PATRIA CHEQFChurch Higher Education
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International Standard of Church Higher Education Draft 0.9 20 September 2026 For consultation

Part IV · No. 01

A first-cycle degree opens the second cycle. It does not decide ordination.

Arts & Humanities·Level 6 · First Cycle·Church Degree · suffix C

B.A.C.

Bachelor of Arts — Church Degree

Broad humanities or social-science education within the Church system with an approved major/specialisation.

CHEQF Level6
Qualification typeFirst cycle, academic
Admission requirementsA qualification granting access to higher education, or admission through an approved mature-entry procedure.
Normative volume180–240 EAC; 180 EAC is recommended for a three-year model and 240 EAC for a four-year model.

Content · Outcomes

Content is what is taught. Outcomes are what is verified.

What the programme must contain

  1. major field / major
  2. academic writing and research methodology
  3. ethics and the Church–society context
  4. elective and interdisciplinary modules

What the graduate must demonstrate

  1. demonstrates systematic knowledge of the major field and related humanities/social-science disciplines
  2. locates, evaluates, and appropriately uses academic sources
  3. constructs well-reasoned written and oral arguments
  4. applies disciplinary methods to new problems and acts with academic and ethical responsibility
  5. understands the relevant ecclesiastical and social context of the programme.

Final · Progression

Final capstone work and dissertations may not be transferred from elsewhere.

How the programme closes

A capstone project, comprehensive examination, or bachelor thesis of a scope appropriate to the programme.

Where it leads

Access to M.A.C. and other Level 7 programmes subject to relevant entry requirements.

Opens access to

M.A.C.Master of Arts

Status

Black is what the degree certifies. This is what it does not.

No CHEQF academic degree, by itself, confers a right to ordination, ministry in a particular jurisdiction, or appointment to ecclesiastical office. Such decisions are made by the competent Church authority.

“This is an ecclesiastical academic qualification awarded within the Church system of higher education. It is not represented as a state-awarded or state-accredited academic degree unless such recognition has been separately granted by the competent authority of the relevant jurisdiction.”

Recommended status statement on every diploma, Article 17

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