Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership | Psychology

(Minimum 3 years, 384 credits)

Aim

This programme enables graduates to work in a wide variety of community development projects (e.g. government, NGO, churches). We aim to produce community workers who approach their task from deep Christian convictions and acquire the sociological knowledge, tools and skills that development studies can provide. During their first year, the student will also take the foundational set of modules, referred to as the ‘Cornerstone Core’. These include History, Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy, Economics and Leadership Studies. These modules are embedded with Cornerstone’s core values of inclusivity, excellence, integrity, unity, respect and creativity.

Time Commitment

Three years full-time
Up to six years of part-time
No evening classes
On-campus and Online
January and July intakes

Accreditation

Registered as Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, Registration Certificate No 2001/HE08/006; NQF 7; SAQA ID 57225.

Mode of delivery

Contact and distance

Important Links

YEARBOOK

FEE STRUCTURE

Admission Requirements

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass or equivalent
  • A Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent
  • A Higher Certificate or an Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a cognate field
  • Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent 
  • National Benchmark Test (NBT) results.
  • A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational with a diploma pass (or equivalent) combined with the results of the NBT 
  • Mature age of 23 and over during the first year of studies and a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent). The conditions of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy for Access and the results of the NBT are determining factors for admission. Contact the admissions office regarding RPL
  • Mature age of 45 years can be admitted, determined by the RPL conditions 
  • The results of the NBT.

Applicants in the first category under Alternative Admission Requirements must register for the Extended Programme for Academic Development. The Programme extends the completion of the prescribed subjects over a minimum of 4 years. 

Academic Development concentrates on the skills needed for successful tertiary study. Special attention is paid to listening and reading for comprehension, writing clearly and logically and giving proper credit to sources utilised. Students will develop these essential skills through exposure to readings and talks, and practice these skills in a supportive environment where they will receive detailed feedback.

Students who are admitted on the basis of prior learning and who want to complete the degree in three years, but who fail more than 20% of modules taken during the first semester, are required to take the first year over two years. 

The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in Community Leadership aims to provide access for Grade 12 learners to a degree programme equipping them with skills to be more effective leaders in the community in the areas of psychology, church and parachurch leadership and community development. The programme can be taken part-time (maximum 9 years), for those who are only able to pursue part-time studies.

BTh students must choose between Christian Ministry, Psychology, Sociology/Community Development, Media Studies and Business Studies. Each focus has its own specified core and elective modules from the curriculum below. Outcomes are set for each area of focus, as outlined below. Each module within the curriculum also has its own set of outcomes.

Psychology students who have completed the qualification must be able to:

  • Understand the principles, concepts, history and major approaches in psychology
  • Identify psycho-social problems and understand the insights, theories and methods psychology provide for dealing with them
  • Understand how psycho-social insights and methods should be utilised in the various spheres of mental health in South Africa
  • Have an understanding of how and when to refer people to other agencies more suited to handling problems of a psycho-social nature
  • Develop, implement and evaluate psychologically-based training programmes
  • Engage critically with current debates in psychology on contemporary issues
  • Conduct appropriate basic research into psycho-social questions.

Module descriptions and credits

For a description of each module, see ‘Module descriptions’ herewith above. Otherwise, get in touch with us via helpdesk for further inquiries.

Cornerstone Institute
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