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 Divinity 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99023  Bachelor of Divinity 
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
National First Degree(Min 480)  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  480  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   2034-06-30  

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 Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv) qualification is to enable learners to be trained in Biblical languages, hermeneutics and exegetical theology and to supply them with integrated knowledge of diverse theological disciplines, so that they can critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in service and leadership, both as lay and ordained members of Christian communities, community organisations and society.

A further purpose of the qualification is to present an introduction to and overview of Christian Theology and Ministry and to qualify learners to work effectively in an international and multi-cultural context. The qualification intends to produce life-long theological learners who are equipped to raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts and to prepare learners for specialised postgraduate studies.

Rationale:
The main stakeholder (Reformed Churches in South Africa - RCSA) is in need of people thoroughly trained in the Biblical languages and in basic theological disciplines, so that they can receive further, postgraduate training in theology. The rationale of this qualification is to fulfil this need.

The qualification is thus designed to be the basis for further theological training. This is done by laying the following foundations:
  • Extensive knowledge and skills of Bible languages.
  • Hermeneutical insight.
  • Introduction to various theological disciplines.

    The qualification is aimed at everyone who is interested in ministry, pastoral counselling, Biblical Studies, ethical orientation and the establishment of values and community development, as well as individuals who only have an academic interest in the study of Theology. The aim is to qualify persons to work effectively in an international and multi-cultural context.

    At present many ministers and pastoral workers lack adequate training. There is a growing need for knowledge of the Bible, ways to communicate with people of other religious beliefs and for the upliftment of the poor and people who have to cope with difficult living conditions. This qualification equips learners to participate in, for instance, upliftment programmes in South African society, and to create values and entrench these values in leaders who can implement these values in accordance with the Bill of Fundamental Human Rights.

    This qualification aims to produce life-long theological learners who are equipped to raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts, both in ecclesiastical and societal settings, by applying principles and perspectives of Scripture. The qualification also seeks to enable learners to develop, clarify and articulate a value system from a Christian perspective in church ministry, pastoral counselling and general leadership. The emphasis on Bible languages fulfils a niche not found in the same measure in other Theological Degrees in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The learner who does not meets the admission requirements may be admitted to the qualification through RPL. Thereafter, Recognition of Prior Learning, gained either through formal programmes of this or other institutions, or informally (through experience), may be considered when deciding on granting of credits for modules in this particular qualification. The learner will be thoroughly informed about the mechanism to be used. 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.

    The level of skills and competences will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes required of this qualification, or the outcomes of modules within it. Recognition of Prior Learning will thus be done on the grounds of applied competences that the applicant has demonstrated with regard to the exit level outcomes to be reached with this Bachelor of Divinity.

    Note that not more than a third of the total credits of the qualification can be assigned via RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelors' Degree admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 passed with Bachelors' Degree admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling a minimum of 526 Credits with optional modules.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, Credits, 72:
  • Fundamentals of ethics: The Ten Commandments, 8 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Church, Dogma and Missions History, 8 Credits.
  • Latin for everyone, 12 Credits.
  • Theology: Orientation and Creeds, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament: General introduction, 12 Credits.
  • A Biblical pastoral model, 12 Credits.
  • General introduction to the New Testament, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, Credits, 148:
  • Introduction to Homiletics, 16 Credits.
  • Judicial and Church Latin, 12 Credits.
  • Latin Authors and Roman History (1), 16 Credits.
  • Missional theology and missional churches, 8 Credits.
  • Reality and knowledge, 16 Credits.
  • History of Philosophy, 16 Credits.
  • Greek Grammar (1), 12 Credits.
  • Greek Grammar (2), 12 Credits.
  • Pastoral care to and through children and youth, 16 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew Grammar (2), 12 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew Grammar (1) and Geographical Context, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, Credits, 156:
  • Christian Apologetics in outline, 16 Credits.
  • Covenantal Catechesis and creative Bible teaching, 12 Credits.
  • Greek Grammar (3) and semantics, 16 Credits.
  • Greek Composition, 16 Credits.
  • Theological Hermeneutics: an introduction, 8 Credits.
  • Revelation History (Biblical Theology): Introduction, 16 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew Grammar (3), 16 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew Grammar (4), 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Dogmatics (2), 8 Credits.
  • Pastoral counselling in practise, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Dogmatics (1), 8 Credits.
  • Textual criticism of the Old and New Testaments, 12 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8, Credits, 150:
  • Liturgics of the Old Testament, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Biblical Hebrew Language Structure and Textual Study, 16 Credits.
  • Extra Biblical Hebrew and Semitic Languages in general, 16 Credits.
  • Greek translation and text analysis (1), 16 Credits.
  • Greek translation and text analysis (2), 16 Credits.
  • Theological Hermeneutics: Contemporary approaches to the Bible, 8 Credits.
  • New Testament: Principles and methodology of exegesis, 8 Credits.
  • Mini-Dissertation, 22 Credits.
  • Old Testament: Principles and methodology of exegesis, 8 Credits.
  • Old Testament: Practical exegesis, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Dogmatics (3), 8 Credits.
  • New Testament: The synoptic gospels, 8 Credits.

