Yearbooks

Programme: BDiv

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
06130008 Faculty of Theology and Religion Department: Dogmatics and Christian Ethics
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 4 years Total credits: 519 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 2022

  • The admission requirements apply to students who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications.
  • Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to:
    • Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2022: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.
  • Citizens from countries other than South Africa (applicants who are not South African citizens) should also refer to:
  • School of Tomorrow (SOT), Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) and General Education Development Test (GED): The University of Pretoria no longer accepts qualifications awarded by these institutions.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4: The University of Pretoria may consider NCV candidates, provided they meet the exemption for bachelor’s status criteria and the programme requirements.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme at the University of Pretoria (UP) –

  • is a registered student at another tertiary institution, or was previously registered at another tertiary institution and did not complete the programme enrolled for at that institution, and is not currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, or has completed studies at another tertiary institution, but is not currently enrolled at a tertiary institution, or has started with tertiary studies at UP, then moved to another tertiary institution and wants to be readmitted at UP.

A transferring student will be considered for admission based on

  • an NSC or equivalent qualification with exemption to bachelor’s or diploma studies (whichever is applicable); and meeting the minimum faculty-specific subject requirements at NSC or tertiary level; or having completed a higher certificate at a tertiary institution with faculty-specific subjects/modules passed (equal to or more than 50%), as well as complying with faculty rules on admission;
  • previous academic performance (must have passed all modules registered for up to the closing date of application ) or as per faculty regulation/promotion requirements;
  • a certificate of good conduct.

Note: Students who have been dismissed at the previous institution due to poor academic performance, will not be considered for admission to UP.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme –

  • is a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP, or was previously registered at UP and did not complete the programme enrolled for, and did not enrol at another tertiary institution in the meantime (including students who applied for leave of absence), or has completed studies at UP, but is not currently enrolled or was not enrolled at another tertiary institution after graduation.

A returning student will be considered for admission based on

  • an NSC or equivalent qualification with exemption to bachelor’s or diploma studies (whichever is applicable); and meeting the minimum faculty-specific subject requirements at NSC or tertiary level; or previous academic performance (should have a cumulative weighted average of at least 50% for the programme enrolled for);
  • having applied for and was granted leave of absence.

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.  The Admissions Committee may consider such students if they were not dismissed more than twice. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties will be allowed, and a maximum of two (2) transfers within a faculty.

Important faculty-specific information on undergraduate programmes for 2022

  • The closing date is an administrative admission guideline for non-selection programmes. Once a non-selection programme is full  and has reached the institutional targets, then that programme will be closed for further admissions, irrespective of the closing date. However, if the institutional targets have not been met by the closing date, then that programme will remain open for admissions until the institutional targets are met.
  • The following persons will be considered for admission: Candidates who have a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement; candidates who are graduates from another tertiary institution or have been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution, and candidates who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
  • Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the Admission Point Score (APS).
  • Grade 11 results are used for the conditional admission of prospective students. Final admission is based on the final NSC/IEB results.
  • 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.

University of Pretoria website: click here

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

APS

NSC/IEB

4

28

 

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.

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: 80

All core modules must be taken in the final year

Core modules


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.

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