We’re excited that you’re exploring studying at the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa. Our variety of study programs aim to cater to every believer’s needs, preparing them for ministry at their suitable level. Our offerings span from higher certificates to postgraduate degrees. Rest assured, all our programs are recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the Council on Higher Education.
Welcome to your future....
Understanding our programme offering may seen overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help!
Essentially, there are 2 main questions to ask when you’re considering studying at BTC:
- Do you want to be a contact student at our Randburg campus; or a Distance Student and
- What qualification would you like to graduate with when you have completed your studies.
Learning Modes
There are currently 2 options available for those who wish to study at our Randburg campus:
- The Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBib)
This is a three year 360credit NQF7 degree which incorporates biblical studies, systematic theology, language studies, and a major of either Missiology, Pastoral Studies or Youth Studies. - The Bachelor of Theology Honours (BThHons)
Students who graduate with the Bib, or join us from another institution with a recognised 360 credit theological degree, are able to enrol in the 120 credit, NQF8 level 1 year Bachelor of Theology Honours Degree
Both the BBib and BTh(Hons) degrees are available to distance students. Additionally, distance students have the option to enrol for:
- The Higher Certificate in Theology
This one year course is an ideal foundation for those who wish to complete a 120 credit, 1 year course. The certificate includes foundational courses in Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Studies, Mission Studies, Youth Studies and Church History. - The Higher Certificate in Ministry (Pastoral Major)
The Higher Certificate in Ministry is a great foundational course for lay-pastors, ministry leaders or those exploring their ministry calling. Whilst similar to the HCTh, the HCMin has a pastoral focus
- The Master of Theology
This post-graduate degree is a research based course available for those who meet certain academic criteria, including having suitably completed a 4 year/NQF8 degree.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Click on the programme to find more information
Higher Certificate in Theology
The Higher Certificate in Theology (HCTh) provides students with a solid biblical and theological foundation for lay ministry within the local church. Students are introduced to the various fields of ministry and gain insights that are contextually relevant to Southern Africa. This programme is particularly well suited for church lay-leaders who are involved in ministry activities but have not yet had any formal training. This programme can be completed over one year or at your own pace.
Entry Requirements
– Matriculation with a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent).
– Students who are 26 years old or older may be admitted through a Recognition of Prior Learning / Experience application.
Programme Details
NQF Level 5 / 120 Minimum Credits / 1 Year / Distance Learning
Further Study Opportunities
Students who complete the Higher Certificate in Theology (NQF level 5) are able to articulate horizontally (on the same NQF level of study) to the Higher Certificate in Ministry programme or vertically (to the next level of study) into the Bachelor of Biblical Studies (NQF level 7) programme within the College. Articulation possibilities for further studies on NQF level 5 or where an NQF level 5 qualification is required for admission into a programme at other accredited institutions are available.
Semester 1
- Bible Overview
- Christian Doctrine
- Christian Leadership
- World Mission
- Youth Ministry
Semester 2
- Understanding the Bible
- Gospel Communication
- Mission Sending
- Bible Read
- South African Church History
Higher Certificate in Ministry
The Higher Certificate in Ministry (HCMin) has a strong focus on pastoral skills and seeks to enrich local church leaders for more effective ministry. This programme offers an understanding of theological and biblical terms, definitions and concepts that influence thinking and basic research ability. The courses are facilitated online and this programme can be completed in one year or at your own pace.
Entry Requirements
– Matriculation with a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent).
– Students who are 26 years old or older may be admitted through a Recognition of Prior Learning / Experience application.
Programme Details
NQF Level 5 / 120 Minimum Credits / 1 Year / Distance Learning
Further Study Opportunities
Students who complete the Higher Certificate in Ministry (NQF level 5) are able to articulate horizontally (on the same NQF level of study) to the Higher Certificate in Theology programme or vertically (to the next level of study) into the Bachelor of Biblical Studies (NQF level 7) programme within the College. Articulation possibilities for further studies on NQF level 5 or where an NQF level 5 qualification is required for admission into a programme at other accredited institutions are available.
Semester 1
- Biblical Literacy*
- Bible Overview*
- Introduction to Homiletics*
- Overview of Pastoral Care*
- Cross-Cultural Engagement or
- Bible Read or
- Youth and Family Ministry
*Compulsory Courses
Semester 2
- Introduction to Christian Doctrine*
- Contemporary Ecclesiology*
- Personal Spiritual Development*
- Introduction to Spiritual Direction*
- Church Ministry*
*Compulsory Courses
Bachelor of Biblical Studies
The Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBib) programme is a three-year foundational qualification that provides students with thorough biblical and theological knowledge. It also places emphasis on preparation for ministry within a chosen major and seeks to ground students in the development of a healthy relationship with the local church through various exposures and practicals. This programme can be completed over three years but students are able to extend this time and go at their own pace.
