Programme: BDiv

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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

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

  • The closing date is an administrative admission guideline for non-selection programmes. Once a non-selection programme is fulland 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 in the calculation of the APS.

Transferring students

Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university

The Admissions Committee of the faculty considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final Grade 12 NSC or equivalent examination and/or were previously registered at UP or at another university, on grounds of their NSC or equivalent results as well as academic merit. Candidates who were dismissed from other faculties or universities will not be considered.

Qualifications from countries other than South Africa

  • Citizens from countries other than South Africa and South African citizens with foreign qualifications must comply with all the admission requirements and the prerequisites for subjects/modules.
  • Only a limited number of candidates are admitted to undergraduate studies in the faculty. In addition to meeting the admission requirements, admission is based on the performance in the TOEFL, IELTS or SAT, if required, in competition with other candidates who also meet the admission requirements.
  • Candidates must have a NSC with admission to degree studies or a certificate of conditional exemption on the basis of a candidate’s foreign qualifications, the so-called “Immigrant” or “Foreign Conditional Exemption”. The only condition for the “Foreign Conditional Exemption” that is accepted is: ‘completion of the degree course’. The exemption certificate is obtainable from Universities South Africa (USAf). Detailed information is available on the website at click here.

University of Pretoria website: click here

 

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

 

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

 

4

 

D

 

28

 

*  Cambridge A-level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects and International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects will be considered for admission.

Examinations and pass requirements

Special examinations
See also General Regulations G.12.4 and G.12.6.
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 special examination in the same modules at the end of the following semester.

Promotion to next study year

  • To be admitted to the modules of the second year of study, a student must pass at least seven semester modules, unless the Dean decides otherwise.
  • To be admitted to the modules of the third year of study, a student has to pass at least 15 semester modules, including Greek 110 and 120 and Hebrew 110 and 120, unless the Dean decides otherwise.
  • To be admitted to the modules of the fourth year of study, a student has to pass 24 semester modules including Greek 210 and 220 and Hebrew 210 and 220, unless the Dean decides otherwise.

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. 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) 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

Two semester modules from any faculty may be selected as electives at first year level, if the student meets the requirments for the module. Below is a list of electives available at the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

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

All prescribed modules must be taken at second year level

Core modules

Minimum credits: 125

All prescribed modules must be taken at third year level

Core modules

Minimum credits: 80

All prescribed modules must be taken in the final year

Core modules


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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