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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119504  Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 0910/22  2022-08-04  2025-08-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-08-04   2029-08-04  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing is to equip learners with practical knowledge and essential skills in conducting research to achieve service excellence in the criminal justice system (CJS), Traffic and Municipal Policing environment. This is promoted through the training of knowledgeable and competent police officials in disciplines such as advancing leadership potentials, handling high-risk situations within the Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing context, and industry-related intelligence from both local and international perspectives. The qualification enriches learners' personal attributes emphasizing not only academic knowledge acquisition but also leadership and practice skills in the criminal justice field.

This qualification is intended to provide Traffic and Municipal Police professionals, whether they are in law enforcement, municipal security, or public or private sectors, with the opportunity to undertake studies at postgraduate level. The qualification is designed to equip learners with the ability to respond critically to major strategic, critical as well as fundamental issues pertaining to the field, both locally and internationally. Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing. This includes the use of data and intelligence-driven strategies, the evaluation of statutory provisions, departmental plans, and reports, as well as the latest technological advances in the field of study.

The fundamental principle in analysing Traffic Safety strategies and local Public Order, Adaptive Leadership, general policing as well as well industry intelligence specifically aims to provide comprehensive training for both non-active individuals as well as practicing officials. This is to equip them with the professional competence to manage rising public expectations. Learners will be coached to acquire progressive practice knowledge and research skills in the understanding of complex contemporary issues and the handling of critical situations pertaining to Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing. Qualifying learners will be able to work independently on a tactical and strategic level in the safety and security environment. This qualification will also practically develop the learner's analytical and research skills relevant to law enforcement officials, with a particular application in the wider CJS and Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing environment. The qualification is targeted toward building a repertoire of conceptual, basic, and practical research skills and competencies. This will enable learners to successfully prepare for and subsequently complete, independent research in the form of a research report. Learners will be able to proceed with the Master of Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management. Ultimately, the interest in lifelong learning is cultivated, fostered, nurtured, and maintained.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Examine contemporary Issues in Traffic / Municipal Policing which will cover Traffic Safety strategies, latest industry developments international tendencies technological developments, domestic and local governmental policing; Law enforcement and institutional Organization and Methods; Inter-agency cooperation; Trans-border Crime; General Policing means and methods applicable to local government; accountability, integrity and oversight, and Traffic Psychology.
  • Apply research methods in Traffic / Municipal Policing which will cover the application of Analysis of Case studies; research articles; peer evaluation; preliminary writing of a proposal; literature reviews; analysis of data and discussion of research findings; writing conclusion and recommendations of a research report.
  • Systematically appraise theoretical and practical knowledge of quantitative research design, sampling, operationalization, instrument design, and data handling and analysis.
  • Conduct research with supervision and produce an independent research report.

    Rationale:
    The shortage of skills in many organizational industries, including the Traffic and Municipal Police environment, poses a threat to the potential growth of an organization. In the industry such as Traffic Municipal Police fraternity or Criminal Justice environment, officials are required to write reports and summations to respond to concerns or emerging issues from communities. This qualification will focus on the application of research skills as well as report writing skills that learners need to ensure that they provide the expected service to the community. The qualification will further ensure that learners are able to provide recommended solutions that will address contemporary issues and concerns from the community. The qualification will thus address the shortage of skills in the industry, especially in terms of research that play a meaningful role in the Traffic and Municipal Police environment. The qualification will further equip learners with in-depth specialised knowledge, skills and competencies which will result in the application of research.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the Departmental Academic Advisory Committee (AAC), composed of representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC), the South African Department of Transport (SA Dot), various Municipal Police Departments (MPD), and other academics from higher learning institutions. The advisory committee fully supports the qualification since it is in line with the professionalisation efforts of the industry. There is a clear need for a Postgraduate qualification in the Criminal Justice environment to enhance and deepen the professional competence of the qualified professionals operating within the Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing sector, by providing them with an opportunity to undertake advanced reflection and development in specialized areas of the field of study. The qualification will develop critical thinking skills, engagement, and social enterprise, which are relevant to the needs and aspirations of the South African people. This will be achieved by ensuring that learners who earn this qualification can apply the acquired expertise, and in turn, contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic and political growth of the country.

