Bachelor of Theology Course Requirements at ATS
Auckland Park Theological Seminary
The Bachelor of Theology is a bachelor's Degree offered by ATS for 2027 learners, taking 3 years (distance, full-time or part-time) to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Bachelor of Theology at ATS
- A National Senior Certificate with a rating of 4 (50 to 59%) or better in four 20-credit NSC subjects
- Alternatively, a tertiary qualification at NQF Level 5 (higher certificate)
- A theology-related higher certificate or diploma may be accepted, with RPL for credits
- Applicants older than 23 with matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board may apply
- International applicants need a SAQA evaluation of their school certificate
About this course
The ATS Bachelor of Theology (BTh) is a three-year, 360-credit degree at NQF Level 7 (SAQA ID 111234), studied by distance. It prepares students for full-time or marketplace ministry from a Pentecostal perspective.
The degree covers six theological disciplines every year, each split into a first- and second-semester module:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Dogmatics and Ethics
- Church History
- Missiology
- Practical Theology
In the first year you also take one biblical language, either Greek or Hebrew. That comes to 36 modules in total. Practical Theology covers topics such as church leadership, pastoral care, youth ministry, entrepreneurship and community development.
Study material is printed, and lecturers run online virtual classes. You enrol in January (starting with first-semester modules) or June (starting with second-semester modules). RPL can be used to apply for credit for earlier theology study or ordination.
Holders of the ATS Diploma in Theology can upgrade through the BTh Bridge, a programme of at least one year with a biblical language and assignments across the disciplines (2026 cost R12 210 without the language or R16 620 with it). BTh graduates can go on to the ATS Bachelor of Theology Honours.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Theology
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Bachelor of Theology doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Chaplain. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like ATS. Ask ATS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
ATS’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with ATS and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Complete the online application form on the ATS website and register before the January or June intake. Upload your ID, school certificate and any transcripts or ordination certificates for RPL. Pay the module deposit to confirm registration.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Auckland Park Theological Seminary.
View all Courses at ATS
- Duration
- 3 years (distance, full-time or part-time)
- NQF Level
- 7
- Fees
- 2026: R2 205 per module; 35% deposit (R771.75) on registration and the balance in 3 instalments. No application fee; about R200 to post material.
- Application deadline
- Intakes in January and June; semester 1 2027 registration opens 3 November
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
Related courses
FPS approx. 435 (Band A gua…Source: Official website: https://www.ats.ac.za/academic-programmes/bachelor-of-theology/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Auckland Park Theological Seminary before applying.