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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Police Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110085  Master of Arts in Police Science 
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
Master's Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in policing to ensure opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society.

Rationale:
The aim of this qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with police officers with postgraduate training and to widen the innovative and knowledge based police leadership who will promote economic and scholarly activities.

The qualification will educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level by completing a single advanced research project. It will equip students to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Equip them to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Police Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification cannot be awarded in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
RPL will be conducted according to the RPL policy of the institution. Within the context of the research Masters of Arts (MA) in Police Science, students applying to access the qualification through the RPL route will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence (which will be basically a detailed Research Proposal) illustrating their knowledge, skills and experience in the field. Should the illustrated knowledge, skills and experience be deemed to be at an appropriate level, students will be required to register for the Research Methodology module at BA Honours Degree level for non-degree purpose and pass it before they could register for this qualification, this will be to hone their research methodology skills to enhance their success in this research based qualification. Although students could access the qualification through RPL, the qualification itself cannot be awarded in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.
Or
An appropriate Bachelor of Technology Degree.
Or
An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.
Or
A 480 Credits Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at Level 8.
The qualification cannot be awarded in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of two compulsory modules at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.
  • Masters Research Proposal in the School of Criminal Justice, 24 Credits.
  • Dissertation in Police Science on an approved topic, 156 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Recognise the role of law enforcement in everyday life.
    2. Think critically, logically and analytically within a contextual framework.
    3. Solve complex multi-dimensional law enforcement problems originally and creatively.
    4. Engage critically and analytically with Criminal Justice text.
    5. Apply advanced academic knowledge and skills to play a leading role in police practice and in the shaping of the law enforcement dispensation.
    6. Advance policing scholarship in a regional and global context.
    7. Act responsibly and authoritatively in his or her chosen career.
    8. Play a leading role in contributing to the realisation of a just society based on a constitutional democracy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify complex law enforcement issues in real or simulated fact scenarios.
  • Interpret and analyse daily events within a Criminal Justice framework.
  • Play a leading role in law enforcement within a regional and global context to cope with modern-day challenges and problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret, analyse and explain complex law enforcement within different contexts.
  • Provide an unbiased and balanced perspective on law enforcement problems.
  • Consider and critically evaluate different points of view are in terms of students acquired knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Find relevant sources and authorities to solve advanced policing problems.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of various policing sources and authorities to solve complex law enforcement problems.
  • Select the most appropriate and authoritative policing materials to solve law enforcement problems.
  • Consider and critically evaluate different solutions to a problem and the consequences of each solution for future Criminal Justice developments.
  • Provide substantiated responses based on acquired advanced knowledge.
  • Provide responsible and expert advice on an appropriate course of action.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critically interpret Criminal Justice text within a contextual framework.
  • Reflect on views expressed in text and critically evaluate and debate these.
  • Skilfully use sophisticated policing text to substantiate arguments and support recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Draft and interpret complex policing documents.
  • Provide expert opinions on complicated policing issues.
  • Demonstrate the required advanced academic knowledge to play a leading role as an academic or in managing policing and in shaping the law enforcement dispensation.
  • Skilfully use technology responsibly, effectively and appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Reflect on and critically evaluate policing theory and practice.
  • Recognise areas in need of policing development or law enforcement reform.
  • Apply historical and/or comparative methods to develop answers to current issues and complex problems.
  • Interpret the law enforcement implications of South African conditions in both regional and global perspectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Realise and act in accordance with the ethics and code of conduct required from police officers.
  • Understand and acted on accordingly, showing responsibility as a leading police officer in a constitutional democracy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Use acquired advanced skills and knowledge to advance law enforcement awareness within the community.
  • Reflect upon complex problems in society, seek and consider responsible solutions.
  • Interpret and apply the underlying constitutional values to diverse problems in society.
  • Show advanced awareness and tolerance of diversity and seek harmonising solutions.
  • Deal with conflicting interests within a community, locally, regionally as well as globally.
  • Harmonise conflicting interests arising from horizontal and vertical relationships.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes and applied competence. Students will be required to use appropriate methods and skills to apply detailed knowledge of the policing issues in practical situations and to display the skills required from law enforcement practitioners in a variety of contexts typical of the demands set for postgraduate students. Learning and assessments are integrated. Formative assessment is a continuous and personal process of interaction between lecturers and students. It includes supervision of the dissertation and students will be provided with feedback. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Countries such as Zambia; United States of America; and United Kingdom offers the Masters of Arts in Policing which will be comparable with the MA in Police Science:
    Country: Zambia.
    Institution: University of Africa offers.
    Qualification: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (MCJ).
    The Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (MCJ) provide learners with the competencies required to function at a supervisory and management level within the Criminal Justice (law enforcement) environment. Through achievement of this qualification, managers within the Criminal Justice environment will be able to ensure improved service, professionalism and quality of service delivery thereby contributing to the creation of public trust and providing a safe and secure community environment, which will enhance economic growth. The outcome of this qualification is achieved in any relevant context within the Criminal Justice environment, and specifically includes the public and private police, the prosecuting authority, correctional (prison) and social welfare services. It equips learners to be able to independently manage processes to enhance professionalism of the Criminal Justice System.

    The Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (MCJ) is more vocationally directed, with the emphasis being on practical application of the learning. An example is the content on human resources matters which is not engaged from an academic perspective in terms of psychology and industrial psychology but from the perspective of management.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: Western New England University.
    Qualification: Master of Science in Policing.
    The Master of Science in Policing which provides qualifying learners with the opportunity to develop an educational background that would help them to meet the demands of a changing and challenging career in policing. It also addresses the breadth and depth of police science. The Master's qualification is for learners who want to establish a career in policing or working police professionals who want to acquire advanced academic training in policing. It focuses on learners developing a strong foundation of research and scientific skills to become competent researchers and police practitioners who can generate and apply knowledge to police settings and problems.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of Portsmouth.
    Qualification: Master of Science in Policing Policy and Leadership.
    The Master of Science in Policing Policy and Leadership is designed for police officers and those in related occupations in any country with an interest in developing their knowledge and skills in policing, policy and management, either to enhance their current role or to prepare them for advancement. It has also been designed to be compatible with relevant occupational standards for the police and/or security organisations/services. The qualification examines strategy and tactics around core policing in the context, for example, of policing diverse communities; policing policy and police leadership in the context of police governance and partnerships; and organisational and resource management in the context of operational delivery. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Masters of Arts in Criminology, Level 9.
  • Masters of Arts in Corrections Management, Level 9.
  • Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation
  • Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Police Science, Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    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.