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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Forensic Science and Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103081  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Forensic Science and Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety 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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The main purpose of the qualification is to enhance the investigation knowledge and skills of investigators. This qualification is aimed at students who work within the field of forensic investigation and who seek recognition for essential knowledge, skills and values needed up to the level of senior managers. Furthermore, this qualification has been developed to enhance the following areas of proficiency:
  • Forensic Methods and Techniques.
  • Selected Crimes and Transgressions.
  • Advanced Forensic Crime Intelligence.
  • To conduct research within the field of Forensic Investigation by drafting a Research proposal and a research report.

    For the purpose of this qualification a forensic investigator is defined as the person who undertakes an investigation using specialised skills and expert knowledge coupled with the application of scientific investigative methods and techniques, to identify, collect, prepare and present evidence which is to be presented to a court of law, a disciplinary hearing, or instructing client or company.

    It will enable students to consolidate and deepen their expertise, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques in the field of Forensic Science and Technology. The students will be able to manage and work in a variety of context in the Forensic Science field which is the current demand in the investigative discipline. This includes but is not limited to private forensic investigators, forensic investigators within the corporate and private forensic industry and police detectives. The private and corporate investigating industry consists amongst others of forensic investigators within the banking industry, forensic accounting companies, government departments and consultancy firms. The Bachelor of Administration Honours in Forensic Science and Technology will provide for a more specialised and in-depth knowledge of the field of forensic investigation as well as the management of complex- and a series of incidents of crime.

    Rationale:
    The need for a qualification that will address the professional development of Forensic Investigators was expressed by the role-players in the Forensic Investigation industry during a range of workshops to the subject group Investigation of Crime in the Police Practice Programme Group. From 2008 to 2010 industry liaison was conducted with the stakeholders such as SABRIC, SBV, SASOL, SARS, SAPS, PWC, representatives from various banking groups, and ESKOM. The rationale of this qualification is to address the needs and requirements of investigators, which will improve the knowledge and skills of Forensic Investigators and will assist them to progress on a career path in their specialised field.

    A qualification addressing the needs of Forensic Investigators will definitely contribute to a better service to the community. It will also assist forensic investigators with specialised skills, knowledge and attributes to investigate serious economic crimes, corruption, fraud and serious violent crime. These are the crimes known to have an impact on the economy of the country.

    The qualification is designed to accommodate students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology Degree and who wish to further their studies within the same discipline. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification can be achieved in part (50%) through recognition of prior learning. However, only 10% of intake to this qualification may be through RPL. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in this qualification will either be used to give students access to the qualification or for exempting them for the module(s) offered in this qualification in terms of the RPL policy of the institution.

    Direct Access RPL: Access RPL will be used for the applicants who do not meet academic admission to the qualification (through BA in Forensic Science and Technology or any other appropriate qualification at this level) but have enormous work related experience. The access process aims to correctly place students in formal and non-formal training programmes at levels that will benefit them the most. Such an applicant will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence that will be assessed by subject specialist to determine if they can be granted Direct Access into BA Honours in Forensic Science and Technology.

    Module Exemption RPL: Students who meet the minimum admission requirements to BA Honours in Forensic Science and Technology but realises that their experience cover some of the modules offered in this qualification could apply for the RPL credits for such module(s) towards the completion of this qualification. In this regard, the students will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence indicating the extent to which their experience meet the outcomes of the module(s) in question. Students who will be found to be meeting the outcomes of the module 2 through the assessment of the portfolios will be granted exemption for that/those module(s) through RPL.

    Assessment: The College within which this qualification will be offered has a trained RPL practitioner who will receive all the RPL applications and advice the applicants on documents that might still be needed to finalise the application. Once the application process is completed she guides the applicants on the structure of the portfolios that they have to submit and provide whatever assistance needed together with relevant academics should that be necessary. She then receives and hand over the compiled portfolios to the subject specialist for assessment. The assessment follows a student-centred approach where decisions are based on student profiles, competencies and experiences. This is the stage where the prior knowledge and skills of the applicants is made visible, mediated and judgements made of their submitted portfolios.

    Students who are not satisfied with the assessment decision could appeal to the relevant higher structure for that decision to be revisited.

