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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Doctor: Criminology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49064  Doctor: Criminology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Criminology and Criminal Justice 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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:

This qualification will enable learners to create original embedded knowledge and become specialists in a specific field of criminology that will enable them to explore a variety of critical issues and suggest solutions relating to deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation in order to enhance safety in society.

Learners acquiring this qualification will have obtained the skills to:
  • Demonstrate expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Produce original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Develop in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conduct a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstrate expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Develop knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.


    Rationale:

    The aim of this qualification is to further deepen learners' knowledge of deviance, conflict, crime and victimization so as to create embedded knowledge, which will enable them to make an original contribution to creating and maintaining safety in society. Criminological research plays a major role in the development of society, by producing new knowledge to deal effectively and creatively with deviance, crime, conflict and victimisation in terms of the principles of human rights as set out in the Bill of Rights of the SA Constitution and any other relevant national, regional and international guidelines/conventions. Learners completing this qualification will be able to apply their expertise in a diverse manner in the social, corporate and environmental sphere and in the criminal justice system. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification should be able to:
  • Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate written as well as spoken texts.
  • Read, analyse and respond to a variety of texts.
  • Write for a wide range of contexts.
  • Communicate what they have learned coherently, accurately and comprehensively in the required medium of instruction.
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and progress.
  • Evaluate their own performance against given criteria.
  • Search for, access, organise and interpret information at the level of the qualification.
  • Design, plan and execute a research project independently.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The structure of this Non-Unit Standard based Qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • For accelerated access to further learning.
  • Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.

    All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education, Training, Quality, and Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor. Because the standards are only core and fundamental, these standards may have been acquired in a range of economic sectors and these will be recognizes as appropriate.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners wishing access to this qualification must have successfully completed a Masters Degree in Criminology, Social Science or Victimology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All Exit Level Outcome are compulsory. Research is embedded in this qualification and the candidate will earn this qualification on completion of a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation, in which all the Exit Level Outcomes are addressed. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.

    2. Produce original knowledge in the field of crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities and contradictions in the knowledge base.

    3. Develop in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.

    4. Conduct a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.

    5. Demonstrate expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.

    6. Develop knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    e.g. This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstarting expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstarting expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.

    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstarting expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstarting expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities.

    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Demonstrating expert and advanced knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Producing original knowledge in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation and deal creatively with complexities in the knowledge base.
  • Developing in-depth solutions to specialized areas of concern in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional and international levels.
  • Conducting a research project demonstrating the ability to identify, analyse and address specific area(s) of interest.
  • Demonstarting expertise and leadership in a specific area of the field.
  • Developing knowledge in order to create entrepreneurial possibilities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • A thorough acquaintance is demonstrated of local, national and international academic literature relevant to the topic.
  • A clear grasp is shown of current scholarly discourse in the field.
  • An ability to synthesise complex expositions is demonstrated in a critical manner.
  • Intellectual independence and analytical skills are demonstrated at specialist level in the field.

    2.
  • Proficiency is demonstrated in the existing knowledge base.
  • Deficiencies are assessed in the current knowledge base.
    > Range: Deficiencies refers to complexities and contradictions.
  • Original knowledge is developed in the field of study.
  • Innovative approaches, perspectives and/or programmes are produced in an independent and ethical manner.

    3.
  • An in-depth understanding is demonstrated of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Specialised areas of interest are identified in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation at local, national, regional, and international levels.
  • Crimino and victimogenic risk factors are critically evaluated in the identified field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Original solutions are created to address deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation risk factors.
  • Roleplayers, resources and strategies are identified to address factors contributing to deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.

    4.
  • A specific area(s) of interest concern is analysed in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Advanced knowledge is demonstrated of research methods.
  • Appropriate research methodology is selected to address the specific area(s) of concern.
  • The ability to conduct a research project independently is demonstrated.
  • Ethical standards are applied in the collection, analysis, interpretation and representation of data on the identified areas of interest.
  • Problem-solving strategies are identified to address the identified area of interest.
  • Areas are identified and recommended that warrant further research.