    Upon successful completion of this qualification, graduates from this qualification will be competent to perform a variety of functions that will contribute to the achievement of a high standard of excellence within disciplines. The qualification aims to provide learners with an academic qualification of professional quality that enhances their knowledge and experience (and potential application) in managing critical factors pertaining to the enhancement of Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing, public order, criminal justice, and intelligence-related fields. These activities are extensive but are all aimed at providing an essential service to the community. The qualification specifically would further provide professional knowledge and skills to both frontlines as well as back-office officials. These skills include research skills as well as report writing skills that learners need to ensure that they provide the expected service to the community.

    This qualification is specifically aimed at ensuring that learners strive to become institutional and operational professionals by equipping them with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and competencies in conducting research, that plays a meaningful role in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), Traffic Safety and Municipal Policing environment. Well-equipped professionals will contribute significantly to fulfilling the needs and aspirations, and Constitutional rights, of the South African people. This is inter-alia in the interest of stakeholders such as the Department of Transport, the various MPDs, the RTMC and Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), and the community at large. The National Development Plan Vision (2030) highlighted a need to improve the reduction of civil claims brought about by unethical behaviour. This will be achieved if Law Enforcement qualifications within the wider CJS, and MPDs, are administered by professional law enforcement officials. It is the government's objective and responsibility to ensure that people living in South Africa feel safe at home, at school and work, and enjoy a community life free of fear. In addition, an increase in traffic and neighbourhood safety will contribute to the economic well-being of the country. Completion of a Postgraduate Diploma meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate master's degree, usually in specialisation of the Postgraduate Diploma. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption from modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
  • Bachelor of Policing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Criminal Justice, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Contemporary issues in Traffic and Municipal Policing, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Research Methods in Traffic and Municipal Policing, 30 Credits.
  • Quantitative and Research Methods in Traffic and Municipal Policing, 30 Credits.
  • Research Report, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an integrated knowledge and critical understanding of, as well as engagement with, different theories, methodologies, and principles applicable to Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management's field of study, and the ability to apply such knowledge and understanding with a view to critically analyse and evaluate global and local studies within this context.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to critically interrogate multiple sources of knowledge, especially published journal articles on studies within the field of Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management, and to critically review and evaluate the methods of research as well as the results and recommendations produced by such research.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to select, evaluate and apply a range of different but appropriate leadership and managerial skills and scientific techniques of inquiry to investigate, reflect on and then address complexities or abstract problems, thereby contributing to positive change within the law enforcement, CJS and Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management environment, and to the benefit of all members of society.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to engage with, and address, ethical issues pertaining to the academic environment, Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management practices, and society to effect change in conduct and adaptation where necessary.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to deliver an accurate, coherent, appropriate, and creative presentation, and communication of innovative and new professional ideas, methods and research findings to policymakers, practitioners, other role players and academics within the field of CJS and Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management, with an understanding of and respect for intellectual property conventions, copyright, and rules on plagiarism.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team to solve discipline-related problems, take responsibility for task-specific outcomes, and appropriate use of relevant resources.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, appropriate learning strategies to effectively address professional and lifelong learning needs, whilst simultaneously developing accountability for the utilization of resources.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research with supervision and write an independent research report. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss critically the relationship between strategies and the impact it has on management.
  • Analyse the various strategic types and management levels of management application.
  • Compare and evaluate the principles of political authority in strategy implementation.
  • Evaluate and critique the basic principles of current strategic directions in South Africa.
  • Identify and explain the deficiencies in the implementation of new legislation from an organizational perspective.
  • Synoptically critique the various reports in respect of compliance with the legal mandate of the organization.
  • Compare and evaluate best practices in terms of the implementation of internal policies derived from legislative instruction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically analyse historical strategy implementation and success rates.
  • Analyze the latest legal direction and proposals affecting the future of Traffic /Municipal Policing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Comprehensively describe and summarize the national context and historical background towards specialization and professionalism of law enforcement in South Africa.
  • Examine the unique dynamics impacting specialization and professionalisation efforts.
  • Evaluate approaches of other industries' specialization and professionalization efforts with that of law enforcement.
  • Critically assess the best practices of specialization and professionalization efforts gauged from international perspectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain crime tendencies in the field of Traffic and Municipal Police environments and its origins accurately.
  • Evaluate the latest international debates on Safer Cities and United Nations guidance in this matter and summarise the basic foundational aspects of this guidance.
  • Conduct an audit on the status of the safety of citizens in contemporary South African Cities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically discuss contemporary developments in Traffic and Municipal Policing strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Design and develop written proposals of future strategy possibilities in the field of Traffic and Municipal Policing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Analyse practical suggestions in addressing the latest crime trends and provide critical recommendations for prevention.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • The final research report is proofread and edited before submission.
  • Identify and rectify spelling and grammatical errors as well as instances of incorrect in-text citations and incorrect bibliographic/references entries.
  • Evaluate final research report and originality report submitted.
  • Communicate the overview of the final research report clearly by means of an oral presentation along with a PowerPoint presentation and a scientific poster.

