The Diploma in Theology is a three-year full-time programme at NQF level 6 accredited by the Council on Higher Education. UBI’s Diploma in Theology programme equips learners with the knowledge, ministry skills, and attitudes that enable them to lead churches and other organizations with excellence.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 40% in four subjects from the designated subject list of NSC subjects, or equivalent. Ten percent may be admitted based on recognition of prior learning.

LENGTH OF PROGRAMME

The programme consists of 360 credits (each module is worth 8 credits each) offered at NQF level 6 and may be completed in three years of full time study.

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

BIBLICAL STUDIES

BBS01 HERMENEUTICS *

An introduction to inductive Bible study, Bible study methods (synthetic, analytic, and topical), and general and special principles for interpreting the Bible.

BBS03 BIBLE CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY +

A study of the geography of the Bible and the customs and culture of people living in Bible times.

OLD TESTAMENT

BOT01 PENTATEUCH *

An introduction to the Pentateuchal problem, to the major themes of the Pentateuch, and to the historical and cultural background of ancient Israel, with an emphasis on the historical narrative sections in the Pentateuch.

BOT02 JOSHUA, JUDGES, UNITED KINGDOM *

A study of the history of Joshua through the United Kingdom, emphasizing the purpose and outline of each book, leadership principles from the lives of the biblical characters, and instruction in how to prepare a biographical sermon.

BOT03 DIVIDED KINGDOM, EXILE, RETURN *

A study of the history of Israel during the Divided Kingdom, exile, and return, and an overview of the history of the intertestamental period.

BOT04 ISAIAH *

A study of the book of Isaiah, focusing on the conditions of Judah at the time of Isaiah and the political scene internally and externally, as well as the prophecies concerning the Messiah and the future kingdom.

BOT05 MAJOR PROPHETS *

A study of the historical narrative sections of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, with an introduction to their prophecies.

BOT06 MINOR PROPHETS *

A study of the historical background and main message of each of the twelve minor prophets, with emphasis on the application of their message to our lives and ministries today.

BOT07 POETIC BOOKS *

A study of the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations, focusing on the interpretation and use of poetry and wisdom literature in preaching and worship.

NEW TESTAMENT

BNT01 SYNOPTIC GOSPELS *

A historical, literary, and theological study of the gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, examining the unique perspectives of each of these gospels as well as their common themes regarding the life of Christ.

BNT02 ACTS *

A study of the book of Acts with overviews of Galatians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

BNT03 GOSPEL OF JOHN *

A study of the Gospel of John including its background and authorship, its distinctive themes, and its contribution to New Testament theology.

BNT04 ROMANS *

A study of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, emphasizing the doctrine of salvation, an understanding of the major theological themes, and memorization of key passages.

BNT05 1 CORINTHIANS *

A study of 1 Corinthians, focusing on Paul’s teaching concerning the problems troubling the church at Corinth and its relevance and application to the church today.

BNT06 PRISON EPISTLES *

An examination and exegesis of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon, with emphasis on their historical-cultural and social context, structure, and key theological themes.

BNT07 PASTORAL EPISTLES *

A study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, with emphasis on the doctrine of the church and the developing of a philosophy of ministry.

BNT08 HEBREWS *

A historical, literary, and theological study of the epistle to the Hebrews, including a study of the Old Testament tabernacle and sacrificial system referred to in the book.

BNT09 GENERAL EPISTLES *

A historical, literary, and theological study of the epistles of James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, and Jude.

GENERAL STUDIES

GSC01 COMPUTER SKILLS 1

A practical course in which students acquire typing and word-processing skills, begin to use Windows-based programmes, and learn to use the internet for research.

GSC02 COMPUTER SKILLS 2 *

A practical course in which students are introduced to computer-based church management systems and other computer applications

GSE01 ENGLISH

A practical course to help students gain proficiency in English as a second language with a strong emphasis on class participation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

GSE02 ENGLISH COMPOSITION *

A course designed to sharpen and improve English writing and critical thinking for all students, particularly students of English as a second language, and to provide the basic foundation of the English language with the goal to build skills in listening, comprehension, grammar usage and composition.