Entry Requirements
– Matriculation with a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent).
– Students who are 26 years old or older may be admitted through a Recognition of Prior Learning / Experience application.
Programme Details
NQF Level 7 / 360 Minimum Credits / 3 Years
Further Study Opportunities
Students who complete the Bachelor of Biblical Studies (NQF level 7) are able to articulate horizontally (on the same NQF level of study) to similar programmes offered by other institutions or vertically (to the next level of study) into the Bachelor of Theology (NQF level 8) programme within the College. Articulation possibilities for further studies on NQF level 7 or where an NQF level 7 qualification is required for admission into a programme at other accredited institutions are available.
Year 1
First Semester Courses
- The Synoptic Gospels & Acts*
- Intro to Missiology and Church Planting*
- Hermeneutics*
- Youth Ministry*
- Theological Research Methodology and Writing Skills*
- Biblical and Church Residency 1 (which spans two semesters)*
Second Semester Courses
- The Pentateuch*
- Overview of Christian Doctrine*
- Introduction to Biblical Languages and Culture*
- Basic Tools for Apologetics Christian Evangelism and Discipleship*
- Homiletics*
- Biblical and Church Residency 1*
*Compulsory Courses
Year 2
First Semester Courses
- The Pauline Writings*
- Revelation and God*
- Biblical Greek 1 or
Textual Analysis of the New Testament* - Apologetics and techniques for Evangelism
- Pastoral Apologetics and Biblical Worldview
- Youth in Crisis
- Early Church History*
- Biblical and Church Residency 2 (Which spans two semesters)*
Second Semester Courses
- The Prophets*
- Humanity, Sin and Christ*
- Biblical Greek 2 or
Textual Analysis of the New Testament* - Cultural Anthropology and Developing your Missional IQ
- Spiritual Development
- Children’s Ministry and Childhood Development
- Later Church History*
- Biblical and Church Residency 2
*Compulsory Courses
Year 3
First Semester Courses
- The Johannine and General Writings*
- Salvation, the Holy Spirit and the Church*
- Advanced Hebrew 1 or
Textual Analysis of the Old Testament* - World Religions and Marginal Peoples
- Theology and Practise of Worship
- Teenage Ministry and Development Theory
- Baptist Principles
- Biblical and Church Residency 3 (which spans two semesters)*
Second Semester Courses
- The Writings*
- Eschatology and Theological Models*
- Hebrew 2 or
Textual Analysis of the Old Testament
- Methods, Strategies and Global Issues in Reaching PEople
- Spiritual Direction
- Young Adults and Singles’ Ministry
- SA Baptist Ethos
- Biblical and Church Residency 3*
*Compulsory Courses
Master of Theology
The Master of Theology (MTh) is completed over two or more years and involves intensive research in a chosen field of study. The final product of this degree is a dissertation supervised by a subject expert which is defended through an oral examination. The MTh gives students an opportunity to produce research that is academically credible yet also relevant to the life and ministry of the church.
Entry Requirements
To qualify for entry into the Master of Theology programme students need to hold an NQF level 8 qualification in a field related to theology. In addition, they should have obtained an average mark of 65% or more in the final year of their previous qualification.
Programme Details
NQF Level 9 / 180 Minimum Credits / 2 Years minimum
Further Study Opportunities
Students who complete the Master of Theology (NQF level 9) are able to articulate horizontally (on the same NQF level of study) to similar programmes offered by other institutions or vertically (to the next level of study) into a PhD programme. Articulation possibilities for further studies on NQF level 9 or where an NQF level 9 qualification is required for admission into a programme at other accredited institutions are available.
Year 1
- Research Ethics
- Research Proposal
- Foundational Research Work
Year 2
- Write Dissertation
- Defence of Dissertation by Oral Exam
- Produce Publishable Journal Article
FEES SUMMARY
APPLY TO STUDY AT BTC
We are very pleased that you are taking the next step and registering for studies at the Baptist Theological College. To register, please click the “Apply Now” button below. Please take note that you will need to have the following available:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of payment of your application fee (R200)
- A certified copy of your Matric Certificate
- A certified copy of other academic qualifications
- A copy of your valid study permit if you are not a South African resident
- A contact name and email address of your pastor or another church leader
- A contact name and email address of a friend or colleague that can complete a personal reference report for you
