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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology in Chaplaincy Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90885  Postgraduate Diploma in Theology in Chaplaincy Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
Postgraduate Diploma  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
Reregistered  SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2026-06-30  

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:
Postgraduate Diploma: Theology in Chaplaincy Studies (PGDip Th CS) at NQF Level 8 will create an opportunity for students in the military and para-military fields to obtain a qualification in Theology, specifically designed for Chaplaincy in order to proceed to the MPhil: Chaplaincy Studies. Possible applicants within the chaplaincy environment often do not have appropriate qualifications in Theology. The PGDip Th CS will create opportunities for advanced studies within the domain of Chaplaincy. The concept "chaplaincy" is used for specialised ministry in military, para-military (policing and corrective services) and other clinical contexts.

Rationale:
Due to the fact that Chaplaincy in military, police and correctional services provides a decisive network to ensure a healthy and safe public environment, it is seen as the task of theological education to provide professional chaplains that can develop a spiritual approach to healing and care within different cultural and clinical settings.

The intentions of this qualification are to provide:
  • A basic orientation and introduction to Theology as related to both ministry and chaplaincy within a military and para-military setting.
  • A theoretical framework to members of clergy, religious leaders and professional groups faced with the challenges of spiritual and moral leadership, as well as the demands for contextual pastoral ministry. This will be done by making use of an interdisciplinary approach utilising the resources of different religious traditions in a military setting, correctional services context and the community outreach of the police force.
  • An articulation pathway for focused further training in chaplaincy for students with a range of previous qualifications in religious, spiritual and theological studies.
  • An introductory exposure to scientific and academic research in the field of chaplaincy within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has a broad and multi-interdisciplinary understanding of the central dimensions of chaplaincy relative to a military/corrective service/policing setting, as related to the broader context of transformation and healing in South Africa.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Students will be assessed and selected in conjunction with personnel involved in chaplaincy. In this regard the scientific method of participatory observation will be applied.

    Access to the Qualification:
    A three-year Bachelor Degree. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Students must complete the following six compulsory modules all at NQF Level 8:

    Modules:
  • The Chaplain in the Military and Para-Military Environment, 20 credits.
  • General introduction: Theology and Pastoral Ministry, 30 credits.
  • General Management and Public Ethos, 10 credits.
  • Public Theology and Ethics, 15 credits.
  • Spirituality and Healing, 15 credits.
  • Methodology and Research Assignment, 30 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics of Theology to be able to contextualise it in the field as a public service.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the basic theories of Theology (appropriate God-images); ecclesiology (being the church within a military and para-military context); and anthropology (the understanding of our being human from the perspective of spirituality) to perform as chaplains within a military/correctional service/policing environment.
    3. Demonstrate basic knowledge (theory) and skills to understand and apply spiritual leadership as related to the notion of African spirituality within the context of chaplaincy.
    4. Provide a moral and ethical understanding of fundamental existential problems (justice, peace, integrity of creation and reconciliation).
  • Range: The fundamental question to be asked is whether any protection measurements as well as the public safety of citizens can be combined with a theological ethics.
    5. Participate under guidance in scholarly and public debates on the problem of ethics and spirituality within the South African and broader African setting.
    6. Identify and solve problems related to chaplaincy.

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

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    These assessment criteria may be applied generically to any or all of the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Existential and ministerial problems are identified and contextualised using critical and creative thinking.
  • Challenges related to the appropriation of religious documents in circumstances related to our human quest for meaning are analysed, specifically in the context of the military and para-military.
  • Understanding of the uniqueness of the demands and needs within a military and other para- and clinical settings is demonstrated and relevant issues are related to spiritual resources for healing, growth and change on both personal and inter-relational levels.
  • Leadership styles which incorporate and represent the impact of spirituality on life issues are developed.
  • Understanding of the basic principles of counselling skills is demonstrated and applied critically and responsibly within different situations of the managerial and leadership environment of the chaplain.
  • Communication at the level of a particular audience within a military, paramilitary or other related clinical environment on a variety of relevant issues related to the notion of spirituality is successfully achieved.
  • A written research report is conducted and oral presentations made on the research methodology followed, the results obtained and the conclusions drawn.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Appropriate procedures for assessment are used in accordance with the faculty policy.
  • Written tests or oral examinations in different modules.
  • Assignments in different modules.
  • Research assignment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared to similar qualification in Ireland and Australia.

    St Angela's College, National University of Ireland, offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy. The qualification aims to provide an appropriate level of formation in spirituality and the human sciences, a sound grasp of adolescent psychology, skills in group and organisational facilitation, counselling and pastoral skills, and a working familiarity with the educational environment of the post-primary school sector in Ireland.

    As a professional qualification, the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Chaplaincy Studies responds to the professional and personal needs of the participants and develops their capacity to be "reflective practitioners". This is achieved by:
  • Developing the skills of a reflective chaplain within a particular post-primary school.
  • Becoming familiar with significant contemporary education issues particularly those related to Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care.
  • Introducing the participants to the study of human development and providing a context for them to engage in their own personal development.
  • Developing further the participants understanding of the psychology of adolescent development.
  • Providing the participants with an introduction to the stages of faith development and in particular the faith development of adolescents.
  • Providing participants with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills in basic counselling, including bereavement and suicide counselling.
  • Introducing the participants to the main areas of Pastoral Care arising in the educational environment and developing their skills for addressing these.
  • Exploring methods of prayer and liturgical celebration in various Christian traditions appropriate to adolescents.
  • Providing the participants with a sound grasp of the educational ethos of the secondary school sector within which most will be working.
  • Developing a greater awareness among participants of the social and educational trends among post-primary school students and of the post-primary school sector.

    This qualification is recognised by the School Chaplain's Association of Ireland and is offered in association with the Western Theological Institute, Galway.

    Melbourne College of Divinity Australia offers the Graduate Diploma in Theology specialising in Chaplaincy. The purpose of the qualification is to allow those with a Degree in a discipline other than Theology to engage in theological study. This is the 'General' Graduate Diploma, which will serve as an introduction to the study of Theology through an engagement with the texts of the Church - both Old and New Testaments - and through an introduction to Christian Thought and History.

    Those already in possession of a Degree in Theology, may undertake study towards a 'Special' Graduate Diploma in Theology, specialising in an approved discipline from the following: Biblical Studies, Church History, Chaplaincy, Faith Leadership, Liturgy, Ministry, Missiology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Care, Philosophy, Religious Education, Social Justice, Spiritual Direction, Spirituality or Systematic Theology.

    The course represents the equivalent of one year of fulltime study (six semester units totalling 90 points), but may be taken part time, with a maximum time of three years.

    The qualification consists of a combination of the following courses as approved by the faculty:
  • Foundation studies, introducing candidates to three Theological disciplines (typically Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Church History, Ethics, Spirituality Pastoral Theology etc) in at least two fields.
  • Courses chosen from the Graduate and Postgraduate level offerings of the MCD.
  • Courses in an area of specialisation.

    Although the above-named qualifications do not speak specifically to the Military or para-military settings as does the PGDip Th CS, the overall content of the PGDip Th CS compares favourably with its international counterparts. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma in a similar or related field at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates vertically with a Master's Degree in Theology (MTh), Divinity (MDiv) or Philosophy (MPhil), at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderation will be conducted according to the institution's moderation policies. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors and moderators must be subject specialists in the area being assessed; they must be in possession of a qualification at an NQF Level higher than that of this qualification and must preferably have practical experience in the relevant field. 

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.