    Student Support: Once assessment has been completed, and the RPL students have been declared competent and ready to enter formal training at a certain level. Reasonable student support opportunities such as encouraging them to contact relevant lecturers, attending scheduled tutorial classes and participating on online activities of their relevant modules is communicated to them. These and many other are the forms of student support that are designed to enable them to bridge the gap between non-formal and formal learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to the qualification is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science and Technology.
    Or
  • A similar qualification within the Criminal Justice environment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Applied Research Methodology in Police Science, 12 Credits.
  • Research report in Forensic Investigation, 36 Credits.
  • Forensic Methods and Techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Selected Crimes and Transgressions, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Forensic Crime Intelligence, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct literature research under guidance in a manner that is appropriate to the discipline of Forensic Investigation on an Honours level.
    2. Compile an acceptable research proposal that is appropriate to the discipline of Forensic Investigation on an Honours level.
    3. Write a research report in a manner that is appropriate to the discipline of Forensic Investigation on Honours level.
    4. Compile an acceptable Portfolio of Evidence on a topic in Forensic Methods and Techniques, Selected Crimes and Transgressions and Advanced Forensic Crime Intelligence in a manner appropriate to the discipline of Forensic investigation on an Honours level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in Forensic Investigation and a depth of knowledge in the research topic area correctly.
  • Critique current Forensic Investigation research and advance scholarship in the research topic area appropriately.
  • Make sound theoretical judgments based on evidence and an ability to think epistemologically.
  • Identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven Forensic Investigation arguments.
  • Engage with current research and professional literature in the Forensic Investigation domain at a scholarly level.
  • Function effectively within complex and ill-defined contexts.
  • Conduct research professionally and ethically.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Rigorously critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates is displayed within an area of advanced Forensic Investigation.
  • Undertake a study of literature and current research (applicable to an Honours level) in areas of advanced Forensic Investigation.
  • Undertake the writing of a research proposal with guidance.
  • Effectively function within complex and ill-defined contexts.
  • Select appropriate research methods, techniques and technologies within an area of specialisation.
  • Identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues drawing systematically and creatively on the theory, research methods and literature of discipline appropriately.
  • Identify the appropriate research designs, methods of data collection, sampling methods, as well as methods used to analyse data are identified.
  • Aspects relating to the preservation of data integrity in both qualitative and quantitative research are complied with.
  • Explain and apply ethical prescripts applicable to social research within their own research.
  • Develop a comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of the different worldviews and research paradigms.
  • Plan research autonomously, professionally and ethically.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Present and communicate academic and professional literature research within forensic investigation which caters for a range of audiences and genres.
  • Present research of the literature which has been done ethically and professionally in a preset report format.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critique current research and advanced scholarly articles on current Forensic investigation research and advanced scholarly articles on Forensic investigation, select Crimes and Transgressions and Advanced Forensic Crime Intelligence.
  • Demonstrate information retrieval and processing skills.
  • Contextualise international and local literature to the domestic legislative framework.
  • Develop a comprehensive portfolio of evidence based on pre-set topics on Forensic Methods and Techniques, Selected Crimes and Transgressions and Advanced Forensic Crime Intelligence which demonstrate an in-depth knowledge in the topic area selected.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For award of this qualification, a candidate must successfully complete all five (5) compulsory modules as listed above. In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to do independent literature research. Evidence is required that the candidate is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification.

    For the qualification to be awarded, a candidate must have successfully achieved the outcomes of each of the compulsory modules that constitute the qualification and successfully completed the mandatory assignments relating to the topics outlined in the modules.

    Evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills, attitudes and expertise) and of the candidate's ability to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole, at the time that the qualification is awarded, is required by means of comprehensive and integrated assessment (constituting a range of formative and summative assessments). Continuous formative and summative assessment methods are used in the form of written assignments and portfolios.

    Formative and summative assessment will be conducted within the guidelines of the University of South Africa (UNISA) Assessment Policy. The student's summative assessment mark will comprise a year mark that will be gained from the specified number of compulsory assignments and a written assignment and portfolio of evidence in each module. The pass mark shall be a minimum of 50% acquired from both continuous and summative assessment in a proportionate ratio; 75% shall constitute a pass with distinction. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Bachelor of Arts Honours in Forensic Science and Technology compares well with other related programmes such as:
    a. BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science & Criminal Investigation from University of Central Lancashire in United Kingdom:
    The programme in accreditation with the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and is highly competitive in the field of forensic science and criminal investigation. It equips students with a broad understanding of forensic science from a legal perspective. It has two streams namely - crime scene investigation and forensic anthropology and students choose which stream to follow. Throughout the course students learn all aspects of the law relating to forensic science and how to recognise, enhance and recover all evidence types from crime scenes as well as the analysis of such evidence. They also write a dissertation at the last year of their study. The outcomes and streams in this 3 programme relates directly to the outcomes and streams in the BA Hons in Forensic Science and Technology and most modules of these programmes such as fraud and cybercrime are similar.

    b. Bachelor in Forensic Science Honours from Management & Science University in Malaysia:
    Bachelor in Forensic Science Honours programme aims at integrating the knowledge, attitude and skills in forensic sciences across the curriculum. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to investigate crime cases and integrate scientific theory and practical training that will be required to work in a highly specialized forensic laboratory. Students learn various theories of crime and deviance in society that form the basis of criminal law and criminal justice system. Upon graduation, graduates will be able to perform crime scene investigation, analysis, report writing, and become experts in the court of law. The outcomes of this programme such as integrating the knowledge, attitude and skills in forensic sciences across the curriculum, as well as the scientific theories are similar to those of BA Hons in Forensic Science and Technology.

    c. Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminal Justice from Doncaster College in the United Kingdom:
    It is a compact programme that consists of crime and criminological modules that resonate well with the BA Hons in Forensic Science and Technology such as the extensive research methodology in Criminal Justice. Successful graduates of this programme are admitted into MA programmes of this institution like the BA Hons in Forensic Science and Technology that will articulate into MA in Forensic Science and Technology or MA in Criminal Justice at Unisa or in other Universities.

    d. BA of Arts Honours in Criminal Justice from St Helens College in the United Kingdom:
    Students are admitted to the BA (Hons) Criminal Justice with the foundational degree. This is similar to admission to the BA Hons in Forensic Science and Technology that require students to be in position of BA in Forensic Science and Technology or any other appropriate foundational programme. It covers a wide spectrum in the field of Criminal Justice by introducing students to legal and criminological research skills, focusing on criminal law and criminal justice processes. Students are required to produce a dissertation that engage them in 4. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Art Honours in Police Science, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Corrections Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Security Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • An appropriate Master's Degree, 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.