B-Status in Theology: 2026

What is B-Status?

The admission requirement for the BTh Hons Degree at the NWU, is a BTh degree or an equivalent qualification in Theology. B-Status, however, gives a student who has completed a non-theology B-degree and who is interested to register for BTh Hons at the NWU, the opportunity to do so without the obligation to first complete a BTh degree. One can thus think of the B- Status as a bridging activity. If a student has successfully completed the B-Status by passing with an average of 60%, the student may apply for the BTh Hons at the NWU. B-Status is not valid as an entrance requirement at other South African universities.

 

B-Status or BTh?

It is important that a student needs to ask him/herself the following question: "What do I want to do?" If a student wants to become involved in ministry, then BTh is a better qualification to pursue as the student will be better equipped for work in a church/congregation. However, if the student is not necessarily interested in ministry and aims to do research and wants to enroll for a Masters or PhD degree, then B-Status is a good option, as the route to a Masters or a PhD will be one or two years shorter.

 

Admission requirements

A student must provide his/her academic record of the B-degree already achieved, and must have passed the 3rd year of the B-degree with a minimum of 60% (average). It is important to note that a student should have access to good internet and a computer to be able to do the B-Status.

 

Duration

It is a two-year course, but a student can do it in a year.

NB: The applicant who successfully completed the B-Status, must register for BTh Hons at the NWU within the next five (5) years. Access to BTh Hons will be forfeited from the 6th year after completion of the B-Status modules.

 

Cost

For 2025, the cost is approximately R31 000.00 if all the modules are completed in one year. If a student chooses to do the modules over two years, registration must be paid twice and module fees may escalate with 5%.

 

Banking details

  BRANCH CODE ACCOUNT NUMBER
ABSA 632 005 4070099350
FNB 240 438 62161907335
NEDBANK 171 338 1713378531
STANDARD BANK 052 838 330384465

 

 

Distance Studies

The Faculty of Theology delivers this program utilizing a blended learning method of delivery. The modules are developed as self-directed e-learning environments. That means that a student works on his/her own time and submits the assignments and assessments according to the schedule of the lecturer. Assignments are submitted on the electronic platform (eFundi). Most modules make use of continuous assessment. There are thus no sit-down exams. If a module has an exam, it will be administered online.

 

Content for 2026

B-Status consists out of 116 credits of theological subjects:

1st Semester:

Module Code Credits Semester Year Module Name
OTES113 (12) 1st sem 1st year module Introduction to the Old Testament
PTHE111 (8) 1st sem 1st year module Introduction to the Practical Theology
THEO111 (8) 1st sem 1st year module Principles of the Christian faith
DOGM211 (16) 1st sem 2nd year module Dogmatics: Doctrine of Scripture to Doctrine of Sin
NTES212  (8) 1st sem 2nd year module Socio-Historic context of the New Testament
OTES212  (8) 1st sem 2nd year module The Early Prophets

 

2nd Semester:

Module Code Credits   Semester   Year Module name
ETHI121 (8) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to Old Testament Ethics
EXEG121 (8) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
NTES124 (12) 2nd sem 1st year module Letters and Revelation
PAST123 (12) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to Pastoral Counselling
NTES222  (8) 2nd sem 2nd year module Acts and the Pauline Epistles
OTES222  (8) 2nd sem 2nd year module Interpretation of the Latter Prophetic Books

 

If an applicant is interested to focus in his/her honours research document and/or possible further studies on MTh level or PhD level on Old or New Testament, there is an additional requirement that the student should have satisfactory knowledge of Biblical Greek (GRKS172 for New Testament) or Biblical Hebrew (SEMT272 for Old Testament). Please note that GRKS172 and SEMT272 are year modules, starting in the 1st sem of each year.

 

Textbooks

It is the responsibility of the student to buy the necessary books. The latest information on the necessary textbooks will be provided on the eFundi sites of the respective modules.

 

Application

A student applies online from 1 April to 30 August the previous year for non-degree studies.

The code is 301 100 T999D-DI.

The academic record of the B-degree must also be submitted.

 

Enquiries