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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Biblical Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86966  Higher Certificate in Biblical Studies 
ORIGINATOR
St. Augustine College of South Africa 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
Higher Certificate  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 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This Higher Certificate: Biblical Studies aims to equip qualifying learners with a knowledge and understanding of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and of the relationship between scripture, theology and liturgy. It also aims to guide and foster personal formation in and commitment to Christian ministry and develop those fundamental competencies required for learners to engage in Biblical ministry in a range of pastoral settings such as Bible study groups, school retreats and prayer groups.

Learners will be capable of:
  • Developing wide-ranging scholastic skills in theology.
  • Demonstrating a broad knowledge base of scripture and its interpretation.
  • Functioning effectively in a variety of religious contexts under general supervision.
  • Planning, selecting, and presenting information, methods or resources in biblical studies.

    Rationale:

    The Higher Certificate: Biblical Studies meets a strongly felt need for biblical studies in the Church, expressed both in official documents at the national and international level of church governance and in statements made by both clergy and laity at the Diocesan level in South Africa and elsewhere. This need is also experienced in other Christian communities.

    Because it promotes strong Christian ethical values the qualification has the potential to make a significant contribution to the moral regeneration of society, to lowering the level of discrimination and prejudice in society and to promoting respect for the rights and dignity of all people. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is:
  • Competent in the language of instruction.
  • Able to demonstrate the applied competence which typically leads to the award of a qualification at NQF Level 5.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of Prior Learning is given to relevant practical and theoretical experience in the field and subfield relevant to this qualification and is assessed by Senate in conjunction with the rules of access. The relevance is assessed by Senate which decides whether it suffices to allow admission to the programme. Structured means for the assessment of individual learning against entrance requirements and against exit outcomes are devised on a case-by-case basis. These procedures may be assessed by independent moderators.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may:
  • Grant access to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Grant learners credits towards modules contained in this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Formal prior learning:
  • A National Senior Certificate.
  • A Senior Certificate issued prior to 2008.

    Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning:
  • Learners who register for the programme leading to the award of the qualification may have the formal/non-formal/informal prior learning which learners bring to the learning situation recognised through the submission of portfolios of evidence. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learners are required to obtain 120 Credits at NQF Level 5, comprising seven compulsory modules, totalling 105 credits, and one optional module, totalling 15 credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • The Bible and Biblical Ministry, 15 Credits.
  • Old Testament and Beginnings, 15 Credits.
  • Patriarchs and Latter Prophets 1, 15 Credits.
  • New Testament and Gospel of Mark, 15 Credits.
  • Passion and Resurrection Stories and Gospel of John, 15 Credits.
  • Acts of the Apostles and Paul's Letters, 15 Credits.
  • Biblical Foundations of Faith and Life, 15 Credits.

    Optional Modules - (Choose One - 15 Credits):
  • Psalms and Parables in the Synoptics, 15 Credits.
  • Writings and Sermon on the Mount, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop wide-ranging scholastic skills in theology.

    2. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of scripture and its interpretation.

    3. Function effectively in a variety of religious contexts under general supervision.

    4. Plan, select, and present information, methods or resources in biblical studies.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Outline the structure of the Bible and its major themes.
  • Explain how the historical critical method and the documentary hypothesis are useful tools in biblical studies.
  • Explain the significance of the Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph stories.
  • Understand political, social, cultural and religious aspects of the first century Mediterranean world that helped shape the writings of the New Testament.
  • Explain the symbolic language and theological understandings in the passion stories in the synoptic Gospels.
  • Describe the life of the first Christian communities and the beginning of the Christian mission as presented in Acts of the Apostles.
  • Understand the task of Theology in relation to Biblical Studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Articulate the main principles for interpreting the Bible in the Church.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different genres in the literature of the Old Testament and show how the various cultures and traditions of the Ancient Near East influenced the writing of the Old Testament.
  • Draw inferences from their interpretations of the text that are relevant for their own lives and today's world.
  • Explain the formation of the Gospels from oral traditions, to written records and documents, to their final form.
  • Explain the symbolic language and theological understandings in the Resurrection stories in the synoptic Gospels.
  • Describe ways in which Paul worked to spread the Christian faith to the ends of the earth as presented in the book of Acts.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Jesus as Saviour, Redeemer and Messiah.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Facilitate bible study and discussion groups with a range of age groups.
  • Recognise the stories in the first eleven chapters of Genesis as myths written to deal with questions of the origin of all things, the nature of God, relationships and the human condition.
  • Explain the function of prophecy as a call for transformation, and prediction of future blessing or disaster as conditional on the audience/people's response.
  • Understand that according to Mark, Jesus is a doer of deeds, one who acts rather than just teaches.
  • Recognise and interpret the role of narrative and discourse in John's Gospel.
  • Know and understand the problems Paul addressed in his letters.
  • Explore themes of redemption and justification, and the call to continuous repentance and conversion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plan and implement bible-based prayer, worship and retreat experiences.
  • Explain the relationship between the biblical creation stories and the findings of modern science.
  • Describe the character and influence in ancient Israel of six prophets.
    > Range: Six prophets include Amos, Hosea, Isaiah of Jerusalem, Micah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
  • Describe the centrality of the Kingdom of God and discipleship in the Gospel according to Mark.
  • Interpret key stories in the Gospel of John and explain their relevance for Christian living.
  • Read and interpret Paul's letters with due regard for the context in which they were written.
  • Discuss the notion of God's Spirit in the Scriptures and in the Christian life.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The student's achievement is assessed by means of one short assignment and a portfolio of four short statements of personal reflection for each Module and a final open-book two-hour examination.

