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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99017  Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0339/26  2026-04-16  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management aims to educate and train researchers to manage translations of the Bible. Additionally, graduates of this qualification will be able to use specialist knowledge for the management of Bible translations. Bible translation involves complex knowledge of translation theory and methodology, the ancient source texts and their cultural context, and the language to be used for a particular target audience and its linguistic structures. Management of Bible translation projects requires the manager to have managerial skills, to understand the nature and process of Bible translation and to understand aspects of theology and culture that are relevant to the Bible translation process.

The learner must be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the theory that underpins Bible translation management. The learner must complete a mini-dissertation which must reflect the learner's ability to identify a relevant problem/issue in Bible translation to research, to be able to conceptualise the issue, and select the best research design to study it. The learner must also be able to reflect on her/his research and identify the limitations, as well as the implications of the research and its results/ findings/ interpretations. Appropriate methods, techniques, processes or technologies must be evident in the work produced by the learner.

In addition, the learner's work must show her/his mastery of academic discourse through the production and communication of information.

Rationale:
Bible translation is a prominent activity world-wide, especially in Africa and Asia. Bible translation organisations employ Bible translation managers who oversee the entire process of Bible translation and the related supporting activities (e.g. language development, literacy, governmental relations, church and community involvement, Scripture engagement, etc.).
However, an educational void exists for the development of a postgraduate qualification such as this, specifically for Bible translation managers in Africa and across the world. This qualification may target learners who have a background in Bible translation, in literacy and language development, in linguistics, in theology, in ancient biblical source languages (Hebrew and Greek) or in management. The qualification is especially important for not-for-profit organisations involved in Bible translation. Bible translation organisations are seeking to empower local Bible societies and national Bible translation organisations to manage and lead Bible translation projects.

The Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management differs in the following significant ways from qualifications in Bible Translation:
  • A Bible Translation Manager must understand the process and goals of translation but is not a translator; therefore the Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management does not require the learner to have competency in the source languages of the Bible (Hebrew and Greek).
  • A Bible translation manager must understand the religious context of Bible translation, especially when Christianity is in a minority position vis-à-vis other religions and/or when there are multiple forms of Christianity, so that a Bible translation project can be guided in situating the goals of the translation for maximum effectiveness. For this reason, the Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management (but not the Master of Arts in Bible Translation) has a Religion Studies component with emphasis on understanding the multiple forms of Christianity, especially in Africa, as well as the relation of Christianity to other religious beliefs, especially Islam and African traditional religions.
  • The Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management includes a module specifically on management and leadership of Bible translation projects, which is not present in Bible Translation qualifications. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution is committed to broadening access to Higher Education and to the principle of recognising prior learning achievements. Recognition can be granted irrespective of the context of the learning experience, provided that the prior learning can be assessed and that credits may be awarded on the basis of that assessment in order to permit entry to a formal programme of study.

    RPL denotes a process whereby:
  • The previous learning and experience of an applicant are compared with the exit level outcomes of the specified qualification.
  • Any prior learning that meets the requirements in respect of a qualification is also accepted.

    The RPL process will also be used to recognise what a person has acquired from:
  • Formal, accredited, certified learning.
  • Non-formal learning (work experience in a company, industry, or with experts in the field).
  • Informal learning (life experience, e.g. community work or hobbies).

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners must hold any of the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Divinity, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Theology Honours, Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 100 Credits:
  • Management and Leadership for Bible Translators, 40 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation OR published article/publishable manuscript, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules (Choose two), 80 Credits:
  • Theology, Religion Studies and Culture 40 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Theology, Religion Studies and Culture (new), 40 Credits.
  • Bible Translation and Linguistics 40 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Bible Translation and Linguistics (new), 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand strategic management approaches to Bible translation projects.
    2. Formulate management plans for Bible translation projects and paths for achieving them.
    3. Examine the principles and methodology of research in Bible translation management and conduct research in the specialised field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Theprinciples for decision making, problem solving and strategic thinking in Bible translation management are identified and discussed.
  • Interpersonal factors in management (consulting relationships, conflict management, negotiation) are critically evaluated.
  • Bible translation programmes, project management planning and risk management are understood and applied.
  • Existing or proposed Bible translation projects with respect to strategic management goals are analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The kinds of linguistic research that can be undertaken for a Bible translation project are identified and described.
  • Projected outcomes for Bible translation projects are formulated and paths for achieving them are evaluated.
  • Sensitivity to the main cultural and religious factors that affect Bible translation projects is demonstrated.
  • The presence and influence of Christianity and traditional religions in the locality of Bible translation projects is evaluated.
  • Local views of spirituality and the worldview in the area of Bible translation projects is understood.
  • When new Bible translation projects are identified, management plans are developed taking cultural and religious values into consideration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An issue or problem statement is identified.
  • A research plan and methodology, based on a literature review are designed.
  • The research is conducted.
  • Data is collected and analysed.
  • Data is collected and orally and in writing using appropriate formats and language.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master of Arts (MA) in Bible Translation Management will be assessed using both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment will comprise, but is not exclusive to written assignments and presentations.

    The assessment approach for the course content in Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management will include elements of both summative (final examination) and formative (written assignment and practical/seminars/simulation exercises).

    Formative assessment will account for 50% of the final mark, while summative assessment for the other 50%. The combined mark of these forms will constitute the final grade and will determine whether a learner has passed or failed a module.

    Summative assessment: The research component for the requirements of a Masters' Degree by coursework will be a mini-dissertation comprising between 20 000 and 30 000 words. It must contain a justifiable argument that is based on research of limited scope and counts 50% of the achievement mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There is no comparable Degree anywhere in the world. Safety Integrity Level International (SIL), has short Non-Degree workshops that address various issues relevant to Bible translation managers.

    However, two related Master of Arts (MA) were found for the comparability studies such as:
    1. Master of Arts in Language Planning - National University of Ireland, Galway:
    The purpose of this MA is to train individuals in language planning. The topics covered are Linguistic Theories and Sociolinguistics, Language Planning as a process, organisational function, community development and language discourse. It is a one year full-time programme (or two years part-time).

    2. Master of Arts in Language Planning - University of Bangor (Wales, United Kingdom):
    The MA consists of 180 Credits (United Kingdom system).

    Among the Modules offered are:
  • The Research Process (40 Credits).
  • Language Planning (20 Credits).
  • Bilingualism in Wales and Other European Countries (20 Credits) (Module on Law).

    Conclusion:
    The Master of Arts in Bible Translation Management was compared to the qualifications offered at the National University of Ireland as they both include a component of language planning and Linguistic Theories and Sociolinguistics. However, there is no research component (i.e. no dissertation is required). Furthermore no comparison to translation, in general, or Bible translation, in particular, in the qualification can be found.

    The qualification was also compared to the qualification offered at the University of Bangor. Although the qualification has a research component, it does not relate in any way to translation, in general, or Bible Translation, in particular. It is also specifically relates to language planning within the Welsh bilingual situation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers specific articulation possibilities with other qualifications offered by University of the Free State. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts: Theology, Level 9 (ID 9215).
  • Master of Divinity, Level 9 (ID 62021).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Theology, Level 10 (ID 8781).

    There is also systemic articulation possibilities with qualifications offered by other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts: Theology and Development, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Theology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of the Free State 


    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.