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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: |
| Master of Theology (MTh) |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 49135 | Master of Theology (MTh) | |||
| 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 | ||
| Master's 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 | 180 | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 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 primary purpose of this Qualification is to provide MTh graduates with the necessary advanced knowledge, research skills and applied competence within a specialised discipline or field of study in theology, to do advanced independent research and to act as leaders, educators, and facilitators in their communities and in society at large.
A second purpose of the Qualification is to provide faith communities and the South African society at large with graduates who have the critical knowledge, skills and competence required to make a positive but critical contribution to theological, ethical and global-political debates; and who are able to design, write and offer courses to foster an awareness of the crucial importance of religion in contemporary society. The purpose of this Qualification is to enable MTh graduates to undertake a major research thesis in one of two forms. Firstly, the MTh may be completed by means of a research thesis of approximately 50,000 words, demonstrating mastery of a specific field of study and an ability to do independent research. The MTh by thesis only may be particularly appropriate to students who have already completed an MDiv or MDipTh. Secondly, the MTh may be completed by means of a research thesis of at least between 25,000 and 30,000 words, and a coursework component, which may contribute no more than 50% towards the assessment of the degree. The MTh by thesis and coursework may be particularly appropriate to students who require additional components of specialisation in the particular field of theological studies in which they will complete their research thesis. Learners who achieve this Qualification can, with an advanced level of independence, competence and self-motivation Rationale: The MTh builds on the outcomes of the Honours BTh, and builds an advanced analytical and critical theological competency in a particular field, particularly through the development of a capacity to engage in and report on independent research. The majority of the candidates for this Qualification may be working in educational institutions, particularly universities and theological seminaries, as well as churches, other Christian ministry ventures, community organisations and society. Others may be progressing from the Honours BTh Qualification. The MTh will equip candidates with advanced exegetical, theological and/or ministerial skills and a research capacity, which will enable them, among other things, to contribute to the analysis and resolution of issues in church and society. Outstanding students may, upon completion of the MTh, proceed to further research, particularly towards the completion of a PhD in a particular field. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Learners who are allowed to register for this Qualification can:
Recognition of prior learning: This Qualification can be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning, only in the case of the structured MTh, in terms of the criteria laid out. Note that no recognition of prior learning can be granted in the case of the MTh by thesis alone. 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 |
| MTh students are becoming experts in a specialised field of study. While being rooted in their own culture, faith and religious community, they are encouraged to engage confidently with people who are different from themselves. In this way they are helped to assimilate the foundational, practical and reflexive competences required to meet the exit level outcomes of this Qualification and to become life-long theological learners, teachers, facilitators, pastors and good citizens.
Specific Outcomes 1. Engage in analytical, critical, independent and creative theological thinking and write a dissertation which reflects their ability to do research independently. 2. Communicate effectively within a specific discipline or field of study and summarise the results of existing research. 3. Reveal sensitivity and openness to the personal, social, cultural and religious identities of others. 4. Design and undertake a research project to develop contextual theological responses to real life situations as appropriate to a particular field of study. 5. Play an ethical and constructive role in a faith community and/ or in the community at large. 6. Use theological sources and related sources from other disciplines skilfully in their research, to explore faith, spiritual and ethical questions and to address problems encountered in communities. 7. Communicate theological insights regarding their field of specialisation effectively in a faith community and to a scholarly audience. 8. Relate their research to developments in the worldwide Christian movement and in relation to global political, economic, religious and social forces. Critical Cross-field Outcomes The seven critical cross-field outcomes and five developmental outcomes indicated below are embedded and integrated in the specific outcomes of the Qualification as set out above. These outcomes are achieved either through course work and a dissertation of limited scope (25,000 to 30,000 words in the "structured" MTh degree) or through a dissertation only (approximately 50,000 in other MTh degrees). In any case, at least 50 % of the weighting and assessment of the degree must consist of the research thesis component. 1. MTh graduates can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual, societal and congregational kinds, creatively and innovatively. 2. MTh graduates can work effectively with others as members of teams, organisations and communities in designing their research projects and in giving practical effect to their research findings. 3. MTh graduates (most of whom do their research on a part-time basis) can organise and prioritise their commitments of work, home and research responsibly and effectively so as to succeed in completing the project within the prescribed number of years. 4. MTh graduates can collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information. 5. MTh graduates can communicate effectively using visual and/or language skills in the mode of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse. 6. MTh graduates can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global contexts. 7. MTh graduates can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community. 8. MTh graduates can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. 9. MTh graduates can participate as responsible citizens and believers in the life of local, national and global communities and religious groups. 10. MTh graduates can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. 11. MTh graduates can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the knowledge, skills and attitudes they acquired in obtaining this Qualification. 12. MTh graduates can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in obtaining this Qualification. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Assessment criteria related to each specific outcome
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Implied competence and range 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Assessment Criteria for CCFOs Evidence in the form of written assignments and examinations (in the course work component) and in the writing of a dissertation, will show that graduates can: CCFO 1. CCFO2. CCFO 3. CCFO 4. CCFO 5. CCFO 6. CCFO 7. CCFO 8. CCFO 9. CCFO 10. CCFO 11. CCFO 12. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The MTh 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.
