Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa
Programme Detail: Theology (B.Th)
| Language of this entry | English (UK, International) |
|---|---|
| Name of Programme / Training Resource | Theology (B.Th) |
| Type of Training | Individual standalone programme |
| Reference Number | |
| Description | The Bachelor of Theology programme was reviewed and slightly modified due to the re-accreditation process of 2010. The Council of Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa is currently modifying its criteria for accreditation of Private Providers of Higher Learning. This is to ensure a certain level of professional standards among all accredited instutions offering programmes on the same level. This means a BTh should be roughly the same qualification and include roughly the same amount of studies, regardless of which accredited institution is offering the programme. Previously certain Institutes have offered degrees which were allegedly much easier to accomplish than the same degree was at other accredited institutions. As ESSA is a registered institution we have to submit to these guidelines. At the same time we are willingly complying with these professional standards as ESSA is striving to offer a high quality theological education at tertiary level. We believe that we do not have to fear comparison with other national or international institutions on the same level. On the contrary: after close examination and comparison potential students will find many good reasons to study at ESSA. Our BTh programme is a 3-year, 380 credit full-time study programme, designed to focus on the head, the heart and the hands of future ministers. The purpose of programmes leading to this Qualification is to deliver learners who can critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in the service and leadership - both lay and ordained - of Christian communities, community organisations and society. This interdisciplinary Qualification produces life-long theological learners who are equipped to raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts. The Qualification also seeks to enable learners develop, clarify and articulate a value system from a Christian perspective. This Qualification is intended for consciousness-raising of learners with respect to issues of justice such as gender, social disparity, disability and the environment, and enable them to develop transformative communities, and contribute to the development of the society as a whole. Learners who achieve this Qualification can, with a strong measure of independence: * Interpret, integrate and apply Christian sources in context * Understand their communities, in the light of the history of Christianity, and position themselves responsibly in their contexts * Analyse information critically and articulate and communicate effectively * Evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics personally and in community * Practise and evaluate ministries in the church * Initiate and develop Christian ministry in the wider community Rationale The majority of candidates for this Qualification are likely to be working in churches, para-church and community organisations. The Qualification will give them the opportunity to integrate knowledge of the Christian faith with essential skills to minister to and lead Christian communities and contribute to the development and transformation of the broader society, as well as develop the values of such leadership. Learners who wish to gain an understanding of the Christian faith and to develop their own spirituality will also benefit from this Qualification. Some learners will continue after this first degree with post-graduate studies, which may be required for a professional Qualification by some faith communities. |
| Keywords | Bachelor, Theology, BTh, Evangelical, Higher Education, Ministry, Mission, Development, Bursaries, Bursary, Master, Biblical, Biblical Studies, Practical Ministry, |
| Languages Programme Available in | English (UK, International) |
| Other Languages | |
| Country and region where programme is available | South Africa / Countrywide |
| Area of Ministry and Focus | Bible Teaching and Training / Old Testament; Bible Teaching and Training / New Testament; Bible Teaching and Training / Interpretation and Study Methods; Bible Teaching and Training / Theology; Bible Teaching and Training / Ethics; Bible Teaching and Training / Discipling and Training Others; Bible Teaching and Training / Preaching and Communication Skills; Bible Teaching and Training / Biblical Languages; Bible Teaching and Training / Church History; Prayer, Worship and Spiritual Gifts / Revivals and Awakenings; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Marriage and Family Guidance; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Children's Ministry; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Youth and Students Ministry; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Women's Ministry; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Helping Persecuted Christians; Personal Life and Holiness / Fellowship and Interpersonal Skills; Mission and Evangelism / Cross-Cultural Mission and History; Mission and Evangelism / Church Planting and Multiplication |
| Residential/Non Residential | Residential |
| Full-time or Part-time | Full-time |
| Level | Degree |
| Cost Range | From US$10,000 to less than US$100,000 |
| Actual Cost | 17000 ZAR / year |
| Bursaries/scholarships available | No |
| Actual Length | 3 years |
| Average hours of study per week | 40 |
| Methods of instruction | As ESSA firmly believes in a holistic training of heads, hands and heart this BTh programme includes several fieldwork assignments as well as “Work Integrated Learning??? (On-going Practical Ministry in Churches throughout the programme) where students are expected to practice what they have learned. |
| Percentage of time spent in formal learning (e.g. lectures, structured reading, work-books, etc.) | |
| Percentage of time spent on non-formal skill-based learning (e.g. learning on the job and supervised practice, etc.) | |
| Percentage of time spent in informal unstructured learning (e.g. prayer times, teamwork). | |
| Average number of students who take the programme per year (or, if this is a new programme, the number who can be accommodated) | 10 |
| Prerequisite Programmes | |
| Other Prerequisites | Admission Requirements: All students entering this programme need to have obtained a matric exemption or foreign equivalent. Due to the nature of the programme additional requirements need to be met. These should be requested from the Seminary’s Registrar. |
| Qualifications gained | BTh |
| Qualifications this programme is part of | |
| Programme Accredited by | ACTEA (Africa) |
| Other Accrediting Bodies | Department of Higher Education, Council of Higher Education, South African Qualifications Authority (all of these are South African Secular accrediting bodies) |
Copyright © 2024 Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa