Bachelor of Theology Honours (BTh Hons)

Accreditation status

Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s Bachelor of Theology Honours is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

SAQA registration number: 122518
HEQSF Aligned, NQF Level 8, 130-Credits: Distance Mode
Entry level NQF Level 8 and exit level NQF Level 9

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Overview of the Bachelor of Theology Honours

ATS’ unique approach in designing this qualification is grounded in a Word-based, Christ-centred, and pneumatological orientation, which emphasises the role, nature, and work of the Holy Spirit.

The Bachelor of Theology Honours postgraduate degree is registered on a NQF level 8 qualification, with a minimum of 130 credits.

It comprises of seven compulsory modules and a minimum of two elective modules.

The seven compulsory modules are:

• Academic proficiency
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Research Methodology
• Research Report
• Dogmatics & Ethics
• Pastoral Ministries

There are eight elective modules, from which a student needs to select at least two modules:

• Church History
• Missiology
• Youth Ministry
• Chaplaincy
• Community & Social Development
• Child and Family Well-being
• Pastoral Counselling
• Pastoral Counselling of children

The BTh Hons can be completed in a minimum 1 year (full-time) up to a maximum 3 years (part-time).

Prospective students may apply at any time during the year.

Once approved, a student may enroll (register) either in January or in June for the next semester. Students who enrol for the first time in January will start with first semester modules. Students who enrol for the first time in June will start with second semester modules (refer to module content for more information).

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Why study the Bachelor of Theology Honours?

1. The programme is designed to consolidate and deepen your understanding of theological studies and develop your research skills, providing a strong foundation for further academic pursuits.
2. The degree equips you to apply and transfer knowledge to specialised areas of ministry, offering both foundational and elective modules that cater to your interests and career goals. A variety of elective modules are available, covering a wide range of ministerial areas and applications.
3. We live in peculiar times, facing significant challenges such as artificial intelligence and an attack on biblical authority, emphasising the need for well-informed leaders who can navigate these complexities and help the people around them.
4. It prepares you for research-based postgraduate studies, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree, and includes developing a first chapter for a postgraduate research programme under supervision.

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Minimum admission requirements

The minimum admission requirement for the BTh Hons is at least one of the following:

• An accredited Bachelor in Theology degree or an equivalent qualification in Theology.
• An accredited Bachelor degree in another field accompanied by a theological related Higher Certificate or a Diploma of Theology obtained at ATS.
• A non-theological Bachelor degree, requires ATS’ BTh Honours bridging coursework to obtain access to the BTh Honours.

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Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

RPL is the process through which the prior knowledge, skills and experience of an applicant/student are made visible and assessed for the purposes of gaining access to a qualification programme, or exemption from modules of a particular qualification.

In order for the Academic Board to assess an applicant’s application for RPL, you’ll need to upload a portfolio of evidence in the form of supporting documentation. The more complete your documentation, the better your RPL application can be assessed by ATS.

For previous studies, you’ll need to provide:

• certified copies of transcripts or academic results (for foreign qualifications upload SAQA evaluation certificate), and
• documentation stating the objectives, learning outcomes, content and credits of the completed modules (The training institution should be able to provide you with such).

For knowledge and skills gained in practices (e.g. having been an ordained pastor for 15 years) outside Higher Education in terms of their value for the envisaged course of study, you’ll need to provide:

• your comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV),
• certified certificate of ordination (if applicable), and
• reference letters detailing the work you have been involved with.
• a short motivation letter describing:
  • why you are applying for RPL, and
  • what you value about your learning, work experience and your specific competencies.

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Credits

A qualification is awarded certain minimum credits. The BTh Hons is made up of a total of 130 credits. Each subject in the specific qualification carries a specific amount of credits. Credits are, in accordance with the DHET (Department: Higher Education and Training) regulation calculated according to the following formula: 1 credit equals 10 study hours.

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International Students

The international qualifications of the applicant must be assessed by SAQA and the original SAQA assessment certificate as well as the SAQA Evaluation Certificate must be submitted to ATS. Review detailed information for international students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about how your studies will work.

Here we explain among other things how the Application and Registration processes work, ATS’ Online Learning system, how to submit your assignments, and the requirements for your invigilator for tests and exams.

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Study fees for the Bachelor of Theology Honours (2025)

R3,300 per module (which includes deposit fee) for a total of 9 modules.

The deposit fee per module is R1,650.00 (50%) and is payable on the date of registration.

The remaining amount needs to be paid in 3 equal installments by latest end of April (1st semester) or September (2nd semester).

