Why Pursue a Bachelor of Theology?
In today’s rapidly changing world, the church needs leaders who are spiritually grounded, theologically informed, and able to respond wisely to the needs of society. The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) at AFM Theological College equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ministry competencies required for meaningful Christian leadership.
Whether you are called to pastoral ministry, missions, teaching, chaplaincy, community development, or church leadership, this programme provides a strong biblical and theological foundation while remaining relevant to real-world ministry contexts.
At AFMTC, the programme is shaped by:
A Pentecostal and missional ethos.
An academic excellence – integrated with practical ministry formation.
Relevance to South African and global ministry contexts.
Flexible online delivery suited to working adults and ministry leaders.
Students have the opportunity to pursue a fully accredited Bachelor of Theology degree awarded by AFMTC, which may form part of the pathway toward possible ordination in the AFM of SA (where all additional church requirements are met).
Fully Accredited. Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training until 31 December 2028 as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Act. Registered in accordance with section 54(6)(b) of the Act and Regulation 16. Official Registration Certificate Number: 2025/HE08/002
Bachelor of Theology Overview
AFM Theological College is provisionally registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI). Registration Certificate Number: 2025/HE08/002
The Bachelor of Theology (BTh), NQF Level 7 (SAQA ID 123825) is fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by SAQA.
The programme offers a comprehensive grounding in:
Old Testament & New Testament Studies.
Systematic & Practical Theology.
Church History & Missiology.
Students develop skills in:
Biblical interpretation and exegesis.
Preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
Leadership and ministry practice.
Academic writing and theological reflection.
Elective options include Greek, Hebrew, Philosophy, and Christian Spirituality.
Do I Qualify?
To register for the BTh, applicants must normally have:
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting admission to degree studies, or an equivalent qualification, OR
A recognised tertiary qualification (South African or international) from an accredited institution.
Applicants must submit certified copies (dated within the last 3 months) of:
School-leaving certificate or prior qualification.
Identity document or passport.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to engage in academic study. All applications for admission must be submitted online during the prescribed application period. For more information on application and enrolment, please visit the Application Instructions Page.
If direct entry requirements are not met, the student may start through one of the recognised pathway programmes with AFMTC partner institutions. There are two alternative pathways to the BTh Degree.
Alternative Pathway 1:
Alternative Pathway 2:
Degree Outline
Qualification: Bachelor of Theology (BTh) | NQF Level: 7 | Total Credits: 360 credits | Mode of Delivery: Online Learning. | Language of Instruction: English.
Programme Length & Study Load. Students may study at a flexible pace. | Minimum requirement: 48 credits per 12-month period. | Typical Study Load: 4–6 modules per semester. | Faster Pace: Up to 10 modules per semester (where appropriate). | Normal completion ranges from 3–6 years, depending on workload.
Semesterisation. AFMTC follows a semesterised structure. | All modules are presented every semester. | Students may register according to capacity and progression requirements.
Prerequisites. Some modules require successful completion of a prior module. Example: NTS101 must be completed before NTS102.
Electives. Elective streams are chosen in first year and continued to third year to ensure academic coherence.
Online Learning Requirements. To complete your studies, you will need:
A computer or laptop.
Reliable internet access.
Learning takes place through an online student platform that serves as the central learning and communication hub.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). AFMTC may recognise: prior accredited qualifications and/or relevant ministry or professional experience. Where applicable, credits may be awarded toward modules in the BTh, in line with policy and regulatory requirements.
Postgraduate Readiness. Graduates are well prepared to continue to postgraduate theological studies, subject to institutional entry requirements.
BTh Curriculum Structure
Module Selection Rules (per semester).
Group A: Select minimum 1 and maximum 2 modules.
Group B: Select minimum 2 and maximum 6 modules.
Group C (Electives): Select minimum 1 and maximum 2 modules.
Keep prerequisite and progression rules in mind when registering. All modules run every semester, except Greek and Hebrew, which are annual (12-month) modules.
Group A: Core Modules (All compulsory)
(Select 1–2 per semester)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to the Study of Theology | THS101 | 6 |
| Basic Academic Writing Skills 1 | AWS102 | 6 |
| Bible Languages and Cultures 1 | BLC101 | 6 |
| Basic Principles of Leadership | PLS102 | 6 |
Group B: Core Discipline Streams (All compulsory)
(Select 2–6 per semester — 101 must be completed before 102)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament Studies 101 | OTS101 | 6 |
| Old Testament Studies 102 | OTS102 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 101 | NTS101 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 102 | NTS102 | 6 |
| Church History 101 | CHS101 | 6 |
| Church History 102 | CHS102 | 6 |
| Missiology 101 | MSS101 | 6 |
| Missiology 102 | MSS102 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 101 | STE101 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 102 | STE102 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 101 | PTS101 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 102 | PTS102 | 6 |
Group C: Electives (Choose TWO elective streams)
(Select 1–2 per semester — electives continue to Levels 2 & 3)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Greek 1 (Annual Module) | GRK111 & GRK112 | 12 |
| Hebrew 1 (Annual Module) | HEB111 & HEB112 | 12 |
| Philosophy 101 | PHL111 | 6 |
| Philosophy 102 | PHL112 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 101 | CSP111 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 102 | CSP112 | 6 |
Total Credits — First Level: 120
Group A: Core Modules (All compulsory)
(Select 1–2 per semester)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theological Studies and the Ministry | THS201 | 6 |
| Intermediate Academic Writing Skills 2 | AWS202 | 6 |
| Bible Languages and Cultures 2 | BLC201 | 6 |
| Intermediate Principles of Leadership | PLS202 | 6 |