    Integrated assessment:
    Integrated assessment will be achieved by a variety of strategies. The qualification will be awarded to a learner who would have achieved the required fundamental and compulsory modules. Evidence is also required to prove that the learner can completely achieve the purpose of the qualification at the time of the award of the qualification.
    To determine whether learners have successfully achieved the stipulated outcomes and can demonstrate applied competence, an integrated approach incorporating formative and summative assessment procedures will be utilised.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will include case study analysis, problem-solving analysis, oral presentations, and peer and self-assessments.
    Formative assessment consists of two presentations and two assignments and constitutes 60% of the final mark.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessments will be in a form of semester tests and assignments and end-of-session examinations. Summative assessment calculations will be done as follows:

    Applied Research Methods in Traffic /Municipal Policing:
    Continuous supervision of learners up to the point of submission of the research report for the purpose of the examination is undertaken which are regarded as formative and summative assessments respectively.

    Quantitative Research Methods in Traffic /Municipal Policing:
    Continuous supervision of learners up to the point of submission of the research report for the purpose of the examination is undertaken which are regarded as formative and summative assessments respectively.

    Contemporary Issues in Traffic /Municipal Policing:
    The subject is based on continuous assessment and comprises four formative, and two summative assessments. The assessment outline is as follows:

    Research Report in Traffic/Municipal Policing:
    Application of contemporary issues in Traffic/Municipal applied research methods and quantitative research methods to complete a research report.

    Summative assessment consists of two written tests and constitutes 40% of the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis conducted between international qualifications and the South African qualification revealed that very few countries have a distinct separation of policing and traffic duties as is the case in South Africa. This was also the case for Municipal Policing as most states do not have distinct local police agencies that operate parallel with a National Police Service. The international practice is those police departments, including local level policing, consider traffic law enforcement as part of normal policing duties. Qualifications and training, therefore, seldom separate the two duties and if so, only do it on a specific subject presentation basis, and not on a whole qualification basis. Australia seems to resemble the closest comparable entity.

    The following aspects were compared: entry requirements, assessments used and the modules. It seems that many of the international Criminal Justice qualifications are registered at Degree and Postgraduate levels.

    Country: Lebanon
    Institution: Modern University for Business and Science (M.U.B.S)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Safety
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
  • For applicants to qualify for admission to the PGDip in traffic safety at M.U.B.S they must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized (licensed/accredited) institution of higher education and have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5/4.0. A bachelor's degree can be in any discipline such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Economy, Psychology, Sociology, and Education.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The M.U.B.S qualification was developed with the support of the Menasafe Erasmus+ project and European partner universities from Sweden, Spain, and Poland. The program is accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The modules offered in the PGDip include core traffic safety subjects, which traffic safety stakeholders consider to be important for any traffic safety graduate at a postgraduate level.

    Qualification Structure:
    Adaptation Module, 3 credits:
  • Highway and Traffic Engineering Fundamentals, 3 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 18 credits:
  • Traffic Safety Fundamentals, 3 Credits.
  • Traffic safety and human behaviour, 3 Credits.
  • Road Safety Management, 3 Credits.
  • Traffic Risk Analysis and Road Safety Audit, 3 Credits.
  • Road Safety Policy and Planning, 3 Credits.
  • Research Methodologies in Road Safety, 3 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 3 credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Road safety in urban areas, 3 Credits.
  • Statistical and data analysis for Traffic Safety, 3 Credits.
  • Information Technologies and Traffic Safety, 3 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, 3 Credits:
  • Final Project, 3 Credits

    Number of credits:
  • 3 Credits, adaptation Module for learners who have satisfactorily completed prior coursework covering similar content at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • 18 Credits, Compulsory Modules.
  • 3 Credits, Elective Modules:
  • 3 Credits, Research Project.
    Total number of credits: 27.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Modern University for Business and Science (M.U.B.S) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • To gain access to both the M.U.B.S and SA qualifications, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized (licensed/accredited) institution of higher education.
  • Both the M.U.B.S and South African qualifications provide the skills and competencies that will allow graduates to gain employment within the private and public sectors in relevant traffic safety positions. Learners will gain traffic safety experience, professional skills and industry connections within a short timeframe, and no previous background in traffic safety is required. Graduates will gain the confidence to challenge existing traffic safety practices and participate in the development of new and innovative traffic safety strategies
  • Both qualifications share similar compulsory modules, namely, Research Project, Research Methodologies in Road Safety and Statistical and data analysis for Traffic Safety.