Unlike other institutions, Auckland Park Theological Seminary does NOT charge extra fees for your Application or Registration every semester.

This qualification is priced 8-20% lower than comparable programmes, and 85% of the prescribed study materials are included in the module fees and provided to the student, making Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s Bachelor of Theology Honours even more affordable. Students have a minimal number of additional prescribed books to purchase during their years of study.

A handling and dispatching fee for additional prescribed books and study material is payable if you do not collect your material from ATS. Estimated R200.

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How to structure your studies

Study full-time

Studying full-time, the BTh Honours can be completed within one (1) year.

The student should be able to study ±40 hours of study per week for 32 weeks.

Study part-time over 2 years

The student should be able to study ±20 hours of study per week for 32 weeks.

Studying over two (2) years, you may structure you studies as follows:

• 1st year 1st semester: select Academic Proficiency (AP811), Research Methodology (RM811), and one 1st semester compulsory or elective module.
• 1st year 2nd semester: select Research Report Essay (RR812), and one 2nd semester compulsory or elective module.
• 2nd year 1st semester: select your remaining 1st semester compulsory module(s) and/or remaining 1st semester elective module.
• 2nd year 2nd semester: select your remaining 2nd semester compulsory module(s) and/or remaining 2nd semester elective module.

Study part-time over 3 years

The student should be able to study ±13.5 hours of study per week for 32 weeks.

Studying over three (3) years, you may structure you studies as follows:

• 1st year 1st semester: select Academic Proficiency (AP811), Research Methodology (RM811) and one 1st semester compulsory or elective module.
• 1st year 2nd semester: select Research Report Essay (RR812), and one 2nd semester compulsory or elective module.
• 2nd year 1st semester: select one 1st semester compulsory module(s) and/or remaining 1st semester elective module.
• 2nd year 2nd semester: select one 2nd semester compulsory module(s) and/or remaining 2nd semester elective module.elective modules.
• 3rd year 1st semester: select your remaining 1st semester compulsory module or remaining 1st semester elective module.
• 3rd year 2nd semester: select your remaining 2nd semester compulsory module or remaining 2nd semester elective module.

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Further study opportunities

Successful completion of this Bachelor of Theology Honours (BTh Hons) postgraduate degree will allow the student access into a Masters in Theology (or equivalent) degree at NQF Level 9.

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Student loans

These financial institutions in South Africa offer student loans.

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Bachelor of Theology Honours Module Content

Module codes

• The module codes are descriptive of the discipline and semester, for example: CH812
• CH - Church History
  
• 812 - the first number (8) indicates the NQF level, in this case “Honours”.
• 812 - the third number (2) indicates the semester, in this case the second semester.

Module Content of the seven (7) compulsory Modules

1st Semester Modules		2nd Semester Modules
Academic Proficiency (AP811)
Research Methodology (RM811)	→ prerequisite →	Research Report Essay (RR812)
Old Testament (OT811)		New Testament (NT812)
Dogmatics & Ethics (DG811)		Pastoral Ministries (PM812)

ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY (AP811) Compulsory (2 credits)

This Module is taken at the start of your studies, either during the 1st or 2nd semester.

• Refresh and enhance academic skills needed to function optimally within the academic environment of a postgraduate qualification.
• Enhance the ability to read academic texts comprehensively, recognising patterns, relationships, and key information.
• Enhance skills in objectively evaluating data, making judgments, asking questions, and identifying new ideas.
• Sharpen the ability to critically analyse information, synthesise data, and create innovative solutions for managing processes.
• Demonstrate understanding of the roles and relationships between elements (concepts) within the system.
• Advance comprehension of the roles and interconnections among various elements within a system.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (RM811) Compulsory (8 credits)

This Module is taken during the 1st semester and is a prerequisite for RR812.

• The nature and dynamics of research in the theological disciplines.
• Research types, dissemination, problems and, methods.
• The processes for conducting academic research.
• Different forms of research.
• Research tools and resources.
• The literature review.
• The status questions of the topic investigated.

RESEARCH REPORT ESSAY (RR812) Compulsory (30 credits)

This Module is taken during the 2nd semester. RM811 is a prerequisite.

The module Research Report (RM812) consists of the conducting of an original research or literature review research under supervision in a particular field and compiling a research reporting manuscript for final assessment. The mini research project entails that the student be exposed to workplace learning and be participative in the “real world”. The conclusion of such a project might also contribute to the academic discourse.

DOGMATICS AND ETHICS (DG811) Compulsory (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester.