    5.
  • Expertise is demonstrated in a specific chosen field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • In-depth understanding is demonstrated of the complexity of specific deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation problems.
  • Intellectual independence, advanced analytical skills and critical awareness are demonstrated of specific deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation problems.
  • Resources, projects and programmes to enhance safety and justice in society are managed innovatively, constructively, and ethically.

    6.
  • Entrepreneurial solutions are identified in the field of deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Entrepreneurial solutions to specific deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation problems are developed at local, national, regional and international levels and are innovative, critical, constructive, and ethical.
  • Appropriate resources and strategies are assessed in terms of their entrepreneurial possibilities.
  • Strategies are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed entrepreneurial solutions.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Exit Level Outcomes should be integrated.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Exit Level Outcomes and Embedded Knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Best Practice:

    In 2007 the International Society of Criminology also indicated broad academic guidelines, after consultation with members of its national executive who are internationally represented, to enhance the academic status of criminology. These international guidelines and standards will be the main source of comparison for the Doctorate in Criminology qualification.

    The United Kingdom criminology benchmarks were developed in 2006 by the British Society of Criminology in collaboration with the National Quality Assurance Framework and are now in the process of being registered. Input was obtained from the UK's 59 universities, the American Society of Criminology and the European Society of Criminology.

    Since 2005 the United States of America and the United Kingdom have developed uniform benchmarks and standards for criminology qualifications and the European Council is also currently in the process of developing such benchmarks and guidelines in collaboration with the European Society of Criminology.

    The United States of America standards were developed by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences as a voluntary certification process and finalised in October 2005.

    Other sources used were the 14th International Criminology Conference organised by the International Society of Criminology, held in Pennsylvania, United States of America on 7-12 august 2005 (held every three years) and accredited criminology journals.

    The International Society of Criminology:

    The International Society of Criminology advocates a strong emphasis on research to advance criminology's contribution to a safe and secure society. Human rights and professional ethics are regarded as important when developing/evaluating, deviance, conflict, crime theories/perspectives, crime reduction/prevention programmes, victimisation services and support programmes and criminal justice policies. They have also indicated the following as focus areas where criminologists can play a leading role: punishment (including diversion programmes), the prevention and reduction of crime, juvenile delinquency and justice, victims of crime and restorative justice. They emphasise that criminology is a theoretical and empirical science with a number of career paths in the criminal justice system and the corporate sphere. Workplace experience and internships are strongly advocated.

    The South African Doctorate of Criminology includes all the academic guidelines proposed by the International Society of Criminology.

    United Kingdom Benchmarks:

    The British Society of Criminology developed academic benchmarks for B.Criminology and Honours Degrees in 2006. No benchmarks were developed for a Masters or Doctor in Criminology. United Kingdom universities provide qualifications with a broad formative component in the humanities/social sciences and then specialising in criminology. Most provide for specialisation in criminology at Honours level. Criminology qualifications are four year qualifications and it has both a theoretical and an empirical content making provision for a number of career paths in the criminal justice system and at corporate level.

    The benchmarks are regarded as minimum standards which supply a knowledge base for a number of vocations and workplace experience and internships should form part of the training period. It also stipulates a number of skills, such as the cognitive ability to evaluate evidence, gathering and retrieving data, making ethical judgments, reasoned arguments, interpreting research data and evidence, informing policy, management skills, etc.

    The benchmarks do not map specific modules or learning outcomes but provide a framework for providers within which whole programmes can be developed.