    Differences:
  • The M.U.B.S qualification has a weighting of 27 Credits whereas the SA qualification carries a weight of 120 credits.
  • The M.U.B.S qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Nottingham Trent University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Policing Leadership
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally 2.2 or above).

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Policing is a vitally important public service that frequently deals with complex issues of public safety such as the safeguarding of vulnerable people and the protection of communities. The police service faces several critical challenges, such as the need to provide services with fewer resources, target resources where they are needed most and improve the service provided to communities.

    The qualification will help learners meet these challenges by applying advanced and specialist knowledge and skills at the cutting edge of our understanding. The qualifications are designed to equip the learner with the knowledge and skills need to become a leader at any level of policing and to drive continual improvement in policing practice. During the qualifications, learners will encounter opportunities to build their understanding of policing in an international context through specialist modules in Law Enforcement and Management of Fraud Investigation.

    The qualifications are primarily targeted at those in employment within policing services in the United Kingdom and South Africa who are seeking to build their leadership skills for potential career enhancement. This course is designed to provide you with the qualification that signals advanced knowledge and skills, which can help to accelerate their career progression. For those from outside the policing service, the qualifications will provide a route into policing leadership.

    On the completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Apply a thorough grounding in theory and practice in police research.
  • Engage in informed debate about major issues in police leadership and management.
  • Analyse the recent developments in the police field.
  • Design, conduct and critically appraise research.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules, 20 Credits:
  • Research methods, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 100 Credits (Select five modules from the following options):
  • Crime, Community and Neighbourhood, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Research Methods for Policing, 20 Credits.
  • Crime Prevention, 20 Credits.
  • Anti-Corruption: Global Trends, Issues and Resolutions, 20 Credits.
  • Complex Frauds: Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorist Financing, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Forensic Investigations, 20 Credits.

    Similar modules with the SA qualification are:
  • Research methods.
  • Applied Research Methods for Policing.
  • Capstone Project

    Teaching and Learning:
    The NTU qualification is delivered on a blended learning platform, with learning taking place both within a classroom environment and through our dedicated online platform. Teaching methods will include, lecturers, group workshops, problem-based learning, guided independent study and a Capstone Project.

    The qualifications will use a variety of teaching methods to help learners develop an advanced understanding of policing leadership and the skills needed to be a leader at all levels of policing. The qualifications are delivered on a blended learning platform, with learning taking place both within a classroom environment and through our dedicated online platform.

    Learning methods will include:
  • Lectures delivered by academic experts and visiting speakers from the fields of policing, international law enforcement, and the management of fraud investigation.
  • Group workshops in which learners and staff discuss a topic, synthesising professional and academic knowledge to understand its relevance for policing, law enforcement and the management of fraud investigation. Problem-based learning in which learners will be given a law enforcement problem to research and then be guided by staff in developing a solution based on the best available evidence.
  • Guided independent study in which staff will guide learners in understanding important academic, official, and professional sources of information. A capstone project in which learners will be supported by an expert supervisor to produce their own research on a law enforcement topic of choice. The teaching on this course is 'blended', meaning there will be a mixture of face-to-face and online teaching. This is designed to support our learners whose personal and professional commitments, or geographical distance, may mean that attending in person is not always possible.
  • Interactive/group learning is a major method used within the modules for both face-to-face and online delivery. It is designed to enhance confidence in own learning and future practice by enabling learners to explore and develop ideas and methods and to support others in doing so.

    Assessment methods:
    Assessment of the qualifications involves written assessments, report writing, presentations and group work. All modules will have at least one formative assessment, which will count towards the final grade, these assessments will give learners the opportunity to get feedback to help improve their work. Summative assessment will comprise examination and research project. Assessment methods include:
  • Essays.
  • Group work.
  • Presentations.
  • Reports.
  • Projects.
  • Coursework.
  • Individual Assignments.

