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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Diploma: Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24365  National Diploma: Theology 
ORIGINATOR ORIGINATING PROVIDER
  Southern Africa Bible College 
QUALITY ASSURING BODY
CHE - Council on Higher Education 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS OLD NQF LEVEL NEW NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  251  Level 5  New Level Assignment Pend.  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 0480/09  2009-07-01  2012-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30   2017-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the old and the new NQF Levels are shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any reference to NQF Levels are to the old 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 
To equip members of the Church with sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to:
  • Prepare and deliver effective sermons.
  • Prepare and deliver effective adult Bible studies.
  • Provide counselling and support for those experiencing problems with marriage, family, stress, depression, bereavement and self-esteem.
  • Use the original languages of the Bible in interpreting and explaining scripture.

    Rationale for the qualification

    There is a need in the Church for members with a more advanced knowledge of the Bible and Christian principles, who can teach adult Bible studies, prepare and deliver sermons and assist with pastoral counselling. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This programme assumes that the learner is competent in English and has successfully completed the Certificate programme.

    Recognition of prior learning and articulation possibilities

    Candidates without a Matriculation Exemption may be admitted if they are 25 years or older and have a minimum of 4 years active involvement in the teaching and preaching programme of a congregation of the Church. Credits may be given for relevant studies undertaken at another institution of Higher Education. This qualification leads directly to, and forms the entrance requirement for, the third year of the Higher Diploma in Theology programme and should be recognised by University Theology faculties for partial exemption in a Diploma or first Degree programme. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Fundamental Component

    Demonstrate an ability to use the theory and skills of communication effectively.
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Discuss basic theories of communication.
  • Prepare and deliver various types of sermon.
  • State the aims of Christian education in the Church.
  • Outline the characteristics of different age groups.
  • Prepare and teach various types of lesson.
  • Discuss the use of various teaching aids such as OHP, flannelgraph, video, writing board and computer.

    2. Core Components

    2.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the elementary grammar of Biblical Hebrew, and knowledge of more advanced Biblical Greek grammar and syntax.
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • State and apply the rules regarding pointing, accents, the article, inseparable prepositions and the conjunction in Hebrew.
  • Accurately reproduce Hebrew grammatical paradigms illustrating knowledge of the inflection of nouns and adjectives, the use of pronominal suffixes and the various forms of the regular verb with and without suffixes.
  • Translate simple sentences from Hebrew to English or from English to Hebrew.
  • Define, recognise, and show the importance for translation of various grammatical constructions in Biblical Greek.
  • Translate selected passages from the New Testament, LXX and Apostolic Fathers with the aid of a lexicon and grammar text book.
  • Translate simpler passages unaided.

    2.2. Demonstrate a good knowledge of 1 and 2 Corinthians, the Pastoral Epistles, Galatians and Hebrews. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Present or discuss a detailed introduction to each book.
  • Discuss major themes in each of the books.
  • Interpret difficult or obscure passages in these books.
  • State the major aspects of the Noahic, Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants.
  • Discuss the relationship between the Sinai Covenant and the Covenant of Jesus (Law and Gospel).
  • State in detail the requirements for the offices of elders and deacons.
  • Discuss the role and functions of elders and deacons.

    2.3 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the Synoptic Problem
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Describe the background to the Synoptic Problem.
  • List and discuss the various theories regarding the solution to the problem.
  • Compare the different accounts of the Sermon on the Mount and the arrest, trial, death and resurrection of Jesus with a view to reconciling them.

    2.4. Demonstrate a knowledge of Old Testament prophecy and apocalyptic with specific reference to Isaiah, Daniel and Zechariah. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Present or discuss a detailed introduction to each book.
  • Discuss major themes in each of the books.
  • Discuss the nature and purpose of prophecy.
  • Discuss the nature and purpose of apocalyptic literature.
  • Describe the historical backgrounds to Isaiah, Daniel and Zechariah.
  • Justify the Messianic interpretation of parts of Isaiah.
  • Interpret Daniel in the light of secular history.
  • Interpret Zechariah in the light of the historical setting of the prophet and the Messianic nature of the contents.

