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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Policing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96886  Doctor of Policing 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 purpose of the Doctor of Policing is to advance knowledge and make an original contribution through independent research within academic and professional contexts in the safety and security environment. The qualification aims to develop learners ' in-depth, advanced discipline-specific skills and applied competence in police science, enabling continued intellectual growth, productive engagement in the criminal justice sector, and meaningful contributions to the safety and security of society.

Candidates are encouraged to undertake research on topics that expand understanding in policing and criminal justice, producing high-level, original contributions to the field. The qualification equips graduates to develop evidence-based policies, evaluate risks and opportunities in the criminal justice environment, and apply legal, ethical, and professional principles to decision-making. Graduates are also prepared to integrate management and leadership theories while conducting independent research to address complex challenges in safety and security.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the field of study and mastery of research skills and methods.
  • Conceive, design, implement, and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity.
  • Contribute through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge, including work suitable for national or international refereed publication.
  • Apply critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
  • Communicate effectively with peers, the scholarly community, and society about areas of expertise.

    The Doctor of Policing provides the skills and expertise necessary to generate new knowledge that supports national priorities, including the objectives of Chapter 12 of the South African National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, which aims to create an environment in which people in South Africa feel safe at home, on the streets, in schools, at work, and in public spaces, free from the fear of crime.

    Rationale:
    The Doctor of Policing is designed to meet the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and to provide articulation for learners across the broader fields of policing, municipal policing, safety in society, and criminal justice. The Doctor of Policing is intended for professionals who aim to make an original contribution to knowledge through advanced research in the safety and security environment or criminal justice sector.

    The primary aim of the Doctor of Policing is to develop candidates' capacity to undertake research at the highest academic level, culminating in the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a thesis that demonstrates originality and scholarly rigour. Coursework is not a requirement for this qualification, as it does not contribute to the credit value, and the defining characteristic of the qualification is the demonstration of advanced research capability at a professional level. Doctoral research must be of a standard suitable for peer review, publication, and dissemination within the broader fields of policing, municipal policing, criminal justice, and public sector management.

    Candidates are expected to engage with diverse research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, and to critically analyse research designs, methods, results, and conclusions. At NQF Level 10, learners are encouraged to share their research findings with national and international peers through accredited journals and scholarly forums, thereby contributing to the global body of knowledge in policing and criminal justice.

    Graduates of the Doctor of Policing will be equipped to assume leadership roles as research supervisors, senior managers, or top executives within policing organisations, municipal safety departments, and other public or private sector safety and security environments. They will possess advanced knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to lead initiatives aimed at enhancing safety at local, national, and international levels. The overarching purpose of the qualification is to promote empirical research that strengthens the safety and security of societies globally. 
    		•

    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 to Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements .RPL for a research Doctorate degree is limited access and not to provide exemption or credits towards the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
  • An appropriate master's degree in the field of Policing, or an equivalent qualification from an accredited South African university, with an average of at least 60%. Holders of any other equivalent South African or international qualification may also be considered.

    RULES OF COMBINATION
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10, totalling 360 credits. Learners must complete all the compulsory modules and achieve all the required credits to be awarded the Doctor of Policing.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Thesis: Policing,9, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the field of study and mastery of research skills and methods.
    2. Conceive, design, implement, and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity.
    3. Contribute through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge, including work suitable for national or international refereed publication.
    4. Apply critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
    5. Communicate effectively with peers, the scholarly community, and society about areas of expertise.
    6. Promote technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society within academic and professional contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Illustrate expertise and critical knowledge at the forefront of policing and criminal justice.
  • Conceptualise new research initiatives and develops original knowledge or practice.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and theory to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate knowledge literacy by contributing to scholarly debates and theoretical frameworks in policing and criminal justice.
  • Develop and apply new methods, techniques, processes, systems, or technologies in innovative ways.
  • Independently manages research processes, ensuring integrity and academic rigor.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Produce substantial, independent, and publishable research meeting international standards.
  • Generate significant new insights, ideas, or solutions in policing, criminal justice, or safety and security.
  • Develop communication strategies to disseminate research and defend findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse incomplete or complex information/data to develop innovative solutions or insights.
  • Synthesise theoretical and practical knowledge to address advanced problems in the field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate research, strategic initiatives, and policy recommendations clearly and effec-tively.
  • Apply the full resources of academic and professional discourse to engage diverse audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    Apply understanding of complex systems and the ability to design, sustain, and manage systemic change.
  • Illustrate leadership, intellectual independence, and accountability in research and professional practice.
  • Identify and manages ethical issues, advancing processes of ethical decision-making and evaluating consequences.

