Master of Arts in Biblical and Christian Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with

• A more advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of research methods applied to a new topic and/or texts of the Old Testament and New Testament;
• A more advanced theoretical knowledge of aspects of the Old Testament and New Testament Socio-cultural world, introduction, theology, Hermeneutics, Methodology and Ethics;
• A more advanced competence to interpret the Bible authoritatively and apply Biblical knowledge to personal, social, educational and religious (e.g. homiletic and pastoral) contexts.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All potential learners not in possession of an FEC, must provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that would give them access to the qualification, need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience in respect of a particular module or modules, must apply in writing to the Chairperson of the Department, offering the module or modules the learner wish to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles or RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented, in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not be to the detrimental of the potential student learner and that his/her chances to success must be reasonable.

The committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for

• Access to, or
• Advanced placement in, or
• Recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Theological Studies, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, NQF Level 8.

The learners should be able to

1. Display advanced critical and creative thinking about Religious and ethical problems as well as critically assess and apply theoretical concepts and approaches to Biblical texts and in concrete community situations;
2. Demonstrate an advanced ability to facilitate problem identification and problem solving in the religious community and in society in general;
3. Demonstrate advanced ability to make sophisticated moral and religious decisions;
4. Demonstrate advanced research skills by collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating Biblical, theological and ethical information for the purpose of advanced research work;
5. Demonstrate advanced insight into religious and ethical dimensions of human interaction and the ability to communicate theological and ethical insights and knowledge persuasively;
6. Use modern electronic aids and media (e.g. internet, computer programs, radio, television, video) at an advanced level to the benefit of research and society;
7. Demonstrate advanced insight into religious and ethical dimensions of human interaction and the ability to communicate theological and ethical insights and knowledge persuasively;
8. Apply at an advanced level appropriate research techniques, make use of published work and source material effectively in the research process, and know the different theories in the research field;
9. Demonstrate at an advanced level insight into religious and ethic dimensions of human interactions of local, national and global communities, show awareness of religious and ethical responsibility towards all people in society;
10. Demonstrate at an advanced level cultural and aesthetic sensitivity by appreciating other people's religious, ethical and cultural viewpoints, conduct and customs;
11. Teach at an advanced level religious studies or an equivalent subject at school or tertiary education level; demonstrate their ability to act informatively on Biblical and religious matters in society at large, putting them in a position of being a leader as shapers of public opinion in the Christian Church, civil services, SABC, government bodies, etc;
12. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities by initiating and developing Bible training centres on behalf of congregations, act in an advanced consulting capacity on various religious and ethical matters.

The learner can: / Does the learner

1. Display advanced critical and creative thinking about Biblical and ethical problems;

evaluate and, where relevant, apply theoretical concepts and approaches to Biblical texts and in concrete community situations;

1. Demonstrate the advanced ability to facilitate problem identification and problem solving in the field of Biblical Studies and Biblical ethics and with regard to religious matters in the community;
2. Make sophisticated moral and religious decisions relevant to practical situations in the church and in the society in general;

this is assessed by means of assignments and in practical outcomes in the church and society;

1. Collect, analyse, organise and critically assess Biblical, theological and ethical information;

write a dissertation of at least 100 pages or mini-dissertation of at least 50 pages in the case of a master's by course work, on a specific topic which is technically and orthographically correct;

1. Communicate at an advanced level theological and ethical insights and knowledge logically and persuasively in written assignments, during group discussions and in the community;
2. Demonstrate an advanced capability to use appropriate electronic media (e.g. Biblical computer software) for exploring Biblical sources of information;

implement technology effectively while teaching religious maters in public or through the media of radio, television and video;

1. Demonstrate advanced insight the religious and ethical dimensions of human interaction and the ability to communicate effectively theological and ethical insights and knowledge orally to follow students, in written assignments, in mini-dissertation or a long dissertation, to various congregational groups and to other religions;

identify and assess critically different points of view;

1. Demonstrate at an advanced level appropriate research techniques in the writing of assignments, a mini-dissertation or a full dissertation;

make advanced use of published works and source material effectively in the research process;

implement at an advanced level different theories in the research field in writing assignments and a mini-dissertation in the case of a master's by course work, or a full dissertation in a research master's;

1. Identify and critically assess, at an advanced level, religious and ethical dimensions of humans interactions of local, national and global communities;

apply religious and ethical responsibility towards all people in society at an advanced level;

1. Demonstrate at an advanced level cultural and aesthetic sensitivity by being familiar with and appreciating other people's religious, ethical and cultural viewpoints, conduct and customs during seminars, in writing assignments and mini-dissertation in the case of a master's by course work, or a full dissertation in a research master's;
2. Convey at an advanced level relevant information interactively on religious studies or an equivalent subject to learners at school or tertiary education level;

explain clearly and formulate sharply;

demonstrate an advanced ability to act informatively on Biblical and religious matters in society at large, such as the Christian Church, civil services, SABC, government bodies etc;

1. Identify the needs of their communities with regard to religious matters;

draw up an advanced integrated plan for a full course in Bible training; organise and direct in a practical way Bible training sessions; act as an advanced consultant on various religious and ethical matters for congregations and the community at large.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module in the case of the Master's by course work, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among others: written assignments (Master's by course work), presentations in small groups, and the submission and discussion of research results on a continuous basis during the research process. Self-assessment activities are included in study guides. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

Summative assessment practice that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes, will be done by means of end of semester final examinations in three selected sub-disciplines in the field of research and a mini-dissertation of approximately 60 pages on a specific topic in the case of the master's by course work. In the case of the research master's a full dissertation of approximately 120 pages is assessed. A publishable article on the research results must be submitted with the mini-dissertation and the dissertation.