Diploma of Biblical Studies

The Shepherd's Bible College has developed this programme as a first step for the Christian student who has done little to no formal Christian training. The programme is designed to give students practical training in various ministry environments in the context of theological foundations, develop skills to enable trainees to cope efficiently in interpersonal, study, and workplace situations, and facilitate an evaluation of the students’ own gifts and abilities. This programme prepares students to serve in the context of local church ministries in a lay capacity, assist in diagnosing student's suitability for church ministry as a vocation, and provide the basis for more advanced studies at the degree level.

Diploma of Biblical Studies Programme Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to:

Demonstrate developed ministry skills in various ministry and church leadership settings
Demonstrate knowledge of the framework and background of the Bible
Demonstrate a working knowledge of biblical theology
Demonstrate interpretive skills of foundational biblical data and apply principles to contemporary life and ministry
Discuss cultural trends and ethical issues in an informed manner and apply biblical principles
Display a developed spiritual life and improving self-management and interpersonal communication skills
Display basic people skills in team situations and mentoring relationships
Demonstrate skill in finding and organising information from various sources, and analysing and presenting that information in various ways
Demonstrate skill in the communication of ideas to public audiences using various communication mediums
Analyse personal abilities and giftedness and develop an initial strategy for future vocation
Reflect and analyse personal progress, making adjustments where deficiencies are noted

Diploma of Biblical Studies Requirements

Qualification: Diploma of Biblical Studies (Dip.BS)
NQF Level: 5
Total Required Credits: 120 (1200 total study hours)

The Dip.BS programme is a 120 credit programme, and is equivalent to one year of full-time study. For part-time students, the Dip.BS programme should be completed within six years from the time of matriculation. Exceptions will be considered in some cases. Applications for a time extension must be made in writing and will be considered by the Academic Dean.

All classes are completed at National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 5 (Diploma level). All classes represent 5 or 10 credits of course study (except Discipleship Labs which represent 2.5 credits each, totalling 5 credits for two semesters).

To graduate, students must complete all required classes (90 credits), electives (15 credits), 2 Internship Experiences (10 credits), and 2 Discipleship Labs (5 credits) for a total of 120 credits. See programme schedule for class options.

The ministry Internship Experiences involve church ministry and/or service. Supervision and assessment are required. At least two Internship Experiences are required for Dip.BS students (Total: 10 credits).

Elective classeswill be offered according to student interest and lecturer availability. At least two electives will be offered each semester.

Two Discipleship Labs are required at 2.5 credits each (Total: 5 credits).

Diploma of Biblical Studies Programme Schedule (120 Credits)