GSR01 LIBRARY USE AND STUDY SKILLS *

An introduction to the library and its resource to help students know how to use the library, how to do research, how to develop good study habits, and how to write effective essays.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

PPT01 HOMILETICS 1 *

An introduction to homiletics, with special attention given to the ministry of the preacher and the preparation of an expository sermon, a topical sermon, and sermon outlines.

PPT02 HOMILETICS 2 *

This course includes the theory and practice of preparing a 25-minute sermon and a 5-minute radio message, as well as practice in evaluating sermons.

HOMILETICS 3 +

PPT04 DEVOTIONAL THEOLOGY *

This course examines the meaning of devotion within the context of the Christian faith and explores ways of expressing and evaluating one’s devotion to God, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

PPT05 WORSHIP

A biblical and historical survey of music and worship, along with practical principles for setting up or renewing the music and worship ministry in the local church.

PPT06 EVANGELISM

A study of the biblical principles, models, and motivations of evangelism, as well as practical instruction in preparing a personal testimony, explaining the gospel to another individual, dealing with questions, and memorizing key verses.

PPT07 CHURCH PLANTING *

A study of the biblical basis and various techniques of starting new churches and of encouraging the growth of existing churches.

PPT08 PASTORAL THEOLOGY *

A study of the definition of the term “pastor” and the qualifications, call, role, and responsibilities of a pastor.

PPT09 COUNSELLING 1 *

An introduction to various understanding of human personality, and various problem areas, in light of Scripture. The course seeks to equip students to recognize the causes of emotional problems and to apply biblical solutions, as well as to recognize the responsibilities and dangers inherent in the counseling process.

PPT10 COUNSELLING 2

A study designed to equip students to work through their own and other people’s emotional challenges, with emphasis on specific issues such as depression, death, occult issues, HIV/AIDS, abuse, addictions, and trauma.

PPT11 LEADERSHIP 1 *

A study of servant leadership in the pastoral context, focusing on the skills of planning, leading, organizing, and controlling.

PPT12 LEADERSHIP 2 *

A study of servant leadership in the pastoral context, focusing on principles of financial freedom and management as well as principles of managing and resolving conflicts.

PPT13 AIDS AND THE CHURCH

An introduction to the nature, causes, and prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well as to the ways churches can minister to those suffering with these diseases.

PPT14 TOLERANCE AND EMPATHY

A study of the biblical teaching on grace, acceptance, compassion, diversity, and love, with application to political, denominational, cultural, racial, gender, and sexual orientation issues in Africa today.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

PCE01 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY *

A study of the biblical basis, objectives, and methods of ministry to children with emphasis on teaching children the Word of God, qualities of a teacher, characteristics of children, methods of teaching, and preparation and use of visual aids. Students receive some opportunities to practise various techniques of ministry to children.

PCE03 TEACHING METHODS

An introduction to the basic principles and methods of teaching. Students gain experience using various methods to teach passages in Philippians or 2 Corinthians.

PCE04 YOUTH MINISTRY

An introduction to adolescent development and leadership principles for youth ministry, as well as of practical issues facing youth, such as submission to authority, peer pressure, addictions, courtship and marriage, self-acceptance, etc. Relevant passages from the book of Proverbs are studied.

PCE05 WOMEN’S MINISTRY

An introduction to the principles and methods of ministry to women in the church.

PCE06 CHRISTIAN HOME

An introduction to the biblical teaching concerning courtship, engagement, marriage, parenting, singleness, family finances, and polygamy, with emphasis on distinguishing between cultural practices that are biblically acceptable and those that are not.

