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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97166  Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First 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 07  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice prepares learners for a multidisciplinary career path in an international spheres/market and within South African government entities and private sectors such as South African Police Services, Correctional Services, and the Hawks, and other local law enforcement agencies. This promotes learners' attitudes to advance their studies towards Law, Policing, and Criminology.

The purpose of the qualification is to offer an innovative and broad education to respond to the Fourth Industrial Revolution job market and further develops well-rounded criminal graduates with:
  • Ability to define, describe, and critically assess the theory and practical application of victimology and criminal victimisation in a criminal justice context, considering, in particular, the impact throughout the process on the status of the victim;
  • Capabilities to apply innovative techniques to respond or address current criminal activities and the nature of the scientific investigation in the policing (detective) industry;
  • Competent in critically evaluating theories of gendered criminal victimisation and provide examples of its targeted application within the justice system;
  • Ability to apply the above appropriately to academic, professional, and career contexts; and
  • Capacity to be accountable and take responsibility in academic, professional, and relevant societal contexts.

    Rationale:
    The South African government's approach to Criminal Justice is contained in the overarching 1996 National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), which, to some extent, still guides activities in the Criminal Justice sector. The 1998 White Paper on Safety and Security, White paper on Corrections in terms of Act 111 of 1996, together with the Department of Justice's vision 2000 document, have built on this framework strategy. However, it is the operational plans of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the availability of funds from the national treasury, which have the most impact on the development of government crime prevention programme.

    The South African Criminal Justice System is divided into three spheres, Police, Courts, and Corrections. Therefore, the qualification offered by this institution caters for all spheres. Learners are exposed to the whole range of the justice system because the qualification's structure fully captures Public Law aspects than other tertiary institutions. Learners who complete this qualification are recruited by the Department of Home Affairs under the immigration unit. The South African Police Services recruits learners under different units such as Detectives or Public Order Policing, while courts require Criminologists. The Department of Correctional Services recruits the learners from the institution to facilitate Offender Rehabilitation Path (ORP) and Parole Board administration.

    This qualification benefits learners, the society, and the economy of the country. These broad fields or areas of specialisation from this qualification improve government entities' operations such as crime reduction, deportations of illegal immigrants, offender rehabilitation and release. This reduces government expenditure and reduces crime and poverty rates.

    The concerns of social development, economic development, and human capital production and producing 'capable, critical, and ethical citizens' echo some of the concerns of discipline and modules. The aim of 'the 'development of the African continent' is also the institution's aim. It is this alignment that shaped the development and formulation of this qualification. In addition, several stakeholders within the broader institution such as staff members from the School of Law, Library Services were consulted to provide support and relevant updated policies where necessary. Externally, the Provincial Department of Safety and Security, Correctional Services, and the South African Police Services were consulted. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The admission of learners via prior learning is according to the institution's official Policy on Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as contained in the institution's calendar which falls in line with SAQA RPL requirement for prior learning, particularly those learners who have working experience in the law and are equipped to successfully complete the qualification.

    Access through RPL and/or credit exemption through RPL is to be determined and explained in providers' RPL policy documents.

    Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning:
    An applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal qualification in question, but who can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through an assessment designed by the institution to which application is made, that she/he has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to this qualification. After such assessment, an applicant is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable qualification prior to admission, or to parallel qualifications after admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Fundamental Criminology, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamental Policing: National and International Perspectives, 12 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to theory of law, 11 Credits.
  • Fundamental Criminology: Individual Crime Studies, 12 Credits.
  • Policing Studies: Introduction to Functional Policing, 12 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills for Law Students, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Theory of Law, 11 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Criminology: Youth Offending, 12 Credits.
  • Policing Studies: Community Policing, 12 Credits.
  • Criminal Law, 13 Credits.
  • Interpretation of Statutes, 11 Credits.
  • Victimology, 12 Credits.
  • Criminology: Crime Prevention, 12 Credits.
  • Policing Studies: Introduction to Forensic Investigation, 12 Credits.
  • Criminal Law, 13 Credits.
  • Human Rights Law, 12 Credits.
  • Medical Jurisprudence, 11 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Criminology: The Application of Criminological and Victimological Theories in the Analysis of Crime, 12 Credits.
  • Policing Studies: Police Administration and Management, 12 Credits.
  • Penology, 12 Credits.
  • Criminal Procedure, 12 Credits.
  • Law of Evidence, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Procedure, 12 Credits.
  • Criminology: Research Methods in Criminology, 12 Credits.
  • Policing Studies: Reactive Policing, 12 Credits.
  • Criminal Procedure, 12 Credits.
  • Law of Evidence, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Procedure, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of criminology and policing disciplines or practices, including an understanding and application of basic concepts.
    2. Apply knowledge of Criminology and Policing Sciences during court proceedings as criminologists or detectives and methodologies to solve well-established criminal activities in the community.
    3. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the field of Criminology and Policing. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and principles of generic policing and criminological principles.
  • Differentiate between crime and criminal, judicial, and non-judicial definition of crime.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Display familiarity with court proceedings as criminologist approaches and their merits and demerits.
  • Apply correct procedures to resolve ethical dilemmas.
  • Employ criminological and policing principles to explain reasons for decisions and actions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Define basic concepts in criminology.
  • Capacity to interpret public perceptions of crime.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the role of each structure in the criminal justice system.
  • Investigate theory integration towards a multidimensional approach.
  • Analyse International developments and International protocols on victims' rights.
  • Discuss patterns of victimisation.
  • Assess the Interactions between crime victims and the justice system.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of assessment methods and types, including summative and formative assessment, is used. Assessment opportunities occur regularly throughout the course of study.

    Examples of formative and summative assessments are:
  • Class discussion exercise/presentations;
  • Oral question and answer sessions on the various criminological aspects;
  • Portfolios summarising major criminological and policing theories covered, which will be assessed by the lecturer;
  • Role-playing and group exercise in class involving a victim, offender, and a victimologist assessed by peers; and
  • Individual essays to critically assess a current criminological and policing issue of their choice and the criminal justice approach being taken to resolve it.

    Work Integrated Learning (WIL):
    The Department of Criminal Justice is in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant stakeholders such as the SAPS, Correctional Services, and the Department of Community Safety. These stakeholders are found to be relevant in ensuring the implementation of WIL. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The proposed qualification shares the same value with the University of Maryland in the United States of America. Both institutions intend to produce learners who can able to demonstrate an understanding of the three pillars of the Criminal Justice System, such as courts, policing, and corrections. The USA is recognised as one of the developed countries or amongst the best in terms of Criminal Justice System. It is very important to highlight/indicate that these two institutions demonstrated similar programme learning outcomes. The following international qualifications were found to be comparable with this qualification.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Maryville University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Criminology

    The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/ Criminology is comparable to this qualification mainly due to its double major nature and some common modules. Common modules are criminal law and procedure, psychology, crime prevention, policing, forensic science, human rights, criminology, and research. The duration of the Degree is also three years. The specified study areas are covered by the proposed qualification.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Franciscan University of Steubenville
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

    Although this Degree is a BSC, and is offered over four instead of three years, it compares very well with this qualification in that both share common modules in police management and administration, probation, and parole, law of evidence, forensic law and juvenile delinquency, human rights, policing, criminal law psychology and research. These areas a covered by the proposed qualification.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Canterbury
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ)

    The duration of: Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is 3 years and it compares very well with this qualification in that it has modules in enforcement, rehabilitation, and improvement, criminology, developmental and behavioural psychology, policing, criminal law and procedure, crime and justice, prisons and corrections, forensic science, research and human rights. These areas are covered by the proposed qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Leeds University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Criminal Justice

    The duration of Bachelor of Criminal Justice is three years and its focus areas which compare well to the this qualification in foundations of law, criminology, psychology, public law, criminal law and procedure, policing, corrections, sociology and sociology of crime, victimology, and crime prevention.

    Country: Scotland
    Institution: University of the West of Scotland
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

    This is a three-year qualification which leads to an Honours qualification in the fourth year. The Degree is comparable with this qualification in that it focuses on police and prison services, criminal courts, criminal justice services, restorative justice and mediation, community safety, working with offenders, victims and witnesses, criminal justice research and criminal law. These areas are also a core part of the proposed qualification.

    Country: Northern Ireland
    Institution: Ulster University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

    This qualification is offered in three years (Criminology minor Degree), with the fourth-year culminating in an Honours Degree. It also compares very well with this qualification in terms of areas of focus. The common areas of focus are key criminological concepts, theoretical approaches, criminological research, the criminal justice system and the political, social and economic context within which it operates. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminal Justice, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of Venda 


    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.