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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: 

Bachelor of Theology Honours (BTh Honours) 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49133  Bachelor of Theology Honours (BTh Honours) 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Christian Theology and Ministry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  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  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-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   2027-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the Qualification is to enable learners to acquire a comprehensive, critical and systematic knowledge of Christian Theology, and/or a particular theological discipline, and to become conversant with contemporary theological discourse. Furthermore learners will be enabled to develop a foundational understanding and use of the research methodologies relevant to theological disciplines.

A second purpose is to provide learners with the necessary applied and theoretical competencies to carry out a limited research project and communicate their new insights creatively (e.g. a mini-dissertation of approximately 10 000 words), thus playing a constructive role within church and society.

Learners who achieve this Qualification can, with a more advanced measure of independence:
  • Analyse and interpret primary Christian sources exegetically and theologically
  • Integrate and appropriate such sources in context
  • Analyse, understand and position oneself and one's community within the scope of the history of Christianity
  • Critically evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics personally and in community
  • Design, practise and monitor ministries in the church
  • Initiate and develop Christian ministry in the wider community


    Rationale

    The Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) builds on the outcomes of the BTh, and seeks to increase the critical insights and theological competence of the learners. The majority of the candidates for this Qualification may be working in churches, other Christian Ministry ventures, community organisations and society others may be progressing from the BTh Qualification. The Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) will equip candidates with further exegetical, theological and/or ministerial skills which inter alia will enable them to further contribute to Christian ministry in church and society and/or advance their intellectual theological skills. Some students may, upon completion of the Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours), proceed to more advanced post graduate studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this Qualification can:
  • Operate in unfamiliar contexts, requiring personal responsibility and initiative;
  • Accurately self-evaluate and take responsibility for continuing professional / academic development;
  • Maintain professional working relationships;
  • Be aware of the social and ethical implications of applying knowledge to particular contexts.


    Recognition of Prior Learning

    This Qualification can be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out.

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

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the note to assessors. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, distinguish and evaluate more advanced concepts and theories with regard to Theology as a human and social science.
    2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines (the theological encyclopaedia).
    3. Critically compare and use theological and other sources at a more advanced level to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
    4. Identify and develop their personal faith in critical interaction with their context and people with differing views, and exhibit a more advanced degree of critical self awareness.
    5. Engage in and articulate critical and creative theological thinking at a more advanced level.
    6. Play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian values to contexts, and being critical of all value systems.
    7. Develop and evaluate insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to development of Christian ministry and life.
    8. Use varying theological disciplines to develop critical thinking concerning issues of power and leadership in church and society.
    9. Be aware of, and be able to interact constructively with, multicultural and multi -faith communities, from a theological perspective.
    10. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society.


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes

    The 12 critical cross-field outcomes prescribed by SAQA were used in designing the exit level outcomes of the Qualification.

    A learner who obtains the Honours Degree in Theology (BTh Honours) can:

    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses show that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and display leadership
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, and showing potential in creating new knowledge
    5. Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health/well-being of others
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation
    8. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
    9. Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities
    10. Show cultural and aesthetic awareness across a range of social contexts
    11. Explore education and career opportunities
    12. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrative Assessment Criteria:

    1.
    Demonstrate:
  • Critical insight into the various viewpoints related to theological issues
  • The ability to formulate an own viewpoint

    2.
    Demonstrate the ability to:
  • Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines
  • Integrate theory and praxis

    3.
    Demonstrate the ability to:
  • Interpret, compare and critically analyse biblical and other texts
  • Use other sources and disciplines when applicable to interpret biblical and other texts
  • Critically address faith questions
  • Communicate the Christian message in context

    4.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Give an insightful and critical account of the history and values of their faith community and their personal faith development
  • Integrate their personal faith development with theological discourse and ministry in their faith communities
  • Formulate and critique their own presuppositions

    5.
    Demonstrate an ability to:
  • Identify, classify, analyse, compare and critically evaluate different theological positions
  • Critically derive theological meaning from different theological views
  • Present and defend arguments combining insights gained from different theological genres