PCE07 MEN’S MINISTRY

An introduction to principles and methods of ministering to men in the church

CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY

TCC01 MISSIONS 1 *

An introduction to the biblical basis of missions and the history of missions, and principles of cross-cultural communication.

TCC02 MISSIONS 2

An introduction to modern missions and the structures, strategies and challenges for missions today.

TCC03 MISSION SENDING AND CANDIDACY +

A study of the local church’s role, the mission agency’s role, and the individual missionary’s role in long-term and short-term missions.

TCC04 CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION +

Lectures, games, role-playing, case studies, and small group interaction are used to explore the basic elements of human communication and to gain an understanding of how to better communicate, particularly across cultural boundaries

TCC05 COMPARATIVE RELIGION

An introduction to the major religions of the world as well as the major cults present in South Africa.

CHURCH HISTORY

TCH01 CHURCH HISTORY 1 *

A survey of the unfolding history of the Christian church from the New Testament times to present age, emphasizing the early church, the church in the Middle Ages, and the church in the Reformation period.

TCH02 CHURCH HISTORY 2 (AFRICAN CHURCH HISTORY)

A survey of the history of Christianity in Africa, emphasizing developments in the Republic of South Africa.

TCH03 CHURCH IN SOCIETY +

A study of the church’s role in society, with particular attention to the issues of racism, sexism, poverty, crime, violence, HIV/AIDS, family disintegration, and urbanization in South Africa today.

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

TST01 BIBLIOLOGY *

A study of the nature, canonicity, transmission and translation of the Bible, and a brief overview of the biblical books.

TST02 CHRISTOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture concerning the Trinity, with emphasis on the Father and the Son, including the names, attributes, and providence of God.

TST03 PNEUMATOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture covering the Holy Spirit, Satan, angels, and demons.

TST04 SOTERIOLOGY *

A study of the teaching of Scripture concerning man’s origin and nature, sin, and salvation.

TST05 ESCHATOLOGY *

A study of God’s revelation about the future of the church and man with an emphasis on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.

TST06 ETHICS 1 *

An introduction to ethics, based in Biblical authority, with special attention given to contemporary issues Christians face in the world today such as capital punishment, civil disobedience, contraceptives, abortion, suicide, euthanasia, homosexuality, and AIDS.

TST07 ETHICS 2

A more in-depth study of selected ethical issues that are affecting life in southern Africa today.

TST08 CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGICAL ISSUES +

FIELDWORK

PFW00 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY OBSERVATION and PFW01 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FIELDWORK *An application of the principles of PCE01 in which first and second-year students observe children’s ministry weekly for a semester and then lead in ministry to children in a neighbourhood or church setting weekly for two semesters.

PFW02 YOUTH MINISTRY FIELDWORK +

PFW03 Leadership Mentoring Fieldwork *

A year’s involvement for third-year students in a church plant or an established church in which students participate in all aspects of ministry including worship leading, preaching, visiting, evangelizing, and administration.

PFW04 MINISTRY TRIP *

A trip of approximately one week during the second year in which students, along with one or more lecturers, minister in a cross-cultural or unfamiliar situation, assisting local believers in various ministries such as evangelism, preaching, prison ministry, hospital visitation, children’s ministry, youth ministry, music ministry, or practical projects.

PFW05 MUSIC MINISTRY FIELDWORK

The UBI Mixed Choir serves UBI by performing in chapels, school functions and churches in the community. It gives students a chance to develop the character qualities of a servant-leader and grow in their musical skills through faithfulness in rehearsals and performances.

PFW06 HOSPITAL MINISTRY FIELDWORK *

An application of principles learned in Practical Ministry classes in which students go in teams to local hospitals to comfort, encourage, and evangelize patients and hospital staff members. This usually takes place on certain Sunday afternoons during the second year.

PFW07 PRISON MINISTRY FIELDWORK +

PFW08 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FIELDWORK +

Courses marked with a ( * ) are required.

Courses marked with a (+) are elective courses offered less frequently.