| 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 |
Also refer to General Academic Regulations G1-G15.
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
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.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information on modules
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.
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
This module intends to equip students to cope more confidently and competently with the reading and understanding of a variety of texts, to apply these skills in a variety of contexts and to follow the conventions of academic writing.
Module content:
By the end of this module students should be able to cope more confidently and competently with the reading, writing and critical thinking demands that are characteristic of the field of Theology.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Module content:
The encyclopaedia of the New Testament and the religious-, political-, economic-, and socio-cultural setting of the New Testament.
Module content:
Introduction to the exegesis and theology of Mark and Matthew; Synoptic problem and canonicity.
Module content:
Geographical and historical background of the Old Testament. The Near-Eastern cultural background of the Bible.
Module content:
Introduction to narratology. Capita selecta: Ruth, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah.
Module content:
A general introduction to the field of Practical Theology, its sub-disciplines and the current context of faith practices.
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.
Module content:
Overview and introduction to the disciplines within the field of theological studies.
Module content:
Introduction to the history of Christianity in Southern Africa with specific reference to colonialism and post-colonialism.
Module content:
What is religion? The functions of religion. Studying religion. Perspectives on 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.
Module content:
The occurrence of religion in societies. Types of religion. Primal religions. Christianity, Judaism, Islam. A variety of religions will be addressed: capita selecta will be made from Christianity; Hinduism; Buddhism; New Religions; New Age; main developments in the world and South Africa.
Module content:
A general introduction to the forms of spirituality and the methods for studying and teaching spirituality.
Module content:
An exploration of the possible relationships between religion and spirituality and then also the relationship between Scripture and Spirituality.
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.
Module content:
Greek texts – syntax
Basic syntactical theory and application to selected Greek texts
Greek prose – text analysis
Basic theory of comprehensive text analysis and application of selected NT prose texts.
Module content:
Greek poetry – text analysis
Basic theory of poetic text analysis and application of selected NT and related poetry texts.
Greek texts – holistic analysis
Students are guided towards reading and analysing independently chosen Greek texts by application of all knowledge and skills acquired in GRK modules on year level 1 as well as in GRK 210 and 220.
Module content:
Hebrew texts – syntax
Basic syntactical theory and application to selected Hebrew texts.
Hebrew prose – text analysis
Basic theory of comprehensive text analysis and application to selected OT prose texts.
Module content:
Hebrew poetry – text analysis
Basic theory of poetic text analysis and application to selected OT poetic texts. Hebrew texts – holistic analysis
Students are guided towards reading and analysing independently chosen Hebrew texts by application of all knowledge and skills acquired in HEB modules on year level 1 as well as in HEB 210 and 220.
Module content:
Introduction to the exegesis and theology of the Johannine gospel and letters.
Module content:
A general introduction to theories for understanding and interpreting faith practices with an emphasis on Youth, Pastoral Care, Community Development/Transformation and Congregational Studies.
Module content:
A general introduction to theories for understanding and interpreting faith practices with an emphasis on Liturgy, Hymnology and Homiletics.
Module content:
Pluriversal perspectives on faith, God, Trinity, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
Module content:
Historical analysis of selected theological traditions and themes from the early church up to the 20th century.
Module content:
Investigating the method of Phenomenology as way of studying religions. Focussing on African Christianity and the phenomenon of African Independent Churches. Highlighting Prosperity Theology as phenomenon in Africa. Exploring the place of land, water and the city within religion in Africa
Module content:
Ancient religions and Health:
Exploring ancient religions (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Zoroastranism, Aztec, Inca and Mayan) and health. Exploring the San religious treatment of health matters. The relationship magic and religion is investigated.
Module content:
An investigation into Christian spirituality, its origins, its core aspects and its variety and experiences of the Holy Spirit.
Module content:
An introduction to spiritual practices like meditation, prayer and an exploration of spiritual formation.
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.
Module content:
Develop a critical vision for how to engage with communities, in ways that are respectful and responsible. General principles and formation.
Module content:
Introduction to the exegesis and theology of the authentic letters of Paul.
Module content:
Introduction to the exegesis and theology of the Deutero- and Trito-Pauline writings.
Module content:
A general introduction to methods and theories related to discernment and action regarding faith practices with an emphasis on Youth, Pastoral Care, Community Development/Transformation and Congregational Studies.
Module content:
Pastoral counselling: Grief counselling, trauma counselling and the pastoral counselling conversation.
Module content:
Pluriversal perspectives on ethical behaviour, societal issues and ethical challenges.
Module content:
Critical discussion of theological and ecclesial issues as reflected in recent history.
Module content:
The function of myths and rites in current society is investigated. The relation between religion and art is explored. The place and function of music in religion is investigated. The way in which holy texts are interpreted (scriptural reasoning) within different religions is explored.
Module content:
The following social themes are addressed: Religion and Media; Religion and Ecology; Religion and Xenophobia; Religion and Homophobia; Religion and Violence; Religion and Gender equality; the possibility of Inter-religious dialogue.
Module content:
An exploration of key theological issues and their relation to spirituality: trinitarian spirituality; spirituality and Christian ethics; Spirituality and the church; spirituality and sacramentality.
Module content:
The module investigates contextual and contemporary spiritualties: Women’s spirituality; African spirituality, Liberation spirituality, Interfaith spirituality and Christian mystical spirituality.
Minimum credits: 120
All core modules must be taken in the final year.
Select one of the Research essay modules from the list.
Module content:
Introduction to the exegesis and theology of the general letters and Revelation.
Module content:
An advanced course in Practical Theology focussing on faith practices in the current South African context.
Module content:
The module will give students an introduction to the nature and purpose of philosophy and indicate its relevance to the practicing of theology.
Module content:
The module will provide students with knowledge of philosophy as language for doing theology and understanding basic philosophical concepts in theology.
Module content:
Critical discussion of theological and ecclesial issues as reflected in recent history.
Module content:
A research essay based on independent reading and research in the field of New Testament and related literature.
Module content:
A research essay based on independent reading and research in the field of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures.
Module content:
A research essay based on independent reading and research in the field of Practical Theology and Mission Studies.
Module content:
A research essay based on independent reading and research in the field of Religion Studies.
Module content:
A research essay based on independent reading and research in the field of Systematic and Historical Theology.
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