    6.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Engage in more advanced critical insight into the complexities of current moral dilemmas
  • Identify, compare and critique key human and Christian ethical principles
  • Appropriately engage their learning and analysis at a more advanced level into value based decisions and actions
  • Identify and evaluate value systems

    7.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Identify and analyse individual, group and societal areas with reference to Christian ministry and life
  • Use theological skills to develop, adapt and critique different models for Christian ministry, life and society

    8.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Relate insights derived from theological disciplines to issues of power and leadership in church and society

    9.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Give a reliable account of the history and value of other faith communities
  • Analyse the impact of cultural and religious differences on inter and intra community relations
  • Be sensitive towards different cultures and religions

    10.
    From the perspective of one or more theological disciplines, demonstrate an ability to:
  • Use more advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of church and society


    Implied competence and range - Critical evidence for assessment purposes imply competence at the following:

    1.
  • Approach theological issues in a valid and accountable way

    2.
  • Theological subjects include for example Biblical Studies, Ethics, Systematic Theology, Church Ministries, History of Christianity

    3.
  • 'Other texts' include experiences, e.g. of women; histories and creeds, current documents in churches of various groupings, and narratives, archaeology and history
  • Responsible and creative interpretations of biblical and other texts
  • Other sources include concordances, commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopaedias, monographs, journals and other secondary literature
  • Communication of the Christian message in various written and oral forms; writing at various levels of publication (e.g. Church letters, journals, newspapers)

    4.
  • Informed and constructive interaction with people of different viewpoints

    5.
  • Theological positions are identified, classified, analysed from books, journals, sermons, etc.
  • Critical evaluations of theses positions are presented mainly in written form

    6.
  • Decisions and actions are based on Christian sources, theology and traditions, in the African context, with cognisance of the international context

    7.
  • Appropriation of theological insights to church and society

    8.
  • Identify and evaluate issues of power and leadership in church and society
  • Transformative leadership in society

    9.
  • An informed description and constructive relationship with other faith communities relevant to their field of study

    10.
  • The identification, analysis and appropriate response to issues in church and society (e.g. issues of race, class, gender, poverty, environment), from the perspective of one or more theological discipline


    Assessment Criteria for CCFO's

    In the form of tasks in study material, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations, learners will be assessed on their ability to:

    CCFO 1.
  • Demonstrate the ability to do creative textual interpretation by applying recognised exegetical and hermeneutical methods in specific contexts and by critically evaluating other interpretations
  • Approach problems of historical and systematic interpretation in theology by analysing theologies in relation to their respective ecclesial, cultural, economic, social and political contexts
  • Address church and community problems by using creative contextual approaches to ministry

    CCFO 2.
  • Show evidence of playing a moral and constructive role in a faith community and the community at large
  • Demonstrate evidence of the ability to communicate effectively in a community
  • Demonstrate eveidence of being accepted as leader

    CCFO 3.
  • Demonstrate the requisite study skills and learning strategies
  • Organise their own study plans
  • Think independently

    CCFO 4.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to complete tasks
  • Construct an academic essay by integrating information from a variety of sources
  • Act responsibly as a scholar (e.g. by using recognised reference techniques and by avoiding plagiarism
  • Critically evaluate theological theories, experiences, examples, etc.
  • Being willing and showing potential to create new knowledge

    CCFO 5.
  • Produce rational and effective forms of written, oral and electronic media communication
  • Express theological insights creatively in their first language and in terms of their culture and worldview, as well as in the language medium of the provider

    CCFO 6.
  • Reveal sensitivity and maturity in responding to ethical challenges
  • Formulate concrete and creative responses to community problems

    CCFO 7.
  • Show respect for personal, cultural, and theological diversity, and take into consideration the religious diversity
  • Demonstrate the relatedness between problems of a particular faith community and larger communities

    CCFO 8.
  • Show awareness of how personal biases influence one's knowledge of and attitude to people and situations
  • Show how engagement with different types of sources fosters different learning strategies

    CCFO 9.
  • Show commitment to the well-being of society by developing well-informed ethical stances on community issues
  • Play a responsible and constructive role in a faith community