    In brief the following guidelines are given:

    Describe key concepts and theoretical approaches within criminology; identify evidence based theories; identify political and social processes of victimisation and criminalisation; describe different police cultures, trends in policing in a diverse society, youth and criminal justice practices; identify different research strategies and methods; identify an appropriate strategy for specific research problems; recognise the ethical dimensions of research; describe and interpret crime and victimisation; describe quantitative and qualitative research methods and data collection; undertake basic analysis; identify ethically appropriate action; present conclusions in an appropriate scientific format; identify and select appropriate programmes to deal with crime and victimisation problems; recommend appropriate policy to deal with crime, victimisation, criminalisation, responses to crime and deviance. Work experience placements or internships in relevant organisations are furthermore recommended.

    Individual information received further indicated a greater focus on ethnic minority conflict.

    The South African Doctorate of Criminology includes most of these guidelines.

    The Institute of Criminology, Cambridge University, the University of Oxford and the University of Leceister only provide postgraduate qualifications in criminology, i.e. masters and doctoral programmes while Cambridge also provides two diploma programmes in criminology and police management and criminology and penology management which can also lead to a masters qualification on the completion of a dissertation. Entry qualification is a bachelor in social sciences which also includes a number of criminology courses.

    The University of Strathclyde provides a Bachelor majoring in Criminology and a Hons. BA in Criminology as well as a. MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The focus is on deviance, youth justice, crime control and reduction as well as specific types of offences. The South African Masters of Criminology provides a more comprehensive range of issues related to deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation. At the time of comparisons, no doctoral programme in Criminal Justice nor Criminology could be found.

    United States of America Benchmarks:

    The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) developed guidelines and standards for certification purposes. The same benchmarks are given for bachelor and masters qualifications in criminal justice. It recommends that programmes must have sufficient content, breath, depth and coherence and broad learning objectives should be the mastery of knowledge and other areas of enquiry. Learners should be able to apply this knowledge to related problems and changing situations in the field of crime and victimisation. Critical thinking skills, appropriate communication methods, ethical decision-making, understanding of diversity and research skills should be developed.

    The following broad learning outcomes are specified:
  • Administration of justice: the contemporary criminal justice system, forms of social control, policies and practices; victimology; juvenile justice; comparative criminal justice.
  • Corrections: history, theory, practice, development of correctional philosophy, incarceration, diversions, community-based corrections, treatment of offenders.
  • Criminological theory: the nature and causes of crime, typologies, offenders and victims.
  • Law adjudication: criminal law, criminal procedures, prosecution, defense, and court procedures and decision-making.
  • Law enforcement: history, theory, practice and legal environment, police organisation, discretion, and subcultures.
  • Research and analytic methods: Quantitative and qualitative, statistical methods, methods for conducting and analysing criminal justice research in a manner appropriate for undergraduate students.

    The South African Doctorate in Criminology broadly conforms to these guidelines with a lesser focus on law enforcement and law adjudication, although incorporated.

    The University of Pennsylvania offers a course work Ph.D. in criminology and explores the frontiers between sociology and demography with medical, legal, neurological, genetic and psychological perspectives on crime and crime prevention. These somewhat positivist explorations begin to unravel the increasing number of unexplained research findings on those frontiers. The Ph.D. degree in criminology is offered to a small and select group of students who have demonstrated an outstanding capacity for independent scholarship in the course of their master's work. Students ordinarily apply to the program after coming to the University for their Master's degrees, or are admitted into a joint Ph.D. program between criminology and one other Graduate Group, highlighting the strong inter-disciplinary nature of the programme. Applicants are not encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program, but rather to apply for the M.A. degree in criminology, on the understanding that only one or two students per year will be able to continue on to the Ph.D. upon completion of the Masters degree.

    The SA Doctorate in Criminology focuses on deviance, conflict and crime and victimisation from a range of perspectives, also other than mainly positivism.

    At the University of San Diego and the American University a B. Justice or B. Criminal Justice is normally the entry requirement for postgraduate studies in criminology. However, at the time of comparison, no doctorate in either criminology or criminal justice was offered.