• Evolutionism
• The great end time events (Eschatology)
• The Holy Spirit, mystery of strength and tenderness
• The Holy Spirit changes chaos into cosmos
• Ethics:
  • Definitions of ethics
  • Different views on ethics
• The basis for ethical decisions:
  • Different views about the basis for what is morally right
  • Elements of truth in the other views
  • An evangelical view of the basis for moral decisions
• Civil disobedience

NEW TESTAMENT (NT812) Compulsory (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester.

• Introduction to the context and world of the New Testament.
• Map and diagram of the New Testament context.
• Critical issues of Acts, 1 Thessalonians and Revelation.
• Hermeneutics: The grammar-historical hermeneutics.
• Excerpts of New Testament theology and eschatology.

OLD TESTAMENT (OT811) Compulsory (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester.

• Knowledge and Evaluation of Socio-Rhetorical Approach.
• Practical Implementation of Socio-Rhetorical Approach.
• Problem-Solving Skills in Old Testament Theology.
• Historical Overview of Old Testament Theology.
• Critical Reflection on Old Testament Theology.
• Israel’s Practice of Testimony.
• Cross-Examination of Israel’s Core Testimony.
• Ethical Issues and Critical Reflection.
• Presentation and Communication in Old Testament Theology.
• Interrogation and Evaluation of Knowledge Sources.

PASTORAL MINISTRIES (PM812) Compulsory (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester.

• Homiletics
  • Historical grammatical narrative exegeses and homiletics
  • Composition of different kinds of sermons
• Liturgy
  • Understanding the essence of liturgy healing
  • Four basic kinds of healing
  • Biblical and dogmatic standpoint on healing
  • Preaching, healing, and deliverance

Module Content of the eight (8) elective Modules

A student needs to successfully complete at least two (2) of the following elective modules. You may enroll for more elective modules if you so wish.

1st Semester Modules		2nd Semester Modules
Chaplaincy (CP811)		Church History (CH812)
Child and Family Well-being (CF811)	→ prerequisite →	Pastoral Counselling of Children (CC812)
Community and Social Development (CS811)		Pastoral Counselling (PC812)
Missiology (MS811)		Youth Ministry (YM812)

CHAPLAINCY (CP811) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester.

• Overview of practical theological disciplines for Christian faith interventions in various contexts such as healthcare, military, correctional, police, and fire departments.
• Theories, research methodologies, methods, and actions relevant to chaplaincy within a multi- and interdisciplinary context.
• Comparative analysis of multiple knowledge resources and the processes of knowledge production.
• Application of theories, processes, and actions to address unfamiliar problems in specialised areas of theology and chaplaincy.
• Identification, analysis, and resolution of complex theological and chaplaincy-oriented problems using appropriate knowledge and methods.
• Exploration of ethical issues and critical reflection on different ethical value systems in various theological and interdisciplinary contexts.
• Effective presentation and communication of academic, professional, and occupational ideas to diverse audiences, including creative insights and rigorous interpretations.

CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING (CF811) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester and is a prerequisite for CC812.

• Importance and impact of nurturing the spiritual development of young children on their overall well-being.
• Key elements of Pentecostal spirituality and its role in fostering a vibrant and experiential faith.
• Theological foundations of family ministry based on biblical texts, focusing on the role of the family as the “domestic church.”
• Parenting strategies that integrate intentional, missional, and Pentecostal principles to nurture children’s spirituality.
• Significance of developing a comprehensive Christian worldview that integrates faith into all aspects of life.
• Grounding family ministry in God’s overarching story of creation, fall, salvation, and consummation.
• Role of Pentecostal spirituality in empowering children and families amidst social ills and promoting holistic development within the church.
• Workshops, parenting classes, and mentorship programs that support intentional and missional parenting practices.
• Reflection and evaluation of the effectiveness of family ministry practices using feedback and contemporary research for continuous improvement.

CHURCH HISTORY (CH812) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester.

• Development and evolution of Patristics as a discipline, including factors leading to the shift to Early Christian Studies.
• Points of convergence between Patristics and Early Christian Studies.
• Basic biographical details of key authors from the period of persecution (mid-second to early fourth centuries) and an understanding of their literature.
• Problems, issues, and main figures related to the Arian controversy, including the teachings of Arius and the significance of Eusebius of Caesarea.
• Opponents of Arius, their works and views, the communal condemnation at the Council of Nicea, and the role of Athanasius.
• Theological and ethical significance of the works of church fathers from the fourth and early fifth centuries, including biographical details of the most important figures.
• Detailed knowledge of Augustine’s biography, works, and their significance.

COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (CS811) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester.

• Theoretical perspectives from contemporary social sciences regarding community transformation.
• Critical elements of community transformation for Africa in the 21st century.
• Christian living and community transformation with a focus on Evangelical and Pentecostal influence.
• Development and application of a practical theological model for community transformational strategy.
• Transformation in the marketplace: Five pivotal paradigms for effective transformation.
• Relevant competences for the effective transformation of African communities in the 21st century.
• Strategies for overcoming barriers to community transformation.
• Working with charitable organisations: Evaluating ethical aspects of philanthropic strategies.

MISSIOLOGY (MS811) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 1st semester.

• Missio Dei - The Mission of God in this world. The role the believer/church plays in this mission. The difference between evangelical churches and ecumenical churches.
• The link between prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit with specific reference to revivals, salvation, community transformation, reconciliation and healing. Prayer, it seems, was always the first step which led to the salvation and transformation of souls, relationships and communities. Few examples, including African, of revival
• The link between Pentecostalism and African Independent/Indigeneous/Initiated churches. Both groups share the same historical roots. Question is: Are AIC’s an authentic and pure expression of a New Testament church? Are they to be considered African Pentecostals or, as some believe, syncretistic. What role can the church play in theological training and ecumenical relationships?
• Poverty, unemployment and inequality remain a huge challenge. What can the church do and how should the local church be involved in development to address these pressing issues? The church historically conducted welfare work and influenced society by people whose life’s were transformed by the Gospel. This spirit filled, new people have enormous potential in playing a constructive, redeeming and healing role.
• The prophetic role of the church on societal matters such as discrimination, gender based violence, corruption, racism, prejudice, materialism, greed and many more. Old Testament prophets did not shy away from speaking and preaching about injustices and sins. Few examples, including African, of modern day prophets.
• The church and the environment. Climate change, pollution, over-exploitation are all seemingly symptoms of a sinful and broken world. How can this be altered to reflect the Kingdom of God? How can believers be salt and light of this world, amongst others, living a life that reflects responsible stewardship of God’s creation.

PASTORAL COUNSELLING (PC812) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester.

• Marital and family issues
• Family interpersonal dysfunction
• Divorce and remarriage
• Marriage and counselling strategies

PASTORAL COUNSELLING OF CHILDREN (CC812) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester. CF811 is a prerequisite.

• Specialised Knowledge in Pastoral Counselling of Children: understand and engage with practical theological disciplines related to pastoral counselling of children.
• Theories and Practical Application: comprehend various theories, research methodologies, and methods relevant to pastoral counselling of children, and apply this knowledge practically.
• Critical Comparison of Knowledge Sources: interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and critically compare knowledge and the processes of knowledge production.
• Addressing Complexities and Uncertainties: understand and manage complexities by selecting, applying, or adapting appropriate theories and processes to unfamiliar problems in pastoral counselling of children.
• Problem-Solving Skills: use specialised skills to identify, analyse, and address complex or abstract theological and child counselling problems, drawing systematically on appropriate knowledge and methods.
• Ethical Issues and Critical Reflection: identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection of different ethical value systems in the context of theological and pastoral counselling of children.
• Information Synthesis and Creative Responses: critically review information gathering, data synthesis, and evaluation processes to develop creative solutions to academic and practical issues in specialised theological and pastoral counselling of children.
• Effective Communication: present and communicate academic, professional, and occupational ideas effectively to various audiences, offering creative insights and rigorous interpretations in the context of theology and pastoral counselling of children.

YOUTH MINISTRY (YM812) Elective (15 credits)

This Module can be taken during the 2nd semester.

• Specialised Knowledge in Youth Ministry: understand and engage with practical theological disciplines related to Youth Ministry.
• Theories and Practical Application: comprehend various theories, research methodologies, and methods relevant to Youth Ministry, and apply this knowledge in practical contexts.
• Critical Comparison of Knowledge Sources: interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and critically compare knowledge and the processes of knowledge production.
• Addressing Complexities and Uncertainties: understand and manage complexities by selecting, applying, or adapting appropriate theories and processes to unfamiliar problems in Youth Ministry.
• Problem-Solving Skills: use specialised skills to identify, analyse, and address complex or abstract theological and Youth Ministry problems, drawing systematically on appropriate knowledge and methods.
• Ethical Issues and Critical Reflection: identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection of different ethical value systems in the context of theological and Youth Ministry.