Postgraduate Diploma in Theology in Chaplaincy Studies

Purpose

Postgraduate Diploma: Theology in Chaplaincy Studies (PGDip Th CS) at NQF Level 8 will create an opportunity for students in the military and para-military fields to obtain a qualification in Theology, specifically designed for Chaplaincy in order to proceed to the MPhil: Chaplaincy Studies. Possible applicants within the chaplaincy environment often do not have appropriate qualifications in Theology. The PGDip Th CS will create opportunities for advanced studies within the domain of Chaplaincy. The concept "chaplaincy" is used for specialised ministry in military, para-military (policing and corrective services) and other clinical contexts.

Rationale

Due to the fact that Chaplaincy in military, police and correctional services provides a decisive network to ensure a healthy and safe public environment, it is seen as the task of theological education to provide professional chaplains that can develop a spiritual approach to healing and care within different cultural and clinical settings.

The intentions of this qualification are to provide

• A basic orientation and introduction to Theology as related to both ministry and chaplaincy within a military and para-military setting.
• A theoretical framework to members of clergy, religious leaders and professional groups faced with the challenges of spiritual and moral leadership, as well as the demands for contextual pastoral ministry. This will be done by making use of an interdisciplinary approach utilising the resources of different religious traditions in a military setting, correctional services context and the community outreach of the police force.
• An articulation pathway for focused further training in chaplaincy for students with a range of previous qualifications in religious, spiritual and theological studies.
• An introductory exposure to scientific and academic research in the field of chaplaincy within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach.

It is assumed that the learner has a broad and multi-interdisciplinary understanding of the central dimensions of chaplaincy relative to a military/corrective service/policing setting, as related to the broader context of transformation and healing in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students will be assessed and selected in conjunction with personnel involved in chaplaincy. In this regard the scientific method of participatory observation will be applied.

Access to the Qualification

A three-year Bachelor Degree.

Students must complete the following six compulsory modules all at NQF Level 8

Modules

• The Chaplain in the Military and Para-Military Environment, 20 credits.
• General introduction: Theology and Pastoral Ministry, 30 credits.
• General Management and Public Ethos, 10 credits.
• Public Theology and Ethics, 15 credits.
• Spirituality and Healing, 15 credits.
• Methodology and Research Assignment, 30 credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics of Theology to be able to contextualise it in the field as a public service.
2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the basic theories of Theology (appropriate God-images); ecclesiology (being the church within a military and para-military context); and anthropology (the understanding of our being human from the perspective of spirituality) to perform as chaplains within a military/correctional service/policing environment.
3. Demonstrate basic knowledge (theory) and skills to understand and apply spiritual leadership as related to the notion of African spirituality within the context of chaplaincy.
4. Provide a moral and ethical understanding of fundamental existential problems (justice, peace, integrity of creation and reconciliation).

• Range: The fundamental question to be asked is whether any protection measurements as well as the public safety of citizens can be combined with a theological ethics.

1. Participate under guidance in scholarly and public debates on the problem of ethics and spirituality within the South African and broader African setting.
2. Identify and solve problems related to chaplaincy.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

These assessment criteria may be applied generically to any or all of the Exit Level Outcomes

• Existential and ministerial problems are identified and contextualised using critical and creative thinking.
• Challenges related to the appropriation of religious documents in circumstances related to our human quest for meaning are analysed, specifically in the context of the military and para-military.
• Understanding of the uniqueness of the demands and needs within a military and other para- and clinical settings is demonstrated and relevant issues are related to spiritual resources for healing, growth and change on both personal and inter-relational levels.
• Leadership styles which incorporate and represent the impact of spirituality on life issues are developed.
• Understanding of the basic principles of counselling skills is demonstrated and applied critically and responsibly within different situations of the managerial and leadership environment of the chaplain.
• Communication at the level of a particular audience within a military, paramilitary or other related clinical environment on a variety of relevant issues related to the notion of spirituality is successfully achieved.
• A written research report is conducted and oral presentations made on the research methodology followed, the results obtained and the conclusions drawn.

Integrated Assessment

Appropriate procedures for assessment are used in accordance with the faculty policy.

• Written tests or oral examinations in different modules.
• Assignments in different modules.
• Research assignment.