The Qualification matrix and articulation of the BTh, Honours BTh, MDiv (parallel to MMin), MDipTh (parallel to PgDipTh) and MTh degrees is particularly close to the existing practice in universities of the highest calibre in Australia and New Zealand (e.g. Flinders University, Otago University, and Auckland University). In addition, the MTh degree is a widely recognised research Qualification. It is provided, for instance, by universities in Wales (Cardiff, Lampeter and Bangor), the University of Namibia in Africa (though difficulty in accessing the web sites of African universities has made comparability studies difficult) and, through Serampore College of Calcutta University, by a range of theological institutions in India, as well as the MTh degree offered in Central and South American theological institutions (e.g. Escola Superior de Teologia in São Leopoldo, Brazil) and the Lutheran Theological School in Hong Kong. In the United States, the MDiv degree usually articulates upwards to a further research masters degree, prior to admission to PhD studies, which is variously named, most often as a Master of Arts in Theology, which is the equivalent of the MTh in the SAQA degree framework. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Qualifications equivalent to Level 8 Honours BTh and/ or Level 8 MDiv or MDipTh could articulate upwards to the MTh.
The MTh gives access to the PhD (NQF Level 8). |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| 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 note that assessment for the MTh should be: Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments: Principles of assessment: |
| 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 AssuranceFunctionary |
NQF Sub-Framework |
| 36058 | Master of Theology | Hebron Theological College NPC | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 240 | 2008-03-08 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 2721 | Master of Theology | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 116939 | Master of Theology in Catechetics | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116940 | Master of Theology in Church and Dogma History | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 105092 | Master of Theology in Church History and Church Polity | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 116941 | Master of Theology in Church Polity | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116942 | Master of Theology in Dogmatics | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 105091 | Master of Theology in Dogmatics and Christian Ethics | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 116943 | Master of Theology in Ethics | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116944 | Master of Theology in Homiletics | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116945 | Master of Theology in Liturgics | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116946 | Master of Theology in Missiology | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 116947 | Master of Theology in New Testament | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 105094 | Master of Theology in New Testament Studies | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 116948 | Master of Theology in Old Testament | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 105095 | Master of Theology in Old Testament Studies | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 116949 | Master of Theology in Pastoral Studies | North West University | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | 2018-12-31 | HEQSF | |
| 105096 | Master of Theology in Practical Theology | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 105093 | Master of Theology in Science of Religion and Missiology | University of Pretoria | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 16003 | Master of Theology: African Christianity | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 16004 | Master of Theology: African Theology | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 19082 | Master of Theology: Biblical Studies | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 16005 | Master of Theology: Biblical Studies | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 16006 | Master of Theology: Catholic Theology | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 3075 | Master of Theology: Christian Ministry | University of Durban Westville | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 81815 | Master of Theology: Christian Ministry | University of KwaZulu-Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 180 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 16007 | Master of Theology: Christian Spirituality | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 19700 | Master of Theology: Christian Theology | University of Potchefstroom | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 19081 | Master of Theology: Church History | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 16029 | Master of Theology: Historical and Modern Theologies | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 16033 | Master of Theology: History of Christianity | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 120 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 16022 | Master of Theology: Industrial Mission | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 16045 | Master of Theology: Ministerial Studies | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 128 | 2009-06-30 | CHE | HEQSF |
| 19074 | Master of Theology: New Testament | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 19072 | Master of Theology: Old Testament | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 19077 | Master of Theology: Practical Theology | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 19069 | Master of Theology: Systematic Theology | University of Fort Hare | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 144 | CHE | HEQSF | |
| 16047 | Master of Theology: Theology and Development | University of Natal | Level 8 and above | NQF Level 09 | 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 |
| 105092 | Master of Theology in Church History and Church Polity | University of Pretoria |
| 105091 | Master of Theology in Dogmatics and Christian Ethics | University of Pretoria |
| 105094 | Master of Theology in New Testament Studies | University of Pretoria |
| 105095 | Master of Theology in Old Testament Studies | University of Pretoria |
| 105096 | Master of Theology in Practical Theology | University of Pretoria |
| 105093 | Master of Theology in Science of Religion and Missiology | University of Pretoria |
| 19082 | Master of Theology: Biblical Studies | University of Fort Hare |
| 81815 | Master of Theology: Christian Ministry | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| 19081 | Master of Theology: Church History | University of Fort Hare |
| 19074 | Master of Theology: New Testament | University of Fort Hare |
| 19072 | Master of Theology: Old Testament | University of Fort Hare |
| 19077 | Master of Theology: Practical Theology | University of Fort Hare |
| 19069 | Master of Theology: 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. |