B-Status in Theology: 2024

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 each of the modules with a minimum 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 to be able to do the B-Status. A student must also have access to a computer. Furthermore, the student is responsible to find the necessary prescribed textbooks.

 

Duration

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

 

Cost

For 2024, the cost is approximately R30 635.00 (with a possible yearly increase of 8%) if a student does it through distance and finishes in one year. If a student wants to complete it over two years, he/she must pay the yearly registration fee and the module fees of the specific modules he/she wants to register for in that specific year. Please note that the registration fee and the costs of the modules may increase yearly. 

 

Method of delivery

1. 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, but submits the assignments according to the schedule of the lecturer and writes the exam on the scheduled time. Assignments are submitted on the electronic platform (eFundi), and the exams are written in South Africa at an exam centre close (usually) to the student, or if a module makes use of continuous assessment, there is no sit-down exam. Exams may also be administered online.

1.1. Content

B-Status consists out of 120 credits of theological subjects:

1st Semester:

Module Code Credits Semester Year Module Name
NTES112 (12) 1st sem 1st year module New Testament: General Introduction
OTES112  (12) 1st sem 1st year module Introduction to the Old Testament
DOGM211  (16) 1st sem 2nd year module Dogmatics: From the Doctrine of Scripture to the 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
NTES123  (12) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to Exegesis of the Bible
OTES122  (12) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to the Pentateuch
NTES222  (8) 2nd sem 2nd year module Acts and the Pauline Epistles
OTES222  (8) 2nd sem 2nd year module Introduction to the Interpretation of the Latter Prophetic Books

 

And three of the following:

Module Code Credits   Semester   Year Module Name
MISS211  (8) 1st sem 2nd year module Relationship between Mission and Theology
TEOL111  (8) 1st sem 1st year module Introduction to Theology
ETIE121  (8) 2nd sem 1st year module Fundamentals of Ethics
PAST121  (8) 2nd sem 1st year module Pastoral Counselling

 

If an applicant is interested to focus in his/her honours research article 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.

 

2. Contact studies on Vanderbijlpark Campus

The Faculty of Theology offers on the Vanderbijlpark Campus to contact students who are able to attend classes during the day or in the evenings the opportunity to obtain B-Status in Theology by completing the modules listed below. The outcomes of these modules are similar to those mentioned in 6.1. Students follow the scheduled time table and attend classes on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, this cost is not known, please contact PC-Studyfees@nwu.ac.za

2.1. Content

B-Status consists out of 120 credits of theological subjects:

1st Semester:

Module Code Credits   Semester   Year   Module Name
BYBV113  (12) 1st sem 1st year module Introduction to the Old Testament in contemporary contexts
BYBV211  (16) 1st sem 2nd year module Contemporary bio ethical themes
BYBV312  (32) 1st sem 3rd year module Old Testament overview & interpretation with pastoral application

 

2nd Semester:

Module Code Credits   Semester   Year Module Name
BYBV123  (12) 2nd sem 1st year module Introduction to New Testament in contemporary contexts
BYBV223  (16) 2nd sem 2nd year module Development of pastoral skills
BYBV323  (32) 2nd sem 3rd year module New Testament overview & interpretation with pastoral application

 

Textbooks

It is the responsibility of the student to buy the necessary books.

What follows is a provisional list. The latest information on the necessary textbooks will be provided on the eFundi sites of the respective modules.

Potchefstroom Theological Publications (PTP)

 

Other bookshops:

Good Neighbours

 

Protea

 

Van Schaik

     

    Way forward

     

    Charl Yates

     

    BYBV113

    Barton, J & Bowden, E. 2004.  The Original Story: God, Israel, and the World. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (ISBN: 0802829007)
    (This book is on Kindle available for 50% cheaper. Just download the Kindle App on your phone to access it.)

    BYBV123

    Gundry, R.H. 2012. A survey of the New Testament. 5th ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan

    BYBV211

    Levinson, R. & Reiss, M.J., eds. 2003. Key Issues in Bioethics: A guide for teachers. London: Routledge Falmer.
    Geisler, N.L. 2004. Christian Ethics: Options and Issues. Michigan: Baker Book House.

