Higher Certificate in Theology

Programme Description

The Higher Certificate in Theology provides a general introduction to theological subjects and disciplines through semesterised courses. 

It is useful for those who are exploring a call to ministry, as well as provide a manageable start for those who have not studied formally for some time or are new to the distance-mode format. It is also helpful for those who want to explore the Christian faith and reflect on it for themselves, or engage in some practical courses.

Learning and growing

Engage at an introductory level with pertinent Biblical and theological themes.

Higher Certificate Handbook
Apply to Study
CREDITS EXIT LEVEL SAQA ID FTE
120
NQF 5
73469
1-year

Programme Details

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As you plan to study on the TEEC H.Cert.Th programme we recommend that:

  • you balance your course load over the year between the first and second semesters;
  • you register for no more than 36 credits in a semester (equal to 3 courses) if you study part-time; 
  • you set aside at least three hours of study time per week for each course;
  • you explore the extension support options available to you described here;
  • you give yourself more study time in the weeks leading up to due dates for assignments, as you may need to carry out practical work done away from your desk.
  • half-year courses (semesterised)
  • print-based study material only (can include textbooks and audio-visual material) — all materials are included in the course price.

Programme admission requirements for a higher certificate are set by legislation.

  • As a minimum: hold a valid South African National Senior Certificate  (High School certificate) endorsed for Higher Certificate studies or equivalent.
  • Alternatively successfully complete the TEEC Access Assessment obtaining an appropriate outcome for entrance to this programme.

See all admission options on the Start Studies page.

This programme is designed to:

  • provide the knowledge, skills and values you will need to help you do theology in your context and in other less familiar contexts;
  • help you think more deeply and critically about Scripture, the Church and a variety of contexts;
  • enable you to put into practice—in church and community contexts— what you are learning;
  • stimulate and develop your personal spirituality as you learn to incorporate your studies into your life and ministry;
  • develop academic disciplines and competencies that will enable you to continue to study beyond this programme should you so wish;
  • provide an introduction to general theological disciplines with the option to continue with a diploma, or gain entrance to a cognate undergraduate degree.

Assessments evaluate the outcomes of courses, and contribute to the overall achievement of the programme outcomes.

The order in which courses are registered is as follows:

  • you must start with the Fundamental course (45000 or 45900);
  • continue with the compulsory courses (we recommend that 45241 not be taken in the first year of study);
  • complete (or be registered for) compulsory courses 45111, 45121 & 45241 (or the corresponding alternative version) before attempting any elective courses;
  • select elective courses with a view to further study possibilities, see Articulation & Progression below.

To complete the 120-credit Higher Certificate in Theology and graduate, you must complete (or be credited for):

  • the Fundamental course (45000 – 12 credits); 
  • all Compulsory courses (84 credits); 
  • another two out of four elective courses – this is the student’s own choice (24 credits).

The College administration will confirm the satisfactory completion of the graduation requirements, and inform graduands in writing of their achievement.

Higher Certificate in Theology Courses

Course titles and credit values are listed below. See the Yearbook linked above for detailed descriptions of each course, including the course outcomes. Please see the Study Path and Graduation requirements given above in order to select appropriate courses.

If your studies are being guided by your church training authorities then please do be in conversation with them concerning your required course selections for this programme.

Fundamental and compulsory

CreditsNQF
45000 Introduction to Theological Study Skills #125
45111 Introduction to the Old Testament125
45121 Introduction to the New Testament125
45131 Introduction to Church History #125
45241 Introduction to Theology #125
45251 Introduction to Spirituality #125
45261 Introduction to Christian Ethics #125
45269 Called to Discipleship #125

# An alternative version of this course is available – see the Programme Handbook 

Electives

CreditsNQF
45371 Pastoral Care125
45378 Christian Proclamation: Preaching # **125
45379 Introduction to Christian Worship #125
45384 Pastoral Responses to HIV & Aids125

** This course is offered in the first semester only
# An alternative version of this course is available – see the Programme Handbook

Articulation & Progression

The completed TEEC NQF level-5 Higher Certificate in Theology will give entrance to cognate Advanced Certificate or Degree programmes. It can also transfer some credit to a cognate Diploma or Higher Certificate programme. Credit transfer from this Higher Certificate in Theology programme to a new programme is dependent on the qualification rules of the institution granting credit transfer.

Note: If you intend to progress from the TEEC Higher Certificate in Theology to the TEEC Diploma in Theology then be aware that your elective choices on the HC.Th will exclude you from the equivalent courses on the Dip.Th.

The accredited programmes offered by TEE College are registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Each programme has a qualification type, and as such relates to other programme types on the NQF – either with TEE College or with other appropriate NQF-registered programmes at other institutions.