Aim
The programme offers a contemporary approach to studying Theology and Ethics. Students learn to value a Christ-centred and Biblical approach to theological thought and how to respond practically in various ministerial contexts with sound and Spirit-filled leadership skills.
The program enables students to reflect on faith practices, spirituality, leadership styles, human dignity, life in communion with others, and social justice in and for an urbanised African context. Students from different Christian traditions learn to listen and discuss their faith expressions and engage with various theological notions. Together they reflect on the challenge of interpreting theology for current times.
Bachelor of Theology students are empowered to customise their majors and courses, keeping their career goals, vocation, and interests in mind. This flexibility ensures they’re fully equipped for specific ministries, giving them a sense of discernment over their education and future.
Time Commitment
Include Disclaimer: Yes
Online
January and July intakes
Mode of delivery
Distance
Contact: 2026 S1 Intake paused
If the required number is not reached by the end of the registration period, the
programme will only receive new students in the next registration period. New
students already registered for the programme will be advised on the options
available to them, and paid fees will be refunded where applicable. Students who
have already completed one or more semesters will not be affected
Accreditation
Registered as Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration Certificate No: 2001/HE08/006. NQF Level 7, DHET registered. Accredited by the CHE as a 360-credit programme at NQF Level 7. SAQA ID: 57225.
Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in Community Leadership: Contact Mode. CHE Reference: H/PRO96/K005CAN.
Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in Community Leadership: Distance Mode. CHE Reference: H/PRO96/E019CAN.
Disclaimer
If the required number is not reached by the end of the registration period, the programme will only receive new students in the next registration period. New students already registered for the programme will be advised on the options available to them, and paid fees will be refunded where applicable. Students who have already completed one or more semesters will not be affected.
Admission requirements
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass or equivalent
- A Matriculation Certificate (with university exemption) or equivalent
- A Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate or Diploma in a cognate field
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) results
- A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational with a diploma
pass (or equivalent) combined with the NBT results - 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
and the results of the NBT
Christian Ministry students who have completed the qualification should be able to:
- Demonstrate skills to analyse the Bible as an ancient text of different genres
and interpret the Bible as the written and preached Word of God relevant for
today. - Articulate and evaluate faith expressions of central doctrines and enhance
dialogical skills about convictions relevant to the community. - Analyse and synthesize the historical development of faith expressions and doctrines with cognisance of influential figures, biblical texts, and societal changes.
- Evaluate and reflect on various leadership styles, identify personal leadership approaches, and design and implement strategies to develop and empower leadership potential in others.
- Evaluate and reflect on community leadership strategies that foster human flourishing, strengthen social cohesion, and build resilience across diverse eco-spheres (social, cultural, ecological, urban and digital)
- Critically analyse the nature of Christian communities and their responses to social ethics.
- Demonstrate practical leadership skills through personal maturity, strategic communication, planning, change and transformation management, resource mapping, implementation, and evaluation.
- Applying the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct Christian ministry, including Word and liturgical ministry, pastoral care, spiritual well-being, and public engagement.
- Applying current pastoral care theories to counselling and utilising spiritual formation practices effectively.
- Critically analysing social and community theory and community development concepts, while demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse populations in various community contexts.
- Conduct independent research to give a particular understanding of community leadership in context or the theological notion of vocation, considering its theological underpinnings, biblical exegesis, personal reflections, and social integration
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 based on 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 and mature first and second-career students to a degree
programme equipping them with skills to be more effective leaders in the community
in the areas of church; leadership and community development; and counselling.
The programme can be taken part-time (maximum 9 years), for those who are only
able to pursue part-time studies.
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.