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Higher Certificate in Theology
(HCERT THEOL)

PROSPECTUS 2024

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FEES 2024

GWC’s Higher Certificate in Theology is registered under the South African Qualifications Authority ID 98789, NQF Level 5. This certificate offers the option of the General Track.

Aim

This one-year full-time (or three-year part-time) programme at NQF level 5 will provide you with basic theological and pastoral training to assist you to serve more effectively in various church ministries. The programme consists of several core biblical and theological modules and a choice of electives with a practical orientation.  If you are intending to undertake degree-level studies (in any field), the programme will not only give you an excellent biblical grounding for further studies but also train you in the disciplines and skills required for higher education studies, including the use of technology.

CONTENT

Students are taught the general principles and practical application of Christian Doctrine, Biblical Theology, Old and New Testament Studies and Church History.

GENERAL TRACK

In order to train students for workplace or church-based ministry, this track broadly covers principles in Ethics, Religions & Worldviews, Youth Ministry, Evangelism, Women’s Ministry and Church Administration. The General Track consists of 9 core Biblical-theological modules totalling 80 credits, plus elective modules totalling a minimum of 40 credits. Guidance will be given to prospective students on appropriate elective module choices. GWC reserves the right not to offer electives for which there is insufficient demand. English tuition is also provided as elective modules for students whose English competency is weak, as determined by a competency test.

OUTCOMES

As a graduate of the Higher Certificate in Theology you should be able to explain the basic teachings of Christianity and the overall meaning of the Bible, and give talks based on Old and New Testament passages and on simple biblical themes. You should also understand how churches are meant to function and possess skills in teaching, counselling and small group leadership.

Entrance Requirements

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

MINIMUM OF 30% IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

National Senior Certificate, or the equivalent thereof, with a minimum of 30% in English Language (Per Government Gazette No. 751, 11 July 2008). Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is permitted for a maximum of 10% of the enrolment for any year. Learners in this category may be permitted to complete the qualification over a maximum of two years with the Faculty Board’s agreement.
Foreign students who have English as a second language may be required to complete a TOEFL test (or similar) to prove proficiency in English at a level suitable for academic study (see explanation at the very bottom of this page).

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Foreign students who have English as a second language may be required to complete a TOEFL Test (or similar) to prove proficiency in English at a level suitable for academic study.

English language requirement: You must have an English Language qualification to be accepted onto a course at the University. The minimum acceptable English Language requirement for undergraduate courses is IELTS – 6.0 overall and 5.0 for the written element. This is equivalent to 213 in the computerised TOEFL test, 550 in the written TOEFL test, or 79 – 80 in the internet based TOEFL test.