Group B: Core Discipline Streams (All compulsory)
(Select 2–6 per semester — 201 is prerequisite for 202)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament Studies 201 | OTS201 | 6 |
| Old Testament Studies 202 | OTS202 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 201 | NTS201 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 202 | NTS202 | 6 |
| Church History 201 | CHS201 | 6 |
| Church History 202 | CHS202 | 6 |
| Missiology 201 | MSS201 | 6 |
| Missiology 202 | MSS202 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 201 | STE201 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 202 | STE202 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 201 | PTS201 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 202 | PTS202 | 6 |
Group C: Electives (Same streams continued)
(Select 1–2 per semester — prerequisites apply)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Greek 2 (Annual Module) | GRK211 & GRK212 | 12 |
| Hebrew 2 (Annual Module) | HEB211 & HEB212 | 12 |
| Philosophy 211 | PHL211 | 6 |
| Philosophy 212 | PHL212 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 211 | CSP211 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 212 | CSP212 | 6 |
Total Credits — Second Level: 120
Group A: Core Modules (All compulsory)
Select 1–2 per semester
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research in Theological Studies | AWS301 | 6 |
| BTh Formative Project | THS302 | 6 |
| Bible Languages and Cultures 3 | BLC301 | 6 |
| Advanced Principles of Leadership | PLS302 | 6 |
Group B: Core Discipline Streams (All compulsory)
(Select 2–6 per semester — 301 is prerequisite for 302)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament Studies 301 | OTS301 | 6 |
| Old Testament Studies 302 | OTS302 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 301 | NTS301 | 6 |
| New Testament Studies 302 | NTS302 | 6 |
| Church History 301 | CHS301 | 6 |
| Church History 302 | CHS302 | 6 |
| Missiology 301 | MSS301 | 6 |
| Missiology 302 | MSS302 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 301 | STE301 | 6 |
| Systematic Theology & Ethics 302 | STE302 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 301 | PTS301 | 6 |
| Practical Theology 302 | PTS302 | 6 |
Group C: Electives (Final level of same streams)
(Select 1–2 per semester)
| Module | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Greek 3 (Annual Module) | GRK311 & GRK312 | 12 |
| Hebrew 3 (Annual Module) | HEB311 & HEB312 | 12 |
| Philosophy 311 | PHL311 | 6 |
| Philosophy 312 | PHL312 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 311 | CSP311 | 6 |
| Christian Spirituality 312 | CSP312 | 6 |
Total Credits — Third Level: 120
Notes for Students:
Elective streams chosen in First Level must continue through Levels 2 and 3.
Greek and Hebrew are annual modules (12 months).
All other modules run per semester.
Prerequisite rules apply (e.g., NTS101 → NTS102 → NTS201 → NTS202 …)
Remember: Modules must be enrolled and purchased at least two weeks before the semester starts.
Timetable
The programme operates on a semester-based academic calendar.All modules are offered each semester, allowing students to plan their studies flexibly according to prerequisites and workload capacity.
Academic Calendar — 2026
| Semester | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23 February 2026 | 13 June 2026 |
| Semester 2 | 20 July 2026 | 21 November 2026 |
Pricing
Fees are charged per module, allowing students to register for a manageable number of modules per semester. | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where approved, may reduce the number of modules required.
South African Pricing — Bachelor of Theology
| Category | Item / Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application & Enrolment | Application Fee (once-off) | Free |
| Enrolment Fee (once-off) | R 2,000 | |
| Modules | 6-Credit Module | R 1,625 |
| 12-Credit Module | R 3,250 | |
| Other Services | RPL Fee (once-off) | R 2,500 |
| Re-assessment Fee | R 500 | |
| Special Letters | R 120 | |
| Transcript | R 200 | |
| Re-activation Fee | R 500 |
Note to Students: Please be advised that for certain modules, students are required to independently purchase prescribed textbooks at their own cost, providing greater flexibility in sourcing these materials.
Rules for Assessment, Credit Accumulation, Progression and Qualification
Assessment
AFMTC uses both formative and summative assessment in the Bachelor of Theology.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment takes place during the semester and may include assignments, online discussions, tests, book reports, essays or other learning activities. These assessments:
Support learning and provide feedback on progress.
Help prepare students for the final (summative) assessment.
Are developmental in nature and do not award credits on their own.
Require students to achieve a minimum semester mark of 40% in order to gain admission to the summative assessment.
Summative assessment
Summative assessment takes place at the end of the semester and may consist of a written examination or a portfolio of evidence (such as an examination essay or presentation). To qualify for the summative assessment, students must:
Submit all required assignments and complete all tests, and
Obtain a minimum semester mark of 40%.
To pass a module, students must obtain:
An overall final mark of 50% or higher, and
A minimum of 40% in the examination or portfolio component (sub-minimum requirement).
External moderation is applied to final-year assessments to ensure academic quality and fairness.
Credit Accumulation
Each module carries a specific credit value that contributes toward the qualification. Credits are awarded only when a student successfully passes a module.
The BTh requires a total of 360 credits.
Students must complete at least 120 credits at third-year (NQF Level 7).
Credits accumulate progressively across all three levels of study.
Students receive an academic transcript reflecting all modules completed and credits earned.
Progression
Students progress through the programme by completing modules in the correct sequence and prerequisite order (for example: 101 → 102 → 201 → 202).
Progression requirements include:
Meeting all prerequisite module requirements.
Achieving required semester marks and pass marks.
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Continuing in the same elective streams across Levels 1–3.
Students who experience academic difficulty may be referred for additional support or study advising.
Qualification Requirements
To be awarded the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree, a student must:
Successfully complete all prescribed modules.
Accumulate 360 credits in accordance with programme rules.
Complete at least 120 credits at Level 7 (third year).
Meet all assessment and progression requirements.
Once all programme requirements are fulfilled, the qualification is formally awarded.