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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Police Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97680  Bachelor of Arts Honours 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
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 purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with managerial skills and enhance their expertise as professionals in the law enforcement sector. On the completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Develop a strategic management plan to optimise use of resources in a law enforcement environment.
  • Critically assess the impact of leadership and strategic management of a law enforcement environment.
  • Analyse and enhance service excellence of law enforcement processes.
  • Develop an integrated plan to optimise policing.
  • Conduct research in the realm of law enforcement.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Police Science is designed to provide learners with in-depth, specialised knowledge and managerial skills required in the law enforcement sector. This qualification will enable learners to consolidate knowledge capacity, research and expertise in order to deepen their managerial skills to execute tasks in a variety of context. This qualification will address the workplace-based needs of the Police Law Enforcement sector that relate to managerial competencies. The sector will benefit from this qualification by developing middle to senior level management skills to enhance the functioning of the law enforcement agencies through service excellence and efficient resource management. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the institution's RPL Policy.

    The institution's RPL office can supply full details of processes and procedures relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence will be evaluated according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree or equivalent. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.
  • Crime Prevention Principles for Policing IV, 24 Credits.
  • Investigation Principles for Policing IV, 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology in Criminal Justice, 12 Credits.
  • Research Proposal in Police Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Research Article in Police Science, 24 Credits.
  • Public Policy Management IV, 24 Credits.
  • Strategic Public Management IV, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a strategic management plan to optimise use of resources in a law enforcement environment.
    2. Critically assess the impact of leadership and strategic management of a law enforcement environment.
    3. Analyse and enhance service excellence of law enforcement processes.
    4. Develop an integrated plan to optimise policing.
    5. Conduct research in the realm of law enforcement. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Strategic management skills are applied to align the objectives of the law enforcement organisation with national government resource directives.
  • Methods of enhancing transparency and ethical behaviour associated with the allocation of resources are included in the plan.
  • Law enforcement capabilities are maximised through allocation of available resources.
  • Strategies are included in the strategic management plan that are in line with organisational and government guidelines to ensure transformation in resource management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The inter-relationship of leadership and strategic management is analysed in order to determine its effectiveness in implementing command and control with the law enforcement environment.
  • Personal leadership styles for different situations are evaluated to determine effectiveness and consistency within the parameters of national and governmental aims and objectives.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of team members are evaluated in order to provide a basis for maximising the potential of each individual team member and the team as a whole to achieve operational objectives.
  • Leadership theories are evaluated to determine leadership styles that are applicable to given situations and established best practices in the field.
  • The influence of leadership in politics is analysed in terms of the potential impact on law enforcement policies, procedures and operations.
  • The inter-relationship of leadership and strategic management is analysed in order to determine its effectiveness in implementing command and control within the law enforcement environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Existing quality systems are evaluated against the broader concept of quality and relevant quality models for their potential to deliver benefits to the law enforcement environment.
  • Decisions on the implementation of a suitable quality management system are made, based on a detailed cost-benefit analysis and the consideration of the consequences of not implementing a quality management system.
  • A plan for the implementation of a suitable quality management system within the organisation is developed in line with project management principles, quality controls, policies and procedures.
  • A client service strategy to enhance the corporate image of the organisation is developed in line with organisational and national government initiatives.
  • Service delivery levels are evaluated and the implementation plan is amended as necessary to align service levels with existing service standards.
  • The value of an organisation-wide client service mindset is evaluated in terms of its impact on the execution of law enforcement operations and the corporate image of the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Governmental or organisational strategies are analysed in order to develop an implementation plan for policing in a given situation.
  • Policing functions are evaluated in terms of their potential strengths and weaknesses and selected to represent the most suitable operational plan and contingency plans.
  • A risk management plan is developed that minimises the impact of obstacles encountered during implementation of the plan.
  • Resources are allocated to the selected plan in order to adhere to the allocated budget.
  • Stakeholder roles, responsibilities and requirements are integrated in the plan to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach in the law enforcement environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Research methodologies are analysed for their relevance to the specific research topic.
  • A research proposal is formulated which identifies a problem related to law enforcement issues.
  • Research is conducted in accordance with the research proposal and prescribed ethical principles using the applicable/relevant research methodology.
  • Findings, conclusions and recommendations presented are relevant to the research proposal, and consistent with supporting data.
  • The research report is drawn up to comply with the organisation's format requirements. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Western Sydney in Australia offers a Bachelor of Policing qualification. This qualification is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of law enforcement personnel. The aim of this qualification is to assist and prepare participants to be able to undertake independent critical reflection on policing policy and practice, and apply the results of research in policing to professional practice. It also challenges participants to critically and independently analyse their work practices and decisions, particularly in regard to current and emerging police practice.

    The University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom offers a BSc (Honours) in Policing. This qualification aims to build on experience and provide a detailed insight into research and theory behind policing practice. These include debates about issues such as procedural and organisational justice, the implementation of the Code of Ethics, the professionalisation of policing, and the drive for evidence-based practices. Learners undertake research studies to help them develop key research skills while also getting an opportunity to analyse key aspects of policing in depth.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with both universities. All qualifications provide learners with knowledge and insight on policing matters, and enhance management skills. Research forms an integral part of the studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Policing at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Policing Practice at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Technology in Policing at NQF 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.
     
    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.