    The John Jay College indicated that they follow the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences guidelines. The criminology modules focus on factors contributing to crime, e.g. alcohol and drugs, juvenile delinquency, courts, corrections, deviance, crime and society, victimology, evidence-based crime prevention/reduction, quantitative and qualitative research methods and criminal law, cities and crime, violence and institutions, forensic science, white collar and commercial crime. It was further indicated that there is currently a greater focus on the crime of terrorism in the United States of America.

    Canadian Benchmarks:

    Information was obtained from Simon Fraser University. A doctoral programme entails a combination of coursework and doctoral dissertation. At this level a great emphasis is placed on methodological and theoretical issues relating to all of the core areas of the offering. This complies with the South African doctoral programme.

    The University of Montreal offers a MSc Criminology that covers areas such as criminal and deviant behavior; explanations of criminal and deviant behavior; the criminal justice system; criminal law; reactions to crime and deviance; women and criminal justice; research methods in criminology; young offenders and criminal justice, restorative justice; criminal procedure and evidence; human rights and civil liberties; environmental criminology; forensic sciences; professional ethics; indigenous peoples and international law; communities and crime; correctional practices; techniques of crime prevention/reduction; law enforcement; practical fieldwork. The MSc criminology programme entails 15 of the mentioned credits plus an additional research project (a further 30 credits). Although mainly a course work MSc in Criminology, aspects covered fall well within the range of the South African Masters in Criminology programme.

    The Masters programme is a requisite to enroll for the doctoral programme at Montreal University Other than the doctoral qualification at the Simon Fraser University, the doctoral in Criminology offered by Montreal University relies more on the independent research (dissertation) requirement than on course work. For instance, six credits are awarded for the successful completion of compulsory coursework and a further three credits for non-compulsory units. A total of 81 credits are awarded for the successful completion of the dissertation (independent research requirement). This greater emphasis on independent and original research compares well with the South African doctoral programme.

    European Benchmarks:

    The Katolieke University of Leuven in Belgium provides an academic bachelor and a professional bachelor while the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands provides a bachelor qualification. All these programmes provide entry to a Master of Criminology. The masters programme entails coursework, rather than a thesis. The topics covered refer to crime and victimisation theory, penology and criminal justice and research methodology. These topics fall well within the ambit of the SA Masters in Criminology programme. Concerning the doctoral programme the main requirement is as in the case of the South African counter-part, a thesis that entails independent and original research.

    The Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary does not offer undergraduate criminology programmes but criminology is mandatory for law programmes (normally two semester courses) at all Hungarian universities. The programme at the Elte University in Hungary will soon implement a MA in Criminology for graduates in sociology, law and social work. According to the Victimology Society of Serbia no specific qualifications in criminology or victimology are provided in Serbia although a number of basic undergraduate criminology courses are offered in social science qualifications.

    Criminology courses include criminology theories, criminal justice, corrections, victimology, crime and multicultural society, criminology research and ethics, organised crime, alternative intervention strategies, evaluation of anti-crime projects, clinical criminology, writing policy documents. The South African MA Criminology programme accommodates most of these topics and a prospective doctoral student would be able to undertake independent and original research in any of these areas.

    Australian Benchmarks:

    According to the Australian Qualifications Framework candidates typically hold a Masters degree and expected to demonstrate potential to undertake work at this level in the proposed field of study. These requirements compare with the South African doctorate in Criminology. Because candidates hold a range of relevant skills and knowledge, the duration of programs varies. There is a further type of doctoral degree, the higher doctorate, which is awarded to candidates usually possessing a doctoral degree on the basis of an internationally-recognised original contribution to knowledge rather than supervised candidature, often in the context of a substantial association with the conferring institution.

    The Griffith University provides a coursework MA Criminology with the focus on key criminological theories and issues, the role of research, policy development and evaluation. These elements are accommodated within the South African MA programme. The Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) is Griffith's premier research training degree. The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis prepared under supervision that makes an original, significant and extensive contribution to knowledge and understanding in the relevant field of study. These requirements are similar to the South African doctoral qualification in criminology.

