Higher Certificate in Youth Work

Accreditation status

Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s Bachelor of Theology 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: 111476
HEQSF Aligned, NQF Level 5, 120-Credits: Distance Mode

Overview of the Higher Certificate in Youth Work

The Higher Certificate in Youth Work comprises of theoretical work and a compulsory practical component.

The work is covered by 8 modules of 15 credits each.

Credits are, in accordance with the DHET (Department: Higher Education and Training) calculated according to the following formula: 1 credit equals 10 study hours.

Apply to study this course →

Alternatively phone (+27) 11 726 7029 for assistance.

Practical work

Students have to be developed in both theory as well as the practical application of the theory. During the programme, students will be exposed to the practical application within the field of youth ministry, as related to the content of the programme.

The practical work will be done in co-operation with the local assembly where the student is registered. The co-operation will exist between ATS and the presiding/senior pastor or assembly leaders and (if applicable) the specific ministry leader within the given assembly.

The practical work will consist of three components:

Specific ministry
General ministry involvement
Hosting a youth ministry related event

Order of modules

Students start with module 1 and must progress in the chronological order of the modules as indicated in the “Module Content”.

Assessment

Each module will be formally assessed in the following manner:

Assignments
Practical work
An exam at the end of each module.

The mark for the assignments and practical work will count for an exam entry mark. A minimum average mark of 50% is required for an exam entry mark.

The exam entry mark will count for 50% of the final mark and the exam the other 50%. A minimum total mark of 50% is required as a pass mark for the specific module.

Students may apply to resubmit assignments and practical work or re-write the exam to improve their marks.

Minimum admission requirements

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

The minimum entry requirements to a Higher Certificate is the achievement of a National Senior Certificate according to the rules of subject combination prescribed in the policy for the National Senior Certificate – A qualification at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework, Government Gazette, Vol. 481, No. 27819, July 2005.
A tertiary qualification on NQF 5 (Higher Certificate)
If the applicant is older than 23 years and have matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board.
If applicant is older than 45 years.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Students who have completed the Higher Certificate in Youth Work will receive RPL when they do the Diploma in Theology or the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree at ATS.

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.

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.

Costs for the Higher Certificate in Youth Work (2024)

The Higher Certificate in Youth Work consists of 8 modules and is pay-as-you-go.

Students do not have to register for all the modules at the same time but the full fee for each registered module is payable at registration.

It costs R925 per module (which includes registration fee).

Example: when a student registers for the first 3 modules, an amount of R2775 (R925 x 3) is payable at registration.

A handling and dispatching fee for books and study material is payable if you do not collect your material from ATS. The amount will depend on how many study manuals are to be posted. Estimated R200.

Apply to study this course →

Alternatively phone (+27) 11 726 7029 for assistance.

Student loans

These financial institutions in South Africa offer student loans.

International Students

The minimum requirements for international students will be a final school year certificate bearing the same value as the South African National Senior Certificate.

This qualification 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.