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Programme: BThHons specialising in Old Testament Studies

Programme information

The purpose of this programme is to provide qualifying students the opportunity to obtain specialised knowledge, skills and applied competence on a first postgraduate level in a particular field or fields of Theology.

The BThHons is conferred on a student if the student has complied with the following minimum period of study: One academic year after the qualification has been obtained by virtue of which admission to the study has been granted.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
  • Certified copy of ID or passport
  • A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of passport.
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year.
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
• Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
• If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project.
• All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application.
• All applicants must be computer literate.
• All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
• Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent) degree (at least NQF level 7)
• or
• Diploma in Theology (completed at UP)
• or
• Relevant three-year diploma in Theology (not completed at UP)
• and
• One-year programme with the Centre for Contextual Ministry with a 65% weighted average
• A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
• Hebrew passed at first-year level of the bachelor's degree

Examinations and pass requirements

Examination regulations applicable to honours degrees in the faculty

• A student may not sit for an examination for the honours degree more than twice in the same module, subject to exceptions approved by the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department.
• A percentage mark is given provided that the pass mark is at least 50%.

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who obtains a weighted average (GPA) of 75% (not rounded), including a final mark of 75% and higher for the research component, provided not one of the modules had been failed previously and that the programme was completed within the minimum prescribed period.

Minimum credits: 120

Students who completed Hebrew on at least first-year level register for OTW 730. All other students register for OTW 731.

Core modules

• OTW 710: Research report: Old Testament studies 710
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Research module. Fundamental component: orientation, research methodology. Essay.
• OTW 720: Old Testament studies 720
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Core module. Old Testament Hermeneutics.
• OTW 740: Old Testament studies 740
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Core module. Selected themes from the Prophets, Chronist literature, Wisdom literature, Apocalyptic literature or Psalms.

Elective modules

• OTW 730: Old Testament studies 730
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Elective module. Pentateuch and Deuteronomistic literature (including exegetical study of the Hebrew text).
• OTW 731: Old Testament studies 731
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Elective module. Pentateuch and Deuteronomistic literature (including exegetical study of the translated text).