    2.5. Demonstrate an ability to use scripture and a knowledge of human nature to comfort, support and guide the afflicted. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Identify scriptures relevant to specific counselling needs.
  • Provide scripture-based support and guidance to those experiencing problems with marriage, family, bereavement, stress, depression and self-esteem. This may be demonstrated by participating in role-playing or in supervised counselling situations.

    3 Elective Components

    Either

    3.1.Demonstrate an ability to use the teachings of the Minor Prophets in a way that is relevant to the needs of the Church today.
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Identify the main teachings of each of the Minor Prophets.
  • Make homiletic or didactic applications of these teachings to the Church today.

    Or

    3.2. Demonstrate an awareness of the requirements of the role of preacher.
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Discuss the Church's expectations of a preacher.
  • Discuss the responsibilities and challenges facing the preacher.
  • Discuss the dangers to which the preacher may be exposed.

    4 Additional Credits for Extra-curricular Practical Work

    These credits apply to extra-curricular work performed during the semesters in which Public Speaking is not time-tabled for the candidate. When Public Speaking is time-tabled, this work will form part of the grade for that offering. A maximum of 12 credits may be obtained for this. Credits will be offered as follows:
    Full Sermon 0.5 credits
    Adult Bible study/ Sunday School class taught 0.5 credits
    Present Communion 0.1 credits
    Campaign/ Missionary trip 0.5 credits /day
    Lead singing at assembly 0.1 credits 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment

    Various assessment options are employed, such as: problem-solving assignments, research assignments, class tests, written examinations, role-playing, practical application and oral examination. The assessment criteria are that the learner will:
  • Research specified topics, arrange the findings in a logical manner, defend any conclusion drawn and present the results in the standard format.
  • Apply the knowledge gained in the various components in an integrated way in practical and/or role-playing situations.
  • Achieve a minimum of 40% for the continuous assessment portion of each component in order to be admitted to the final examination in that component.
  • Achieve a minimum of 40% for the final examination and an overall mark of 50% or more in order to receive credit for any component.
  • Achieve a minimum of 120 credits in this programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Much of the curriculum and contents are based on those offered at similar institutions in the USA, and on courses offered in Theology faculties of local universities. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. Horizontal
    Due to the level and content of this programme, horizontal articulation is limited to the possibility of partial or full exemption for a first or second year theology course at a college or university.

    2. Vertical
    This qualification leads directly to, and forms the entrance requirement for, the third year of the Higher Diploma in Theology programme. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Procedure

    1.1. Question papers:
    Each final examination question paper will be moderated to ensure that:
  • The contents adequately cover the contents of the course.
  • It reflects a depth appropriate to the level of the programme.
  • Makes allowance for different learning styles and abilities.
  • Grammar and style are appropriate.
  • Mark allocations are fair, accurate and balanced.
  • Questions are clear and unambiguous.

    1.2. Learner scripts:
    A sample of at least 10% of marked scripts will be moderated for final examinations to ensure that:
  • Mark allocation is fair and consistent.
  • All sections have been marked.
  • Marking corresponds with the model answer.
    Note that all marked scripts are returned to the learners who then have the opportunity to discuss them with the assessor.

    2. Internal Moderators
    An internal moderator must satisfy the following criteria:
  • Qualified to teach the offerings to be moderated.
  • Have a minimum of one-year experience teaching the offering or an equivalent.
  • Moderators will be appointed for each examination as required.

    3. External Moderators
    External moderators must meet the same criteria as internal moderators. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has again been re-registered from 1 July 2009. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2006. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
    This qualification is not based on Unit Standards. 


    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 Quality Assuring Bodies 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 Quality Assuring Body should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and unit standards 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.