The Higher Certificate in Theology is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme at NQF level 5 accredited by the Council on Higher Education. It provides foundational theological and ministry training for church workers, introductory ministry skills for community workers, and basic grounding for further tertiary level theological studies.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A National Senior Certificate or equivalent.

Ten percent may be admitted based on recognition of prior learning.

LENGTH OF PROGRAMME

The programme consists of 120 credits (15 modules at 8 credits each) offered at NQF level 5 and may be completed in one year of full time study. Students may also complete the programme in two years of part time study.

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

BIBLICAL STUDIES

BBS01 HERMENEUTICS *

An introduction to inductive Bible study, Bible study methods (synthetic, analytic, and topical), and general and special principles for interpreting the Bible.

OLD TESTAMENT

BOT01 PENTATEUCH *

An introduction to the Pentateuchal problem, to the major themes of the Pentateuch, and to the historical and cultural background of ancient Israel, with an emphasis on the historical narrative sections in the Pentateuch.

BOT02 JOSHUA, JUDGES, UNITED KINGDOM

A study of the history of Israel from Joshua through the United Kingdom, emphasizing the purpose and outline of each book, leadership principles from the lives of the biblical characters, and instruction in how to prepare a biographical sermon.

BOT03 DIVIDED KINGDOM, EXILE, RETURN

A study of the history of Israel during the Divided Kingdom, exile, and return, and an overview of the history of the intertestamental period.

NEW TESTAMENT

BNT01 SYNOPTIC GOSPELS *

A historical, literary, and theological study of the gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, examining the unique perspectives of each of these gospels as well as their common themes regarding the life of Christ.

BNT02 ACTS *

A study of the book of Acts with overviews of Galatians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

GENERAL STUDIES

GSC01 COMPUTER SKILLS 1 (Bridging module)

A practical course in which students acquire typing and word-processing skills, begin to use Windows-based programmes, and learn to use the internet for research.

GSC02 COMPUTER SKILLS 2

A practical course in which students are introduced to computer-based church management systems and other computer applications

GSE01 BASIC ENGLISH (Bridging module)

A practical course to help students gain proficiency in English as a second language with a strong emphasis on class participation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

GSE02 ENGLISH COMPOSITION

A course designed to sharpen and improve English writing and critical thinking for all students, particularly students of English as a second language, and to provide the basic foundation of the English language with the goal to build skills in listening, comprehension, grammar usage and composition.

GSR01 LIBRARY USE AND STUDY SKILLS

An introduction to the library and its resource to help students know how to use the library, how to do research, how to develop good study habits, and how to write effective essays.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

PCE01 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY *

A study of the biblical basis, objectives, and methods of ministry to children with emphasis on teaching children the Word of God, qualities of a teacher, characteristics of children, methods of teaching, and preparation and use of visual aids.

PPT01 HOMILETICS 1 *

An introduction to homiletics, with special attention given to the ministry of the preacher and the preparation of an expository sermon, a topical sermon, and sermon outlines.

PPT02 DEVOTIONAL THEOLOGY *

This course examines the meaning of devotion within the context of the Christian faith and explores ways of expressing and evaluating one’s devotion to God, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

TST01 BIBLIOLOGY *

A study of the nature, canonicity, transmission and translation of the Bible, and a brief overview of the biblical books.

TST02 CHRISTOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture concerning the Trinity, with emphasis on the Father and the Son, including the names, attributes, and providence of God.

TST03 PNEUMATOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture covering the Holy Spirit, Satan, angels, and demons.

TST04 SOTERIOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture concerning man’s origin and nature, sin, and salvation.

FIELDWORK

PFW01 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FIELDWORK *

An application of the principles of PCE01 in which first and second-year students observe children’s ministry weekly for a semester and then lead in ministry to children in a neighbourhood or church setting weekly for two semesters.

Courses marked with a ( * ) are required.