    Integrated Assessment
    Integrated assessment:
    Applied competence is understood as the learners 'ability to integrate concepts, ideas and actions in authentic, real-life contexts; the assessment of which is unpacked into assessment of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. A research project will be employed to display applied competence.

    Formative assessment implies being supportive to learning, via supervision that is non-judgemental and focused on providing constructive feedback and criticism to the learner, this takes place during the learning process and informs planning of future learning activities.

    Summative assessment implies external assessment to be mainly concerned with summing up the learning process and therefore usually takes place at the end of the relevant learning process. A summative panel evaluation of the thesis will be implemented.
    Finalised thesis, colloquium with peer evaluation and supported by assessors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Doctor of Policing qualification has been compared with doctoral qualifications in policing and related fields offered in the United Kingdom and Australia. In the United Kingdom, the qualification offered by University College London (UCL) is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminology and Policing, while the University of Leicester offers a PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In Australia, a similar qualification is offered by Griffith University, namely the PhD in Policing Studies. These international doctoral qualifications are well-regarded and aligned with global higher education standards, ensuring the comparability and quality of advanced research training in the policing discipline.

    These specific qualifications were selected for comparison because the institutions are internationally recognised for their research excellence, academic rigour, and contribution to the development of policing as both a practice and a field of study. The United Kingdom is widely regarded for its progressive approach to criminology and policing, integrating theory and practice to produce graduates who are prepared for leadership and research roles. Similarly, Australia, and particularly Griffith University, has established itself as a leader in applied policing research, producing graduates who contribute significantly to policy development, operational effectiveness, and academic scholarship.

    In terms of purpose, the international doctoral qualifications, like the Doctor of Policing, are designed to produce highly skilled researchers and leaders who can contribute to evidence-based policing and policy. The South African qualification is comparable in that it seeks to strengthen academic scholarship in policing while also addressing the contextual challenges within the South African criminal justice environment. However, the South African qualification distinguishes itself by placing a strong emphasis on localised issues such as community safety, transformation within the policing sector, and responsiveness to crime prevention and law enforcement challenges unique to the country.

    With respect to entry requirements, the international qualifications typically require a master's degree in a relevant discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience, along with a research proposal and academic references. The South African Doctor of Policing similarly requires a relevant master's degree, ensuring alignment with international norms and supporting global mobility of graduates.

    Regarding curriculum content and learning outcomes, the international programmes are primarily research-focused, requiring candidates to undertake independent, original research culminating in a doctoral thesis assessed by external examiners. The South African qualification mirrors this research-driven approach but includes stronger alignment to local policing policies and legislative frameworks, ensuring relevance to domestic law enforcement priorities while still meeting global academic standards.

    In terms of assessment, all the qualifications compared rely on rigorous external examination of the thesis, ensuring the quality and credibility of the research produced. Opportunities for publication and participation in international research projects are common across these qualifications, with the South African qualification equally encouraging research dissemination and contribution to academic discourse.

    When comparing duration, the international qualifications generally range from three to four years of full-time study, similar to the South African Doctor of Policing. The balance between independent research and academic supervision is also consistent across the qualifications, though the South African qualification includes structured support to guide research that addresses pressing local policing issues.

    In terms of articulation, these international doctoral qualifications provide graduates with pathways into academia, policy development, and leadership roles in policing and security sectors. Similarly, the Doctor of Policing in South Africa supports vertical and horizontal articulation within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and ensures that graduates are equipped to engage in collaborative research and policy formulation both locally and internationally.

    Finally, the Doctor of Policing qualification offered in South Africa compares favourably with similar doctoral qualifications in the United Kingdom and Australia. It aligns with global standards in terms of entry requirements, research intensity, assessment processes, and duration. At the same time, it maintains a unique focus on South Africa's policing context, ensuring that graduates are prepared not only for international mobility and recognition but also to make significant contributions to addressing local policing and safety challenges. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
    Successful graduates of the Doctor of Policing may progress vertically by pursuing postdoctoral research fellowships (PDRFs) or engaging in other advanced research opportunities within the fields of policing, criminal justice, or related disciplines. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External moderation for all exit levels. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    (a) Experience:
    Assessors must have at least 10 years relevant experience. Experience as researchers also essential.

    (b) Qualifications:
    Assessors must have at least a doctorate. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.