    CCFO 10.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity and the opinions of others
  • Demonstrate awareness of the role of cultural differences in Biblical interpretation
  • Display the ability to understand the cultural and contextual roots of differences between theologies
  • Cooperate with people of other churches and theologies, and demonstrate awareness of other religions and how cooperation in societal issues could be realized

    CCFO 11.
  • Compare and evaluate various options for further study
  • Become involved accountably in a Christian community with a view to employment as a church or community worker

    CCFO 12.
  • Develop and inspire the skills necessary for church growth and community development
  • Develop the skills of social analysis, interpersonal sensitivity, imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, and community involvement, which may lead to the creation of employment opportunities within or outside church circles 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A 120 credits (typically one year) post graduate honours Qualification is not common in universities around the world, and relates to the fact that South African schools only offer 12 years of primary and secondary education, whereas European and North American schools offer 13 years of schooling prior to tertiary education. However, students graduating with a BTh and Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) have attained a Qualification comparable to the discipline specific honours Qualifications in the UK and African countries operating under the same system (e.g. Kenya and Nigeria). Thus the South African Bachelor of Theology: Honours (BTh Honours) Qualification standard 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. Furthermore, the BTh Hons is comparable in quality, range and complexity to all honours Qualifications offered in South African universities, e.g. BA Hons,B SocSci Hons, BSc Hons. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Hons BTh gives access to the following: the M Div (NQF Level 8) as an advanced professionally oriented Qualification; the Masters Diploma (NQF Level 8); or a research masters degree (M Th, NQF Level 8). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the outcomes that make up this Qualification must be accredited through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the outcomes that make up this Qualification. 
    		•

    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 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Notes for assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. The aim is to declare the person competent in terms of the Qualification purpose. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment as defined below:


    Principles of assessment:
  • Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
  • Manageable: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integrated into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible
  • Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required Standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    61429  Bachelor of Theology  Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie (Die) NPC  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  360  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    73065  Bachelor of Theology Honours  North West University  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  2027-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    80108  Bachelor of Theology Honours  St John Vianney Seminary NPC  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31  CHE  HEQSF 
    15468  Bachelor of Theology Honours  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    6161  Bachelor of Theology Honours  University of South Africa  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  2016-10-20  CHE  HEQSF 
    19224  Bachelor of Theology Honours  University of the Western Cape  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120     CHE  HEQSF 
    117558  Bachelor of Theology Honours in Evangelical Theology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    15469  Bachelor of Theology Honours: African Christianity  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15470  Bachelor of Theology Honours: African Theology  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    19152  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Biblical Studies  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    15476  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Biblical Studies  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15478  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Catholic Theology  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15481  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Christian Spirituality  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    19664  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Christian Theology and Ministry  University of Potchefstroom  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    19151  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Church History  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    15483  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Historical and Modern Theologies  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15484  Bachelor of Theology Honours: History of Christianity  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15487  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Industrial Mission  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    15489  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Ministerial Studies  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    19110  Bachelor of Theology Honours: New Testament  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    19109  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Old Testament  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    19113  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Practical Theology  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    19095  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Systematic Theology  University of Fort Hare  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128     CHE  HEQSF 
    2705  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Theology and Development  University of Natal  Level 7  NQF Level 08  128  2009-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    61429  Bachelor of Theology  1. Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie (Die) NPC
    2. Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie - Germiston  
    73065  Bachelor of Theology Honours  North West University  
    80108  Bachelor of Theology Honours  St John Vianney Seminary NPC  
    6161  Bachelor of Theology Honours  University of South Africa  
    19224  Bachelor of Theology Honours  University of the Western Cape  
    19152  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Biblical Studies  University of Fort Hare  
    19151  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Church History  University of Fort Hare  
    19110  Bachelor of Theology Honours: New Testament  University of Fort Hare  
    19109  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Old Testament  University of Fort Hare  
    19113  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Practical Theology  University of Fort Hare  
    19095  Bachelor of Theology Honours: Systematic Theology  University of Fort Hare  


    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.