Master of Divinity

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, specific skills and competence. Learners will be able to conduct independent research into the relationship between theory and practice in the field of Christian theology and ministry. A second purpose of the qualification is to provide faith communities and the South African society at large with learners who have the knowledge, skills and competence required to engage in ministry within church and culture and to contribute to the development of the broader community in an ethical, critical and constructive way.

The Master of Divinity strives to provide theoretical building blocks to assist a learner in exercising the necessary higher skills needed to align theory with diverse situations in the ecclesiastical praxis responsibly and effectively.

Rationale

The main focus of this professional qualification is to train learners for the ministry in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. Therefore, the Masters in Divinity will guide Postgraduate biblical scholars in theology to apply their knowledge in complicated and challenging ecclesiastical situations. The primary stakeholder (the Reformed Churches in South Africa GKSA) requires people trained for ministry that will be well equipped to handle current challenges in a changing society in an innovative way.

Learners can become leaders, educators and facilitators in Christian churches and the broader community.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning institution at Honours level. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learner setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, institutions and qualifications. Learners will receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can produce a Portfolio of Evidence to show that they meet the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria, obtaining the appropriate credits according to the assessment of the institution. Learners must present evidence in a variety of forms, including previous local or international qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. The University subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an essential role.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Christian Theology and Ministry, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits

• Research Project (REAC871), 60, Credits.

Elective Modules, 48 Credits (Choose/Select four)

• Missionary Apologetics (MISS821), 8 Credits.
• Relevant Ethical Themes in SA Context (ETIE821), 8 Credits.
• Applied Homiletics (HOML821), 8 Credits.
• Value of Modern Theologians for Ministry (DOGM821), 8 Credits.
• Mission as an Africa Initiative (MISS811), 8 Credits.
• Reform Church Polity: Hist Overview (KERG811), 8 Credits.
• Pauline Epistles (NTES821), 8 Credits.
• Acts and Genl Epistles, Hebrews (NTES811), 16 Credits.
• Modern Church and Dogma History (KDGE821), 8 Credits.
• Interpretation of the Writings (OTES821), 8 Credits.
• Applied Pastoral Studies (PAST822), 8 Credits.
• The Liturgy of Public Worship (LITK811), 8 Credits.
• Interpretation of Prophetic Literature (OTES811), 16 Credits.
• Christology to Eschatology (DOGM811), 8 Credits.

• Demonstrate a level of independence, competence and self-motivation.
• Analyse and interpret primary and secondary Christian sources relevant to the field of study exegetically and theologically.
• Integrate, order, appropriate and communicate such sources effectively in the context of study in the relevant field.
• Analyse, understand and position themselves and their communities within the scope of the history of Christianity and of the world in a manner appropriate to a particular field of study in theology and ministry.
• Critically evaluate and apply theological knowledge across the full range of fields in Christian theology and ethics.
• Understand the Christian faith in the context of religious pluralism and develop contextual ministry and mission in a way which contributes to the wellbeing of the community as a whole.
• Innovate, integrate and apply advanced models and skills in Christian ministry and mission.
• Participate confidently in discussion and study of issues and problems across the range of theological fields and report their findings clearly in written and oral form.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• Engage in analytical, critical, independent and creative theological thinking and research and write a research report which reflects their ability to do research independently.
• Engage in analytical, systematic, critical, independent and creative theological religious thinking and research and write a research report which reflects demonstrates their ability to do research independently.
• Identify, distinguish and integrate concepts and theories.
• Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts, ideas and fields.
• Use religious and related sources effectively in their study and practice to explore faith, spiritual and ethical questions and to address problems encountered in communities.
• Show self-awareness and personal maturity in relation to the Christian faith in context.
• Engage in and articulate analytical, critical, independent and creative theological thinking and communication.
• Play an ethical and constructive role in a faith community and the community at large.
• Facilitate Christian ministry and evaluate its effectiveness.
• Promote, develop and analyse leadership in a faith community and in the broader community, especially with regard concerning the issues of power and transformation.
• Be aware of, and be able to interact constructively with, multicultural and multi-faith communities, form a theological perspective.
• Identify, analyse and critique contemporary societal needs and develop constructive and creative strategies for transformation, both at the local and global level.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment may include oral or written examinations on specific themes related to the topic of research, as well as a research proposal, which has to be acceptable to the faculty board before the learner is allowed to progress with the study. The qualification further employs a summative assessment in the form of a dissertation. Learners will be assessed, especially on the application of their meta-theoretical interpretation and evaluation, and creative skills, but also on their writing and communication skills as well as their computer literacy and use of IT.