    Monash University provides a Master of Arts in Criminology which refers to a research dissertation as in the case of the South African MA Criminology programme. Likewise, the doctoral requirements (original and extensive research) are similar to that of Griffith University and the South African doctoral qualification in criminology. The Master of Arts in Criminology serves as an entry requirement at Monash University.

    New Zealand Benchmarks:

    The Victoria University of Wellington provides criminology as a major for the BA degree and a Hons BA in Criminology. The MA course refers as in the case of its South African counterpart to a research dissertation. Possible topics relate to crime in New Zealand, policing and criminal justice, punishment and modern society, women, crime and social control, state and corporate crime, youth and crime, environmental crime, crime prevention and reduction and terrorism. The South African MA Criminology includes most of these topics, particularly with reference to our domestic context. MA serves as an entry requirement to the Ph.D. programme. The Ph.D. is examined by thesis after a period of a minimum of two to three years of supervised research. The Ph.D. thesis is a major piece of original research. Word length varies according to the nature of each project, but something like 60,000 to 100,000 words is typical. According to the PhD Statute of the Victoria University of Wellington, a Ph.D. thesis 'demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out independent research' and must also be 'a significant contribution to the knowledge or understanding of a field of study'. As was mentioned under the Australian benchmarks, these requirements are similar to the South African doctoral qualification in criminology.

    Asian Benchmarks:

    According to the University of Tokiwa, Japan does not provide criminology qualifications but courses in criminology and victimology are provided in the social science qualifications. A masters and doctoral qualification in victimology (coursework) is also provided (the only in Asia). Topics covered are introduction to criminology and victimology, juvenile delinquency, measuring crime, prevention of crime, victim support/assistance, criminal law and procedure, comparative criminology.

    The Korean Institute of Criminology informed that no formal criminology qualification is provided although learners can major in criminology with a sociology or police administration qualification. A diploma course in criminology and victimology is also provided. Topics include crime and victimisation theories/perspectives, research methods, juvenile delinquency, crime prevention/reduction strategies, probation programmes, police and corrections administration, the criminal justice system.

    The South African B.Criminology includes most of these aspects.

    African Benchmarks:

    Africa does not provide criminology qualifications and criminology courses normally forms part of the legal (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Rwanda) or sociology qualifications (University of Nairobi, Botswana, Tanzania and Makerere, Uganda). Topics include aspects such as, introduction to criminology, crime control theories, criminal behaviour and social control, juvenile delinquency and justice, child abuse, gender and crime, offenders and victims, victimology, sociology of policing, crime investigation, the criminal justice system, community-based crime prevention/reduction, criminal law.

    Summary:

    This qualification, in the context of a Doctors level qualification, is therefore either in line or exceeds recommendations made by international criminology organisations and tertiary institutional content. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation must be available according to the provider's policy while external moderation must be based on accredited/registered external examiners (external to the provider) who should be recognised experts in their field. Both internal and external moderators should have at least a doctoral degree from a recognised tertiary institution. All moderators must be registered with the CHE. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor (internal and external), the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 10 (ten) years' practical, relevant occupational experience.
  • A relevant Qualification at NQF Level 8 or higher.
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Range statements
  • Specialised areas of concern refer to any criminological and/or victimological phenomena that threaten safety and justice in society at local, national, regional and international level.
  • Strategies refer to models, programmes, projects and processes in a specific crime and victimisation context.
  • Roleplayers include representatives of the criminal justice system, and other associated government departments; members of the community and community-based structures; victims; perpetrators and their representatives; witnesses and service providers.
  • Research methodology refers to qualitative and quantitative methods of research, which can take the form of explorative, descriptive or explanatory studies.
  • Information sources include primary and secondary sources of information.
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities/possibilities refer to exploring the possibility of developing and applying a range of new/innovative projects, programmes, and strategies in a commercial manner in order to promote safety and justice in society. 
    		•

    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.