Yearbooks

Programme: Bachelor of Divinity [BDiv]

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
06130008 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Systematic and Historical Theology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 4 years Total credits: 559 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Also refer to General Academic Regulations G1-G15.

This programme provides theological training and formation aimed at the needs of churches. It comprises two aspects, namely a general denominational aspect and a specific denominational aspect. The structure of the programme is determined by a balance between the critical reading of the texts that are part of the Christian canon as well as related literature, historical and systematic theology, and the applied dimensions in the field of theology.
The outcome that the programme aims to achieve, is theoretically supported formation aimed at a broad spectrum of ministerial needs. For this purpose, certain elements of the programme are presented in partnership with churches that support the programme.
A student who registers for this programme has to submit his or her curriculum to the Dean for approval at the beginning of each year.

Admission requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

APS

NSC/IEB

4

28

Applicants who indicate Theology as a first or second choice will be considered. Students who select Theology as a second choice may have to submit a motivation.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

Examinations and pass requirements

Chancellor’s examinations
See also General Academic Regulation G12.5.
A student who complies with all the requirements for the degree with the exception of a maximum of two semester modules or one year-module, in each of which a combined mark of at least 40% has been obtained, may be admitted to a Chancellor’s examination in the same modules at the end of the following semester.

Promotion to next study year

Also refer to General Academic Regulation G3.2.

Academic exclusion
The Dean may, on recommendation of the relevant Faculty committee, exclude a student academically by the cancellation of the registration for that particular year or for the following year, if he or she does not comply with the minimum set of requirements as stated in the regulations for the respective year of study. The student may appeal against the academic exclusion, but it is advisable to address any problems as soon as possible. It remains the student’s responsibility to approach the relevant lecturer as soon as academic problems are being experienced.

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who obtains an average of 75% (GPA) (not rounded) in the four years of study, including the independent study (OST 400), provided that not one of the modules had been failed previously and that the programme was completed within the minimum prescribed period.

General information

Information on modules

  • If a module does not attract enough student registrations to be presented economically, the Dean may decide to withdraw it. Students will be advised in time of such decisions in order to register for an alternative  module.
  • The timetable of lectures must be consulted.
  • A student may, with the consent of the Dean, exceed the number of modules per study year by two semester modules or one year module.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 140

Additional information:
All core and fundamental modules must be taken.
Two semester modules from any faculty must be taken as electives, providing that the requirements for the modules are met. The list below are electives from Theology and Religion but students are not limited to these. 

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Greek grammar (1)
    The basic characteristics of Hellenistic Greek: the writing system and pronunciation, the Greek verb and noun systems, conjugation and declension, basic syntax and vocabulary. Passages from the Greek New Testament are adapted as exercises in order to facilitate linguistic proficiency. Continuous evaluation includes class tests and homework assignments.
    Greek grammar (2)
    Further study of the verb and noun systems of Hellenistic Greek, expansion of the basic vocabulary, and analysis of compound sentences. Adapted passages from the New Testament form the core of practical academic literacy exercises.

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  • Module content:

    Greek grammar (3)
    Further study of the verb and noun systems of Hellenistic Greek: middle and passive forms, the third declension, and analysis of compound sentences. Adapted passages from the New Testament form the core of practical academic literacy exercises.
    Greek texts: Read and comprehend
    Read selected texts from the NT and/or Apostolic Fathers, with emphasis on word analysis, basic translation, use of basic aids (dictionary, translations). Evaluation includes translation of unseen passages from the corpuses concerned.

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  • Module content:

    Hebrew grammar (1)
    Basic principles of the grammar of classical Hebrew: signs of writing and pronunciation, Hebrew morphology, the nominal and verbal system, basic syntax and vocabulary. Exercise basic competence by means of the analysis and translation of selected passages from the Hebrew Old Testament.
    Hebrew grammar (2)
    More advanced principles of the grammar of classical Hebrew: the function of nouns, verbs and particles, the derived formations of the verb. Passages from the Hebrew Old Testament from the basis for exercising academic literacy.

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  • Module content:

    Hebrew grammar (3)
    Continued study of the Hebrew verbal system: the irregular and weak verbs. Passages from the Hebrew Old Testament from the basis for students’ exercise in academic literacy.
    Hebrew texts: Read and comprehend
    Read selected texts from the OT, with emphasis on word analysis, basic translation, use of basic aids (dictionary, translations). Evaluation includes translation of unseen passages.

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  • Module content:

    The encyclopaedia of the New Testament and the religious-, political-, economic-, and socio-cultural setting of the New Testament.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to the exegesis and theology of Mark and Matthew; Synoptic problem and canonicity.

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  • Module content:

    Geographical and historical background of the Old Testament. The Near-Eastern cultural background of the Bible.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to narratology. Capita selecta: Ruth, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah.

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  • Module content:

    A general introduction to the field of Practical Theology, its sub-disciplines and the current context of faith practices.

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  • Module content:

    What is religion? The functions of religion. Methods of studying religion. Perspectives on the origin of religion. Common concepts and key terms in various religions will be dealt with - also generic dimensions and aspects. The interdependence of religion, culture and society.

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  • Module content:

    Overview and introduction to the disciplines within the field of theological studies.

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  • Module content:

    Introduction to the history of Christianity in Southern Africa with specific reference to colonialism and post-colonialism.

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Elective modules

Minimum credits: 174

Additional information:
All core modules must be taken.
Electives are optional and registration for these are subject to approval by Student Administration. 

Core modules

Elective modules

Minimum credits: 125

Additional information:
All core modules must be taken.
Electives are optional and registration for these are subject to approval by Student Administration. 

Core modules

Elective modules

Minimum credits: 120

All core modules must be taken in the final year

Core modules


Regulations and rules
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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