University Program Information

The university offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and honors qualifications, master's and doctoral degrees, and short learning programs.

Undergraduate and Honours Qualifications

The university provides various undergraduate and honors qualifications, each with its own set of requirements and regulations.

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies: This qualification consists of 5 modules and can be completed full-time or part-time.
  • Qualification stream: New Testament Period
  • Qualification code: 99409 - NTP
  • NQF level: 8
  • Total credits: 120
  • SAQA ID: Not specified
  • APS/AS: 60

Rules and Requirements

The rules and requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies include:

• This qualification consists of 5 modules.
• The 120-credit qualification can be completed full-time (notional hours required: 32-36 hours of study per week for a year) or part-time (16-18 hours of study per week for two years).
• Students who plan to complete the qualification part-time should register for the Research Report in their last year of study.
• Students should note that during the course of their studies, they would be required to have access to a computer or laptop, printer, and the internet.

Purpose Statement

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours BA graduates with systematic knowledge, specialized skills, and theoretical competence focusing on or within a particular discipline or within an interdisciplinary framework to prepare them for specialist training at an advanced level.

• A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates who have in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and define complex problems and to apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within unfamiliar contexts.
• A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can demonstrate thorough familiarity with a particular discipline or interdisciplinary framework and have the ability to perform independently as intellectual leaders in their society.

Registration and Eligibility

To register for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.

• Applicants (new applicants and Unisa students who applied for admission to a new qualification) may only register if they have received an offer of placement from Unisa and have accepted the offer online.
• Re-registering students may register for the 2026 academic year once the registration period opens.

Choosing Modules

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that students need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a certain amount of time in order to graduate.

• Co-requisite: Module A is a co-requisite for Module B. Students want to register for Module B but have not yet passed Module A. They must then register for both Modules A and B simultaneously.
• Pre-requisite: If Module A is a pre-requisite for Module B, students must pass Module A before they may register for Module B.
• Students may not register for more than the allowed maximum number of credits/modules per academic year and/or semester: 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies includes the following modules:

• Group A: Compulsory
  • CHS4801 - Decoloniality: Africana Thought, Discourse and Critique
  • ECH4802 - Christian Origins: The Formation of Early Christian Discourse
  • ECH4804 - The Jesus Movement in Its Context: Jesus Research and Christian Origins in Archaeological Perspective
  • HPECH81 - Research in New Testament and Early Christian Studies
  • HRECH86 - New Testament and Early Christian Studies Research Report

Research Areas

The university offers various research areas, including:

• New Testament and Early Christian Studies
• Biblical Studies
• Christian Origins
• Decoloniality and Africana Thought

University of South Africa

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Overview:

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. It is a public university with a global reach, enrolling nearly one-third of South African students.

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Services Offered:

Unisa offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Online learning platform:

Unisa provides a comprehensive online learning platform, myUnisa, which allows students to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with lecturers, and participate in online discussions.

Student support services:

Unisa offers various support services to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and disability support.

Library resources:

Unisa has a vast library collection, accessible both online and through physical branches, providing students with access to a wide range of books, journals, and other research materials.

Regional centers:

Unisa has regional centers across South Africa, offering students access to physical learning spaces, support services, and opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

As a distance learning institution, Unisa's campus experience is primarily online. Students can expect to engage with their studies through online platforms, participate in virtual discussions, and connect with fellow students through online forums. While there are limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, Unisa offers regional centers and occasional events that provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and faculty.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Accessibility:

Unisa offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds and locations.

Global reach:

Unisa's online platform allows students from around the world to access its programs and resources.

Wide range of qualifications:

Unisa offers a diverse range of qualifications, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering various disciplines.

Affordable education:

Unisa strives to provide affordable education options for students, with various financial aid programs available.

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Academic Programs:

Unisa offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting Sciences

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Economic & Management Sciences

Education

College of Graduate Studies

Human Sciences

Law

Science, Engineering & Technology

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Other:

Unisa is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and contributing to the development of Africa. The university has several research institutes and chairs, and its researchers are actively involved in various national and international collaborations. Unisa also has a strong focus on community engagement and outreach, working to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.