Doctor of Theology

A theology of empowerment learner who achieves qualifications in this programme will enrich his/er competencies related to the professional clergy, capable of performing all the required tasks of the ministry in South Africa, and in particular of the ministry in rural and semi-rural areas.

A learner will acquire the ability to participate, in particular, with marginalised people towards healing and transforming society, providing hope, challenging and rediscovering values, rooted in our African ecumenical heritage.

In addition, as the most advanced level of post-graduate studies, the learners of this programme will increase the width and breadth of their theological training to the extent that they will be able to independently make a contribution to a specific theological discipline.

Students who register for this programme will be able to

• articulate their ideas coherently through both verbal and writing skills in English
• negotiate meaning orally (listen and respond coherently)
• read with understanding, summarise, and identify the perspective of authors in prescribed textbooks
• prove their ability or potential to study for a post-graduate degree after having obtained the required accreditation of prior learning
• use a computer-based word-processing programme

The minimum entrance requirement is an appropriate NQF 8 qualification or similar qualification from an institution outside South Africa.

Admission to the programme is by interview, based on the understanding of and commitment to the aims and philosophy of the programme. In addition, candidates will submit a tentative research proposal, considered by Faculty 's Research Committee.

The following broad outcomes, overarching capabilities and applied competencies, are incorporated in, and shared by all levels of the Theology of Human Empowerment programme.

DTheol (New Testament) graduate will be able to

(Specific Outcomes)

1. Learners demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and write up research that is original, relevant and contribute to knowledge and insight into the field of study and that can respectably stand alongside refereed and published research in the same field and have practical application in the societal context.
2. Learners demonstrate an understanding of scientific procedures and an ability to cope with research techniques.
3. Learners demonstrate an understanding of literature related to the research problem.

Assessment Criteria

The learner can

1. Write research proposals that indicate that learners are able to identify a problem or problems in education, formulate research problems and subsets of problems, and suggest possible solutions to the problem(s).

Formulate hypotheses

Know, select and utilise research instruments that are relevant in the research of a specific problem in New Testament Studies.

Select and use appropriate hermeneutical methods to interpret the findings of the investigation.

Evaluate and interpret findings

Report the findings of the investigation, and formulate recommendations that emanate from the findings.

Create a new model that can be applied to solve the problem investigated.

1. Identify and analyse different scientific procedures in terms of the problem being researched.
2. Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different sources.

Search for literature on the identified research problem

Compare the writings of different authors on the same related topic

Synthesise reading material on the topic being researched.

Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies

Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review.

Create a new model/approach/theory that is applicable to the research problem.

Compile a complete bibliography.

Integrated assessment procedures

Integrated assessment will include the following

• Presentations and reports
• Scheduled consultations
• Thesis

In the moderation of all these two internal moderators will be appointed. All NQF level 8 theses will be moderated by two, or more, external examiners.