Faculty of Theology and Religion:
A Place of Hope and Growth

Faculty of Theology and Religion | Theology Degree South Africa | University of the Free State

Faculty of Theology and Religion

Theology, Religion, Leadership, and Societal Impact

The Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State is a globally recognised and locally engaged academic community committed to theological scholarship, ethical leadership, social transformation, and student success.

Rooted in African realities and connected to global conversations, the Faculty equips students, researchers, faith leaders, and communities through academically rigorous programmes, impactful research, and meaningful societal engagement.

Student-centred teaching and learning
African-centred and globally engaged scholarship
Ethical leadership and societal transformation
Innovative theological and religion research

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Faculty Highlights

Academic Focus Theology & Religion

Research Areas African & Global Contexts

Study Opportunities UG, PG & Doctoral

Learning Approach Student-Centred

Focus Leadership & Impact

Campus Bloemfontein Campus

theology@ufs.ac.za

Vision and Mission

Advancing theological scholarship, leadership, and transformation

The Faculty of Theology and Religion seeks to cultivate academically excellent, socially responsive, and ethically grounded graduates who contribute meaningfully to faith communities, institutions, and society.

Vision

A globally recognised and locally engaged faculty

To be a globally recognised and locally engaged center of theological and religion research, characterized by student centred teaching and learning with maximum societal impact.

Mission

Developing excellence through innovation and engagement

Improve academic excellence through innovation to produce successful graduates.
Enhance student involvement in teaching and learning, research, and management.
Expand both the quality and quantity of research and academic staff profile through intentional support and resources.
Strengthen societal impact in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Increase effective faculty management and operations through support and upskill of staff.
Develop effective leadership amongst staff and students.

Faculty Community

Learning, research, and community engagement

The Faculty contributes to faith-informed scholarship, ethical leadership, and societal transformation through collaborative partnerships, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement.

Theology and Religion

Engage critically with theology, ethics, religion, spirituality, leadership, and contemporary societal questions.

Research Excellence

Participate in impactful African-centred and globally connected theological and religion research initiatives.

Student Development

Access student-centred learning environments, academic support, mentorship, and research opportunities.

Community Engagement

Collaborate with churches, NGOs, institutions, and community partners to strengthen societal impact.

Leadership Formation

Develop ethical leadership, communication, facilitation, and critical engagement skills for diverse contexts.

Global Partnerships

Build connections through international collaborations, interfaith dialogue, and academic exchange opportunities.

Faculty of Theology and Religion

Bachelor of Divinity

Study theology, religion, ethics, spirituality, leadership, and society through an academically rigorous qualification designed for future leaders, ministers, researchers, communicators, and change-makers.

The Bachelor of Divinity at the University of the Free State combines theological depth, critical engagement, leadership development, spiritual formation, and practical relevance within African and global contexts.

Professionally recognised qualification
African-centred and globally engaged scholarship
Leadership, ethics, and societal transformation
Pathways into postgraduate studies and research

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Admission Information

APS Requirement 28

English Requirement Level 4 (50%)

Qualification Type Professional Degree

Study Duration 4 Years

Campus Bloemfontein Campus

theology@ufs.ac.za

About the Qualification

What is the Bachelor of Divinity about?

The Bachelor of Divinity is a professional theological degree developed in consultation with Christian churches and faith communities. It provides students with a strong theological, ethical, disciplinary, and research foundation for meaningful leadership and service.

Students engage critically with questions relating to faith, spirituality, justice, ethics, leadership, identity, religion, culture, and social transformation within contemporary African and global realities.

The programme develops communication, leadership, counselling, analytical, and research skills relevant to ministry, NGOs, education, organisations, and broader public life.

Areas of Study

Old and New Testament Studies
Theology and Ethics
Religion and Society
Pastoral Care and Counselling
Leadership and Congregational Development
Missional and Practical Theology
Faith Formation and Spirituality
African Theology and Contextual Studies
Communication and Public Engagement
Research and Critical Thinking

Career Opportunities

Where can this degree take you?

Theology and Religion graduates contribute meaningfully across ministry, education, counselling, communication, research, leadership, social development, and community engagement.

Ministry & Faith Leadership

Pastor, minister, chaplain, missionary, worship leader, youth ministry leader.

Community Development

NGO leadership, humanitarian initiatives, advocacy and community engagement.

Counselling & Care

Pastoral counselling, spiritual care, youth support and wellness ministries.

Communication & Media

Journalism, digital communication, leadership communication and public speaking.

Education & Research

Theology research, lecturing, postgraduate scholarship and Bible translation.

Leadership & Organisations

Ethics leadership, project coordination, organisational development and facilitation.

Postgraduate Studies

Continue Your Academic Journey

The Faculty of Theology and Religion offers honours, master’s and doctoral opportunities for students seeking deeper theological engagement, advanced research, leadership development, and societal impact.

Postgraduate Diploma in Theology

A multidisciplinary programme focusing on contextual engagement and the development of ministerial and leadership skills within faith communities.

Honours

Specialise in disciplines such as Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Polity, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Missiology, and Religion Studies.

Master’s Degrees

Coursework and research options are available, including Bible Translation and Bible Translation Management pathways.

Doctoral Studies

Undertake advanced theological research contributing original scholarship within African and global contexts.

For postgraduate enquiries: theologypostgraduate@ufs.ac.za

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FACULTY CONTACT

Academic Adviser
T: +27 51 401 2786
E: theology@ufs.ac.za

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