    Learners must complete these additional modules if they are not proficient in English or Afrikaans:
  • Language of instruction (Afrikaans/English), 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy (Afrikaans or English), 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with underlying theories and research methodologies relevant to theology in general, and to philosophy, hermeneutics and exegesis in particular.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with Biblical languages and apply hermeneutical insight when interpreting specific Biblical texts.
    3. Use the knowledge of procedures, processes or techniques to translate and interpret texts, as well as use methodologies of other theological disciplines to serve as a foundation for exegetical work and further study in various theological disciplines.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to act as academic leaders and experts in the field of Theology, and as community leaders who are involved in education and community life.
    5. Conduct a research project in the field of theology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Extensive and systematic knowledge of the character and content of the various sub disciplines in theology is displayed.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the role and function of the components of the research process is shown andadvanced bibliographical skills are applied and findings are communicated in an academic research proposal.
  • Philosophical perspectives are critically analysed with the use of appropriate philosophical theories, concepts, principles and methods, and these philosophical perspectives are creatively responded to with the use of appropriate philosophical theories, concepts, principles and methods.
  • Different approaches to the interpretation of the Old and New Testaments are related to the respective approaches and one's provisional hermeneutical framework is explained.
  • Philosophical points of view and theological knowledge are expressed, synthesised and applied with regard to questions of the current life-world.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • In-depth knowledge of Hebrew and Greek passages is shown including extensive understanding of key terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories is used for morphological, semantical, syntactical , rhetorical, stylistic and structural analysis and explanation.
  • Grammatical interpretation and translation is displayed to indicate mastery of the grammar, vocabulary and paradigms of these languages.
  • In-depth knowledge and extensive understanding of the principles of the semantics of Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Greek are applied.
  • Dictionaries and lexicons are used for definitions and meanings of words that are used in specific contexts in the Bible.
  • Hebrew and Greek information is analysed, synthesised and evaluated and information is communicatedin a prescribed formatboth orally and in writing.
  • A scientific account of the theoretical aspects of Old and New Testament Textual criticism is given.
  • The text-critical apparatus of the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and the United Bible Societies' Fourth Revised Edition of the Greek New Testament are applied.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The meaning in texts are identified and these meanings are relatedto Biblical texts.
  • Various principles and procedures underlying the exegesis of the Old and New Testaments are integrated to various passages in the Old Testamentand to some specific passages in exegetical papers.
  • The history of Biblical interpretation and principles of interpretation is explained and the tendencies in the history of interpretation are evaluated.
  • Proof of critical thought and argumentation is provided by compiling academic texts in a logical and appropriate manner, specifically relating to the nature and study field of the various sub disciplines (other theological disciplines) within the encyclopaedia of the theological sciences.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • In-depth knowledge of principles involved in teaching children the basics of the Christian faith (catechesis) and how these principles can be transferred to youth ministry and education in general is displayed.
  • The necessary skills to conduct lessons to children, deliver short talks to a mixed audience of children and adults (public speaking) is displayed.
  • The ability to successfully participate and lead group discussions is demonstrated.
  • Personal interviews on pastoral problems, i.e. matters relating to trauma, depression, relationships, are conducted.
  • Academic tasks with the use of audio-visual aidsare presented to group discussions.
  • Meaningful contributions are given during seminars on preaching sermons of postgraduate learners.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A dissertation of about 8000 words on a chosen subject in a chosen theological field is written.
  • The field of study is sufficiently demarcated.
  • Findings are communicated in an acceptable academic discourse, with consideration of ethical research issues.
  • Relevant research methods in the field are applied.
  • Sufficient overview of the relevant literature in a logical and systematic line of argument on the topic is provided.
  • An advanced bibliographical skill is demonstrated by using information technology (electronic data bases and text manipulation programs) as a research aid in preparing the bibliography.
  • A clear problem statement central, theoretical argument, aims and plausible findings are formulated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Opportunities for both formative and summative assessments are imbedded in the learning design of this qualification. Examples of methods by which informal and formal formative and summative assessment will be conducted, include tests, discussions, written and practical assignments, peer group evaluation and examinations. In the case of pastoral studies and catechesis, real or hypothetical case studies will simulate real-life situations.

    Summative assessment in most of the modules in the qualification will be conducted by means of a written examination and will ensure that the exit level outcomes and key purpose of the qualification are realised. The mini-dissertation will determine whether the learner is able to demonstrate critical application of theory, concepts, principles, rules, processes and structures to solve real world problems and issues. The outcome of the mini-dissertation will also determine the learner's ability to find new information, integrate this information with existing knowledge and successfully apply that information to present-day situations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to international undergraduate Bachelor of Theology (BTh or BTheol) or Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv or BD) Degrees. These international qualifications sometimes require four years of study, and sometimes three years plus Honours.

    In South Africa a four year BDiv is presented for theological training to denominations requiring Hebrew and Greek as part of their theological training, It serves as the foundation for further, more practical orientated qualifications.
  • A Bachelor of Theology offered by Charles Stuart University (CSU) in Australia was used for comparison of the qualification. CSU's Bachelor of Theology enriches learners spiritually and vocationally equipping them for leadership and ministry in the life and work of the Christian church. This qualification is theologically and biblically rich, vocationally oriented, ecumenically sensitive and integrated with practical experience.
  • The University of Edinburgh's Bachelor of Divinity was also used. This qualification focuses on Christian Theology, and entails the study of Christian scriptures, historical development, doctrines and practices. This qualification offers a rigorous formation for learners preparing for ordained ministry. The qualification also assists learners to develop a broad range of core skills (History, Language, critical conceptual thinking, research and presentation) which are also useful to other careers.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with similar qualifications offered internationally in terms of the competencies that learners will develop. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation is possible as coordinated by the Forum for University Theological Education (FUTE). This body is representative of the Faculties of Theology and Departments of Religious Education from all South African universities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    The qualification also offers articulation to other NQF Level 8 qualifications, such as the Bachelor of Theology Honours in Bible Languages and Postgraduate Diplomas, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology.

    Vertical Articulation:
    The qualification Bachelor of Divinity offers articulation to NQF Level 9 qualifications, such as the MTh (Master of Theology) and MDiv (Master of Divinity). The latter (MDiv) is the specific need of the main stakeholder (Reformed Churches in South Africa). 

    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. 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.