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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Higher Diploma: Theology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
24372  National Higher Diploma: Theology 
ORIGINATOR
Southern Africa Bible College 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 Higher 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  377  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 
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 in keeping with sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles.
  • Take up a position of leadership in a local congregation.

    Rationale for the qualification

    There is a need in the Church for members who not only can preach, teach and offer counselling to the distressed, but are also equipped for more advanced self-study and exegesis, and for positions of leadership in the Church. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This programme assumes that the learner has successfully completed the Diploma 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 should be recognised by University Theology faculties for partial or full exemption in a Diploma or first Degree programme. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Fundamental Component

    Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the major theological doctrines of the Bible. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Outline the history of theology in terms of Christology, soteriology, anthropology and ecclesiology.
  • Synthesise the Bible teachings regarding God, man, the Holy Spirit, Christ, the Church, sin, life, death, salvation and resurrection.

    2. Core Components

    2.1. Demonstrate an ability to use biblical Greek and Hebrew in translating and interpreting scripture and related texts
    Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Translate passages from the New Testament, LXX, Old Testament Apocrypha, Church Fathers and early Patristic writings.
  • Discuss, using advanced Greek grammatical and syntactical constructions, the translation and interpretation of selected passages from the New Testament.
  • Accurately reproduce grammatical paradigms demonstrating a knowledge of the various forms of the weak verb in Hebrew.
  • Translate passages from various genres of the Hebrew Old Testament.

    2.2. Demonstrate a knowledge of the teachings and backgrounds to the books of Romans and Revelation. 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 Romans.
  • Discuss the symbolism in the book of Revelation.
  • Name and discuss the various approaches to the interpretation of the Revelation.
  • Interpret the various visions and symbols in a way that is compatible with the overall tenor and teachings of the New Testament.
  • Apply the teachings of both books to the current situation of the Church.

    2.3. Demonstrate knowledge of the major epochs of Church History and of the development of doctrines. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Outline the literature of the early Church in terms of:
    The Apostolic Fathers - authors, purpose and major characteristics.
    The Apologists - authors, purpose and major characteristics.
    The Anti-heretical writings - authors, purpose, opponents (heretics).
  • Discuss the following heresies which arose in the early Church: Gnosticism, Manicheans, Novatianism, Montanism, Arianism, Donatism, Asceticism, Monasticism.
  • Discuss the Trinitarian and Christological controversies in the early Church.
  • Outline the rise and decline of the papacy.
  • Discuss the factors that gave rise to the Reformation and the roles of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and Knox.
  • Discuss the background, major characters and principles of the Restoration movement in 19th century America.

    2.4. Demonstrate knowledge of the teachings of the prophet Jeremiah and of the theories of Higher Criticism regarding the nature, sources and structure of the Pentateuch. Interpret and apply various passages in the Pentateuch. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Discuss the historical setting of the prophet Jeremiah.
  • Outline the contents of the book of Jeremiah.
  • Discuss Jeremiah as a prophet of doom and of restoration.
  • Outline the historical development of the documentary hypothesis.
  • Describe the principles of the documentary hypothesis.
  • Compare various interpretations of Genesis 1 and 2.
  • Compare various interpretations of the flood narrative.
  • Discuss the Christological significance of the following events and people: Noah, the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Melchizedek, Joseph, Moses, Passover, the Sinai covenant, the system of sacrifice, the Tabernacle, the wilderness wanderings.

    2.5. Demonstrate a knowledge of how the Bible developed, the witnesses to its text and how to use these, and of sound methods of interpretation. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Discuss the concepts of Revelation and Inspiration.
  • Outline the processes of and the bases for canonisation of Old and New Testament books.
  • Outline the sources for the text of the Bible.
  • Describe the background and nature of the four major text types.
  • Understand and use the basic principles of textual criticism.
  • Outline the history of biblical hermeneutics.
  • Discuss the following types of hermeneutic: Literal, Moral, Allegorical, Typological, Anagogical, Parallelism, Analogical and the New Hermeneutic.
  • Describe a sound system of hermeneutics and apply this in practical exegesis of Bible passages.
  • Describe and apply appropriate principles of exegesis to different genres of the Bible.

    2.6. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practical applications of moral theology. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Apply basis decision-making skills.
  • Discuss the major ethical issues facing the church today.
  • Make informed decisions about ethical theories and problems in light of the teachings of the Bible.

    3. Elective Components

    Either
    3.1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the background, contents and significance of the book of Ezekiel. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Prepare or discuss an introduction to the book of Ezekiel.
  • Discuss the historical setting of the book.
  • Interpret difficult or obscure passages in a way that is consistent with the general tenor and teachings of the Bible as a whole.
  • Make applications to the Church and Christians today.

    Or
    3.2. Demonstrate a knowledge of the nature, purpose and contents of the Writings of the Old Testament. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:
  • Name the books which comprise this section of the canon.
  • Outline the contents of each book.
  • Discuss various approaches to the interpretation of the Song of Songs.
  • Make homiletic and/or didactic applications from each book to the Church today.

    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, showing an ability to handle complex data and critical issues.
  • 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 second or third year theology course at a college or university.

    2. Vertical
    This qualification should allow the candidate access to an Honours programme in the Theology department of a university. See NOTE at end of document. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Procedure

    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.

    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 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    The following graduates of the Higher Diploma programme have received recognition at the universities indicated:
    D. Beukes - entered and successfully completed the BA Hons at the University of the Western Cape on the basis of the Higher Diploma and some undergraduate courses.
    L. Gerber - entered and successfully completed the BA Hons at the University of Potchefstroom on the basis of the Higher Diploma.
    C. Burke - Entered and is currently reading for BA Hons at the University of Potchefstroom on the basis of the Higher Diploma.
    Those of our graduates who have furthered their studies in the USA have all received credits for the Theological studies completed here by various American Universities. 

    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. Southern Africa Bible 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.