Bachelor of Theology Honours

Purpose:

The Bachelor of Theology Honours qualification aims to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. It serves to consolidate and deepen the learners' expertise by acquiring a comprehensive, critical, and systematic knowledge of Christian Theology. Upon completion, learners will have gained a particular theological discipline and become conversant with contemporary religious discourse requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The qualification will enable learners to develop their research capacity in methodology and techniques relevant to theological disciplines.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will demonstrate:

1. Integrated knowledge of and engagement with Theology as a human and social science
2. Critical understanding and application of theories relevant to Theology
3. Competence to critically compare and use theological and other sources in an integrated manner
4. Development of their faith in critical interaction with their context and people with differing views
5. Engagement in critical and creative theological thinking at an advanced level
6. Ability to play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian values
7. Sensitivity to interact constructively with multicultural and multi-faith communities
8. Advanced ability to apply insights of theological disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Theology Honours qualification is designed to contribute to social change and holistic development in post-apartheid South African society, in line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The curriculum transformation aims at healing past divisions, establishing democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights. The qualification focuses on improving the quality of life of all citizens and promoting equality by addressing issues such as poverty, race, gender, language, age, and disability.

The qualification also aims to prepare learners for ministry or community-related service, particularly with disadvantaged communities and regions. It provides a thorough grounding in knowledge, theory, and moral principles, a higher level of skills, and competencies associated with professional requirements, and adequate preparation for further postgraduate studies.

By offering the qualification through distance learning, the barriers related to employment obligations, financial constraints, and logistical issues can be overcome, making the theological education more accessible. This qualification bridges the physical, transactional, and epistemic distance in teaching and learning, thereby providing a comprehensive and convenient learning experience for learners.