    Similarities:
  • Both the NTU and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one-year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold bachelor's degree in the cognate field.
  • The NTU and SA qualifications require applicants who hold an undergraduate degree.
  • Both NTU and SA qualifications intend to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader at any level of policing and to drive continual improvement in policing practice by using and generating evidence about what strategies and tactics are most effective. Learners will study existing evidence on effective policing and how to produce new evidence that can help inform policing decisions. Learners will also undertake research under supervision, using the most appropriate methods to answer police questions.
  • The assessment strategy for both the NTU and SA qualifications is underpinned by integrated assessment strategies which are reflective and continuous and include formative and summative assessment methods.

    Differences:
  • The NTU qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The NTU qualification has 80 credit points while the SA qualification carries 120 credits.

    Country: Scotland
    Institution: Edinburgh Napier University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science Honours in Policing and Criminology
    NQF Level: Scottish Council Qualifications Framework (SQSF) Level 8
    Duration: Four years Full-time

    Entry Requirements:
    Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Higher, BBBB including English or Literary subject
    National 5 C in Mathematics.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification draws on social sciences, law, computing, and business modules, and aims to give learners an understanding of a discipline that is evolving theoretically and methodologically. It links theory to practice and seeks to apply learning in the field. Learners will also have a range of inputs from practitioners throughout the course. The qualification was developed with discussion and input from Police Scotland. Short work placements are available on this course on a competitive basis through the 'Microplacements' scheme.

    Career opportunities include:
  • Police Officer.
  • Probation Officer.
  • Prison Officer.
  • Third sector worker.

    Assessments:
    Ongoing assessments, coursework, and exams.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
    Year One:
  • Introduction to Sociology 1.
  • Understanding social science research.
  • Introduction to Criminology.
  • Introduction to policing: theory and practice.

    Elective Modules:
  • Criminal Law.
  • Computer Systems 1.
  • Behavioural studies.
  • Legal Systems and Skills.

    Year Two:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems in the United Kingdom
  • Policing in contemporary society.
  • Quantitative Research.
  • Youth, Crime and Deviance.
  • Criminological Theory.

    Elective Modules:
  • Volunteering and Employability.
  • Business and Management Challenges Digital Forensics.

    Year Three:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Crime Control and Policing.
  • Violence and Society.
  • Researching Social Sciences.
  • Punishment and Penology

    Elective Modules:
  • Law and Society.
  • Child Protection (online).
  • Human Rights.
  • Public Policy and Management.
  • Cybercrime.

    Year Four:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Preparing for the Honours Project.
  • Comprehensive and International Criminology.
  • The Honours Project, 40 credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Victimisation and Victimology.
  • Cybercrime.
  • Leadership in a changing environment.
  • Surveillance and Society.
  • Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law.

    Similarities:
  • The South African qualification (SA) is comparable to the fourth-year compulsory and elective modules of Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) qualification since both qualifications consist of compulsory Research Project module and Leadership in a changing environment as well as Contemporary Issues in Criminal Law elective modules.
  • Both qualifications are registered at NQF/(SQSF) Level 8.
  • Both qualifications afford learners the opportunity to study a subject which is applied, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective traffic police officer or take on a broader criminal justice role.
  • A key aim of both the ENU and SA qualifications is to give learners the competitive edge to go on and become police officers. Beyond the police, this qualification will give learners an understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal and deviant behaviour, and the broader social, cultural and historical foundations of contemporary criminology. Learners will also develop a range of research skills, which will be invaluable in developing an understanding of a wide range of social science issues throughout their careers.

    Differences:
    The ENU qualification is offered over a period of four years full time whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
    The ENU qualification requires applicants who hold secondary school qualifications whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
    The Research Project for ENU qualification carries a weight of 40 credits while the SA qualification's research project carries a weight of 30 credits.

    Scotland developed the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management for Policing, and thus relevant to municipal policing. To be promoted beyond the rank of constable in the Scotland Police Services, officers are required under legislation to obtain the Diploma in Police Service Leadership and Management at SCQF Level 8. These principles are reminiscent of the promotion policy of the South African Police Service as well albeit based on a National Qualification registered at NQF level 6. Scotland also does not offer a post-diploma offering.

    In terms of policing, the Advanced Diploma of Policing is offered by the Government of South Australia and builds upon the competencies achieved in the Diploma of Public Safety (Policing). The aim of the qualification is to enable participants to develop advanced police practitioner skills for those aspiring for promotion to sergeant and senior sergeant within the South Australia Police. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Criminal Justice Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Military Legal Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Laws, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Laws in Advanced Criminal Justice, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Laws in Corporate Law, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.