Academic Programmes

Undergraduate programmes

  1. The Diploma in Theology is a three-year programme, offers general theological education to students who have passed the National Senior Certificate with admission to Diploma studies. It provides a basis for denominational programmes, formation and practical training with a view to the ministry.
  2. The BTh degree is a three-year programme, giving a broad orientation in Theology and Ministry. This degree is required for ordination by some churches, and in addition fulfils the needs of people who study Theology for personal enrichment.
  3. The BDiv is a four-year professional programme in Theology and Ministry. It is (along with the subsequent MDiv) required for ordination by the main stream Afrikaans churches. This degree includes a minimum of two years study in both Biblical Hebrew and Greek.

Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours

  1. The BTh (Honours) is a first post-graduate degree of its kind in South Africa, entailing specialisation in one subject area (and allowing interdisciplinary options). It is a demanding preparation for research degrees. The BTh (Hons) is normally completed in one year (full time) or over two years (part time). Admission is gained via the BTh or an equivalent qualification.
  2. The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology is meant for anyone in possession of a degree in another field of study (e.g. Arts, Medicine, Humanities) or an equivalent qualification, normally along with substantial experience of church life, who wishes to enhance his/her knowledge of Theology for either professional or personal reasons. These may include gaining specialist knowledge of areas such as business ethics, Christian counselling or missions, or responding to growing pressures to function as an informed Christian in society. Therefore one can specialise in a number of fields, for instance in the Psalms in Scripture, Liturgy and Music.
  3. The Postgraduate Diploma (Theology and Ministry) aims to offer advanced theological knowledge and practical skills that meet the needs of the ministry with a view to ordination, subject to completion of the MDiv qualification. Church-specific training and formation are offered in co-operation with the church partners involved.

Master's degrees

  1. The MDiv builds on the BDiv programme. It is a professional degree programme based on course work. It aims to offer advanced theological knowledge and practical skills that will meet the needs of the ministry of the Word. Church-specific training and formation are offered in co-operation with the church partners involved.
  2. The MTh degree is offered either as a structured programme or by research (full dissertation). Admission is gained via the BDiv, the BTh or the MPhil programmes. Research at master's level provides the opportunity to acquire theological specialization or to obtain specialist skills by means of the coursework modules.

Doctoral degrees

  1. The PhD degree is completed by means of independent research and a full thesis. Admission is via a Masters programme (including students who have completed the MPhil and subsequently the MTh degree), though some internationally awarded Masters qualifications will be subject to evaluation. The PhD is offered in all of the usual disciplines of Theology.

All doctorates conclude with the usual public defense of the dissertation by the candidate.

 

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