access to an appropriate Advanced Certificate. Accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into a cognate Diploma. 

    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. 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.