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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90914  Bachelor of Theology 
ORIGINATOR
College of Transfiguration 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(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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2030-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Theology is intended to provide prospective learners for the ministry in the church with a professional preparation that will enable them to function as church practitioners, with high level skills in theological analysis, interpretation and application, to function as acknowledged leaders in church and society and as agents of transformation. The qualification will equip learners with a thorough and in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith, particularly as it is manifested in the Anglican tradition and will enable them to apply the theoretical and practical skills required to live a life of service and transformation in the church and the local community. The Bachelor of Theology provides a foundation for Christian ministry, from which learners may go on to distinguish themselves and benefit both church and society.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Theology provides recognition to learners who have proved themselves as competent to offer ministry and leadership within both church and society. It offers an opportunity to integrate theory and practice in a manner that promotes personal and societal transformation. The qualification will therefore be of benefit to those pursuing a vocation in the ordained ministry of the church, and to those who are eager to understand their own faith more deeply. As a higher level qualification for the ordained ministry of the church it is directed at those with sufficient academic capability and who are considered to be material to become future leaders of the church and who are destined to be significant leadership material even beyond the confines of the church.

Enquirers, the curious and those eager to learn for its own sake will find the course intellectually challenging, socially relevant and contextual and it will extend their vistas of knowledge. The qualification provides evidence that will be of use in the discernment processes used by the church and offers a foundation from which further ministerial formation may be shaped. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners will have:
  • English at NQF Level 4.
  • Be a member of the Anglican Church or interested in the Anglican Church's theology and practice.
  • Have an interest in the role of the church and of faith in public life.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be used to award learners with credits which include formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience, in terms of the criteria laid out.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access to the Bachelor of Theology is granted to all applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or who follow the available alternative route of entry. Applicants who are in a possession of a:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Degree studies.
    Or
  • A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC as determined by SAQA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 to 8 and at least three elective modules, totalling 60 credits, at NQF Level 8.

    Total credits required for the qualification: 480.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Academic Literacy and Management Skills, 15 Credits.
  • Theology and the Practice of Transformation and Contextualisation, 25 Credits.
  • Spirituality and pastoral Practice, 25 Credits.
  • An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, 10 Credits.
  • An Introduction to New Testament Greek, 10 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 5 = 85.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Introduction to Biblical Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Doing Theology in African Context, 20 Credits.
  • Biblical Studies in Context, 20 Credits.
  • Theology and Spirituality for Today, 30 Credits.
  • Pastoral Care, 15 Credits.
  • Liturgy: Theory and Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Church Leadership and Development, 15 Credits.
  • Transforming Christian Education, 15 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6 = 150.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • The Bible in the World Today, 15 Credits.
  • Christianity and the Church in Africa Christian Ethics, 15 Credits.
  • Systematic Theology in Contemporary World, 15 Credits.
  • Spiritual Direction as Pastoral Care, 15 Credits.
  • Living Religions in the Contemporary World, 15 Credits.
  • Christian Education and Development, 30 Credits.
  • Ecumenical Theology 1, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 7 = 125.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Exploring the Anglican Way, 20 Credits.
  • Research for Transformation, 20 Credits.
  • Ministry: Theology and Practice, 20 Credits.

    Optional Modules on NQF Level 8 - Select any three:
  • Reading the Bible with the Church, 20 Credits.
  • New Testament Theology Today, 20 Credits.
  • Doing Theology with Southern African Woman, 20 Credits.
  • Jesus in our Times, 20 Credits.
  • Family Life and Church Ministry, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 8 = 120.