    BYBV223

    Louw, D.J. 2014. Wholeness in Hope Care: On Nurturing the Beauty of the Human Soul in Spiritual Healing. Zürich: Lit Verlag.

    BYBV312

    Collins, JJ. 2014. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (2nd Edition). Minneapolis: Fortress (ISBN: 9781451472943)
    (This book is on Kindle available for 50% cheaper. Just download the Kindle App on your phone to access it.)

    BYBV323

    Gundry, R.H. 2012. A survey of the New Testament. 5th ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan. Other material reserved in library. 

    DOGM211

    Millard, J. Erickson. (Hustad, L.A. ed.). 1992 (or any later edition). Introducing Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House Company. (ISBN: 978-0-8010-2250-0)
    Available as e-book in library website (https://libguides.nwu.ac.za/theology-guide/books)  

    ETIE121

    De Bruyn, P.J. 2013. Die Tien Gebooie. Potchefstroom: PTP

    De Bruyn, P.J. 2013. The Ten Commandments. Potchefstroom: PTP
    GRKS172 Mounce, W. 2013. Greek for the rest of us. Grand Rapids: Zondervan (can be bought electronically at Amazon which is cheaper)

    MISS211

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

    NTES112

    Life Application Bible. (New International Version). 1991. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.

    Thompson. M.D. 2006. A clear and present word. The clarity of Scripture. New Studies in Biblical Theology 21. Illinois: Intervarsity Press. (Chapter 2).

    Van der Walt, T. 2007. The Messiah has come! A guide in the gospels for serious Bible Students. Potchefstroom: PTP (Available    from      the Administrative Bureau of the Reformed Churches in SA. Tel: 018 297 3986/7, web page: www.ptpboeke.co.za or e- mail: bestellings@gksa.co.za).

    NTES123

    Die Bybel in Praktyk 1993. Vereeniging, Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy. / Life Application Bible (New International Version) 1991.   Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.

    De Klerk, BJ & Van Rensburg, FJ. 2015. Conceiving a sermon. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom Theological Publications. ISBN: 9780869552285 (Te koop by Administratiewe Buro 018 297 3986)   /   De Klerk, BJ & Van Rensburg, FJ. 2015. Preekgeboorte. Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom Theological Publications. ISBN: 9780869552285 (Te koop by Administratiewe Buro 018 297 3986)

    Stuart, D. 2009. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Fourth Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox.

    Recommended:

    Fee, G.D. 2002. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Third Edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox.

    NTES212

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

    NTES222

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

    Recommended:
    Genade, A.A. The Letter to Titus: Sound leadership. Sound Lessons. Sound Lives (ebook) available from Amazon with this link: https://amzn.to/3tfcMiw

    OTES112

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

    OTES122

    Hill, A.E. & Walton, J.H. 2009. A survey of the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    Recommended:
    Longman, T. III & Dillard, R.B. 2006. An introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    OTES212

    Hill, A.E. & Walton, J.H. 2009. A survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    OTES222

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site or an e-book will be available on the library site.

    PAST121

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.
    SEMT272 No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

    TEOL111

    No books necessary. All the material necessary is provided in the eFundi site.

     

    Application

    Applications must reach the NWU not later than 30 August of the previous year.  

    NB! Applications for 2025 closes on 30 November.

     

    Distance Students

    A student applies on the prescribed application form, obtainable from Sylvia Selebatso (UODL-Theology@nwu.ac.za). The completed application form must be emailed back to her. Please note that application form must be accompanied by certified supporting documents (point 5 on top of the applications form) and the academic record of the B-degree. After approval, Sylvia sends the registration documents and the student registers for the above-mentioned modules for non-degree purposes. 

    Contact studies on Vanderbijlpark Campus

    Dr Elma Cornelius

     

    Banking details

    For 2024, a minimum amount of R11 900.00 is payable with registration. Use the student number as reference.

    The account details are:

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

     

    Enquiries