Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership | Psychology

(Minimum 3 years, 360 credits)

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
On-campus and Online
January and July intakes

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.

Mode of delivery

Distance and Contact

Important Links

YEARBOOK

FEE STRUCTURE

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

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 four 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.

The outcomes are programme -specific for the various degrees in a) Christian Ministry, b) Psychology for Christian Councelling c) Sociology for faith-based ministries.  The Programme focusses on  the following core outomes.
  1. harnessing the skill to interpret the Bible as an ancient text and the Word of God relevant today
  2. enhance the ability of students to articulate faith expressions of main doctrines and thus learn to dialogue meaningfully about convictions relevant to the community.
  3. Orient students to good ministerial and leadership practices that can affect and manage changes and conflict.
  4. Engage in ministerial practices and learn appropriate communication and counseling skills for pastoral care, witnessing, and dialogue in the public sphere.
  5. enhance students’ skills to think and act ethically in a global context.
  1. Demonstrate the skill to interpret the Bible as an ancient text and the Word of God relevant today
  2. Articulate faith expressions of central doctrines to enhance theological understanding
  3. Understand the meaning of spiritual foundations and practices
  4. Demonstrate the ability to engage in the discourse of pastoral counseling
  5. Understand the principles, concepts, history and significant approaches in Psychology
  6. Identify psycho-social problems and understand the insights, theories and methods Psychology provides for dealing with them
  7. Understand how psycho-social insights and methods should be utilised in the various spheres of mental health in South Africa
  8. Have an understanding of how and when to refer people to other agencies more suited to handle problems of a psycho-social nature
  9. Develop, implement and evaluate  pastoral care practices

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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