Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education (PGDip (HTE))
The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education (PGDip HTE) prepares you to lead and teach with confidence and insight in theological and Christian higher education settings.
Part-time: 2 years ׀ NQF Level 8 ׀ SAQA ID 123321
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education (PGDip HTE) is a part-time, online programme for lecturers and academic leaders in theological colleges and Christian universities across Africa and beyond.
It equips leaders to teach and guide from an African perspective, integrating faith, leadership, and mission within the life of the church. The programme also supports ongoing professional development, helping leaders stay current in higher education while strengthening institutional governance, administration, and sustainability.
Graduates of the PGDip HTE will be able to:
- Synthesise concepts from the disciplines of theology and education as practised in theological colleges to further their professional and institutional practice.
- Apply a critically reflective habit to develop their professionalism in a philosophy and practice of teaching and learning, and administrative competence.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilising the main conceptual frameworks and practical skills needed to provide theological education at a higher education level to their particular theological subject/administrative area.
- Conduct and apply research to current practice and theory of higher education in their institutional and cultural context to meet its specific mission goals.
- Lead change in the provision of theological education by identifying issues of concern and providing solutions in a coherent, theological, ethical and educational manner.
- Work effectively as a team member within a theological institution setting to support institutional efforts to improve student learning in theological education.
Admission Requirements
- Appropriate NQF Level 7 Bachelor’s degree in theology or a discipline related to the curriculum needs of higher theological education, as determined by the Research Committee/Programme Coordinator.
- Advanced Diploma in Theology at NQF Level 7.
- Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is permitted for a maximum of 10% of the enrolment for any year. See the Student Handbook for details of RPL procedures.
English Proficiency
Postgraduate courses require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall and 6.0 for the written element. This is equivalent to 232 in the computerised TOEFL test, 575 in the written TOEFL test or 90 – 91 in the internet based TOEFL test. Equivalent English language qualifications may be accepted.
Course Structure
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education Fees
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education Bursaries
Applicants who have been accepted into the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Theological Education programme may apply for bursary assistance. Bursaries are awarded on a needs-only basis and are usually only partial awards. GWC regrets that bursary funding cannot be offered to every bursary applicant.
International Students
An evaluation of an applicant’s highest qualification from the SA Qualifications Authority is required. This can take 3-6 months to acquire from SAQA. Alternatively, proof of a qualification completed at an ACTEA - accredited institution is needed, as well as proof of English language proficiency through the IELTS test.
Applications for exemption from testing can be made (with appropriate motivation) to the Faculty Board, whose decision is final. Further details may be obtained from the Assistant Registrar.
For more information, check our Prospectus.