    Integrated Assessment is aimed at evaluating foundational, reflexive and practical competence of the learner.

    Overall competence is shown when there is evidence that the learner is able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of biblical interpretation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to participate with confidence in culturally diverse, ecumenical and interfaith groups.
  • Produce assignments that are well focussed, carefully structured and presented in suitable format.
  • Take responsibility for own cultural, religious and intellectual position while remaining sensitive to the positions of others.
  • Contribute to debate on local, regional or national issues by applying ethically informed perspectives, concepts, principles and methods.
  • Demonstrate systematic knowledge of various approaches to biblical interpretation.
  • Provide leadership within the field of biblical interpretation at the level of various community groups through the development of careful, critical, ethical and responsible thinking. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A survey of courses in Biblical Studies offered in English in Africa, North America, United Kingdom (UK) and Australia reveals that such courses for credit are not, for the most part stand-alone courses, but modules of programmes leading to qualifications in theology or church ministry (DipTh, BTh). The stand-alone courses that are on offer are, for the most part, not for credit. The present Higher Certificate in Biblical Studies programme is a specialised stand-alone programme to be offered for academic credit.

    A comparison of standards set by the universities and colleges offering biblical studies' modules of Diploma and Degree courses shows that the present programme compares very favourably in terms of expected student performance, depth of understanding, competence with methodology and, especially, coverage of biblical texts. Very few other courses expose learners to a systematic survey of the whole range of Old and New Testament biblical literature.

    Other strengths of the present programme in comparison with courses offered internationally include:
  • Emphasis on Jewish sources and Jewish methods of bible study for Christians.
  • Emphasis on a contextual reading of scripture (context of both writer and reader, hence application of biblical learning to cultural and social issues of the modern world).
  • Emphasis on formative assessment (a large number of small, learner-friendly assessment tools with detailed constructive feedback from course tutors).

    Comparison of methods of delivery of courses internationally shows that an increasing number of biblical studies courses are now offered on-line, especially in North America. This is not the method of delivery of the Higher Certificate in Biblical Studies programme as it is not the most appropriate at this time in South Africa, given the difficulty of access to the internet for much of the target market. It is planned however to offer the course on-line in the future, when it is judged that this would be an appropriate development. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any other cognate Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any other cognate Advanced Certificate or Diploma at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The moderation function will be carried out in a manner that ensures that the assessment of candidates is fair, valid and reliable and that moderation measures will be included to ensure the integrity and security of assessment.

    The moderation process should:
  • Verify the assessment decisions and ensure that the assessment procedures are current and appropriate to the qualification.
  • Ensure that St Augustine College's organisational requirements for assessments are adhered to at all times.
  • Ensure that there is compliance with national and educational standards requirements.

    Moderators are appointed for all summative assessments. The procedure for appointing all moderators is by nomination of Faculty Board. The criteria for appointment are academic or professional credibility in this sub-field and usually, an Honours Degree. In a few isolated cases the College might appoint someone who has professional expertise rather than an Honours Degree.

    The moderators/assessors would be academics of standing in the disciplines offered in this qualification and would normally hold a qualification not lower than an Honours Degree. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors employed by St Augustine College must:
  • Have a cognate qualification at least one level higher than this qualification.
  • Be a subject matter expert.
  • Be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessments. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. St. Augustine College of South Africa 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.