Postgraduate Diploma in Theology Course Requirements at SATS

Postgraduate Diploma Humanities & Social Sciences

Poster showing admission requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology postgraduate diploma at South African Theological Seminary, with a link to studies.mycourses.co.za

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology is a postgraduate Diploma offered by SATS for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Part-time online; confirm minimum and maximum duration with SATS to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.

Minimum Admission Requirements to study Postgraduate Diploma in Theology at SATS

A three-year bachelor's degree with an above-average result
The degree does not have to be in theology
An equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification, such as an Advanced Diploma, may be considered

About this course

The Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDT) is a 120-credit NQF Level 8 programme for graduates from any field who want serious theological training at postgraduate level. Your first degree does not need to be in theology, which makes this a useful entry point for professionals in business, education, health or law who want to understand the Bible and serve in church leadership.

You complete five courses of 24 credits each, all online.

Compulsory courses:
- Interpreting the Bible
- Introduction to Theological Studies
- Christian Theology in African Context

Electives (choose two):
- Logotherapy as Ministry
- Principles and Practice of Preaching in Context
- The Mission of God in Glocal Perspective

The mix of biblical interpretation, theology in an African setting and practical ministry makes the diploma suitable for lay leaders, church elders and people moving into ministry after another career. Like other SATS programmes, it is studied by term, and each course is paid for before the term starts. Speak to SATS about how the diploma can lead into further postgraduate study.

Possible careers

Lay Preacher

Course intelligence for Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.

Not on the scarce-skills list

Job market outlook

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Lay Preacher. 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.

Unlikely to be NSFAS-funded

NSFAS funding

NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like SATS. Ask SATS directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.

More accessible

Admission chances

SATS’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 SATS and NSFAS.

How to apply for 2027 studies

Apply online through the SATS Nexsis portal and upload your degree certificate and academic record. Pay the application fee, then the enrolment fee and first course. Postgraduate queries can go to PGStudy@sats.ac.za.

Ready to apply? This takes you straight to South African Theological Seminary’s own official application page.

Apply Now

You will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with South African Theological Seminary.

Duration: Part-time online; confirm minimum and maximum duration with SATS
NQF Level: 8
Fees: Paid per 24-credit course before each term; see the SATS price list for current fees.
Application deadline: Rolling; start in the next available term

Apply via South African Theological Seminary

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