    Total Number of credits for the qualification: 480. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, Distinguish and Implement different models of leadership and development in context.
    2. Evaluate, develop and articulate critical theological thinking in relation to Scripture, Christian Spiritualities, the history of Christian teaching and the contemporary context.
    3. Critically analyse, interpret and reflect upon primary texts from the Christian traditions using a variety of academic models and methods.
    4. Select, critique and apply educational principles and models in faith-based communities.
    5. Undertake and interpret in-depth analysis of a specific context in order to formulate appropriate responses to the needs of persons in community.
    6. Explain, compare and apply various models of pastoral care suitable for use with individuals and/or groups in relation to specific contexts and circumstances.
    7. Recognise, create and utilise Christian liturgy to enable and empower the life of the faith community.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of key social models relevant to a variety of activities including leadership and development in the context of faith based communities.
  • Compare and contrast a range of models and strategies of developmental leadership in both theory and praxis.
  • Select and demonstrate a range of skills, techniques and values appropriate to leadership and management in faith based communities.
  • Demonstrate an ability to lead communities in a manner consistent with transformation development indicators.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve problems through the application of critical theological thinking shaped by Scripture, Christian spiritualities, the history of Christian teaching and of the contemporary context.
  • Define key concepts and models pertinent to the development of critical theological thinking in relation to Scripture, Christian spiritualities, the history of Christian teaching and the contemporary context.
  • Assess the impact of different theological models in a relation to a variety of social contexts.
  • Deduce, reflect upon and apply values of Jesus in order to promote a kingdom lifestyle in various social contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Define key concepts and models relevant to the interpretation of primary texts.
  • Compare and contrast different academic models and methods both in theory and in relation to their application to a selection of primary texts.
  • Identify subtexts in relation to a variety of readings of primary texts, e.g. sacred texts.
  • Communicate key theologies arising out of primary texts from the Christian traditions.
  • Summarise key developments in the reception history of core Christian documents.
  • Demonstrate an ability to reflect on primary texts from the Christian traditions in the context of personal and spiritual development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Promote, develop and evaluate transformative leadership through the application of educational principles and models in faith-based communities.
  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of key educational principles and models relevant to faith-based communities.
  • Critique and appraise the effectiveness of educational principles and models in both theory and practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Investigate the needs of persons in community through the use of a variety of anthropological, socio-political and theological theories.
  • Demonstrate in theory and praxis the skills, techniques and values required to analyse specific contexts.
  • Develop integrated strategies to enable persons in community to respond to the identified needs of their contexts from a Christian perspective.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of a variety of models of pastoral care with specific reference to the Christian traditions.
  • Select and practice key skills, techniques and values of pastoral care with appropriate concern for specific persons and communities.
  • Display a reflexive approach to personal and spiritual development, as well as the implementation of pastoral care.
  • Critique various models of pastoral care as they are applied to different situations and in different contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Define the key concepts and principles of Christian liturgy in the light of its history and ongoing development.
  • Select and organise liturgical resources to facilitate worship, which marks key stages of life within the worshipping community.
  • Creatively apply principles of Christian liturgy in a variety of settings in order to enable and empower the life of the faith community.
  • Display a critical awareness of how Christian liturgy functions in social contexts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of methods is utilised for both formative and summative assessments in each course 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, Bible Studies, reports, reflections, 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 
    This Bachelor of Theology compares with the following Bachelor of Theology Degrees offered by each of the following international institutions in terms of the range of competencies in the modules offered.
  • University of Otago, New Zealand.
  • Cambridge Theological Federation of Cambridge University, United Kingdom (UK)
  • University of Wales (Bangor and Lampeter), UK.
  • University of Auckland in New Zealand,
  • Flinders University and Melbourne College of Divinity in Australia
  • Catholic Institute of West Africa in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

    Conclusion:
    This Bachelor of Theology is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the level of depth and complexity involved in the study process and with due regard to notional learning time. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with relevant Bachelor of Theology Honours Degrees at NQF level 8.

    This Qualification articulates vertically with a Master's Degree in Theology at NQF Level 9, on condition that the modules in Research Methodology have been completed. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of learners is monitored internally by individual lecturers and by the Dean of Academic Studies in accordance with the institution's assessment policy. In all cases assessors and moderators must be registered and appointed in accordance with the relevant guidelines. All courses are externally moderated by external examiners appointed on the basis of their academic proficiency in a field relevant to the course in question, measured by their qualification, teaching and assessment experience. Such external examiners must not have been involved in the teaching of the course they are moderating. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators should hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

    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. College of Transfiguration NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.