Bachelor of Arts in Theology Course Requirements at HCHE
Helderberg College of Higher Education · Faculty of Theology
The Bachelor of Arts in Theology is a bachelor's Degree offered by HCHE for 2027 learners, taking 4 years full-time (as listed by the college) 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 Arts in Theology at HCHE
- A National Senior Certificate that allows bachelor's degree study, with seven subjects passed
- English at level 4 (50 to 59%) or higher
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at level 2 (30 to 39%) or higher
- A minimum Helderberg APS of 26
- Mature age exemption, RPL and a foundation year are available
About this course
The BA in Theology (SAQA ID 58333, NQF Level 7) is Helderberg's main training route for Seventh-day Adventist pastors, chaplains and church workers, though it is open to anyone interested in serious Bible study. It is a full-time contact programme on the Somerset West campus.
The degree covers these main areas:
- Systematic Theology
- Old and New Testament studies
- Biblical Greek and Hebrew
- Practical Theology, including homiletics (preaching) and pastoral counselling
- Church history and missiology
- Pastoral care and ministry leadership
In the first year students build academic foundations in English, academic writing, mathematics, computing and psychology while starting on introductory theology and Bible modules. The second year introduces the biblical languages, pastoral counselling and preaching. The third year moves to advanced theology, church history, missiology and leadership in ministry, and the final year includes research papers and specialised study such as apocalyptic literature and church finance.
The programme suits people who feel called to ministry or want to teach and serve in church and community settings. A foundation year is available for those who need extra preparation. Graduates can look at postgraduate study in areas such as systematic theology, biblical languages, church history, missiology, youth ministry or pastoral counselling.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Arts in 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 Arts in 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 HCHE. Ask HCHE directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
This course sits in the middle for competitiveness. At an admission score of APS 26+, you have a reasonable chance if you apply in good time, though it’s not a sure thing. Don’t leave your application to the last week.
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 HCHE and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online on the HCHE website. Send certified school results, a copy of your ID and character references, ideally including one from a minister. Wait for the formal acceptance letter before coming to campus.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Helderberg College of Higher Education’s own official application page.
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View all Courses at HCHE
- Duration
- 4 years full-time (as listed by the college)
- NQF Level
- 7
- APS / Points
- APS 26 on the Helderberg scale
- Fees
- 2026 fee guide: about R65 348 for a year of study (R527 per credit), plus R1 500 registration per semester. Residence is extra.
- Application deadline
- Registration closes at the start of each semester (late January and early July)
- Campus
- Somerset West Campus, Somerset West
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
FPS approx. 435 (Band A gua…Source: Official website: https://hche.ac.za/bachelor-of-arts-theology/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Helderberg College of Higher Education before applying.