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

Diploma in Criminal Justice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91806  Diploma in Criminal Justice 
ORIGINATOR
BETTER BEST EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS PTY LTD 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  374  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2019-02-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-02-14   2024-02-14  

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 intention of the qualification is to:
  • Promote the development of knowledge, skills and values that are a prerequisite in the private and public policing field.
  • Assist learners to realise their full potential in this field.
  • Provide opportunities for people to progress to levels of recognition and possible progression to higher levels of learning within the safety and security industry.
  • Contribute to the professionalising of private and public law enforcement.
  • Provide a qualification that would assist industry leaders to establish a clear career path for law enforcement practitioners.

    The qualification will also facilitate access to, mobility and progression within education and training as well as progression for learners who:
  • Were previously disadvantaged or who were unable to complete their schooling and were therefore denied access to Continuing Education and Training.
  • Have worked in the security industry or related field for many years, but have not obtained a formal qualification.
  • Wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of this field of study so that they can become competent law enforcement officials.

    Rationale:
    Criminal justice, with reference to law enforcement officials is a demanding career requiring exceptional skills and knowledge. This qualification is directed at the private security industry as well as the broader field of policing. Security and risk management, although there are many generic issues, distinguishes itself from related fields of study such as social control, the criminal justice system and community safety, to warrant independent study.

    Security and risk control practices are fast becoming a specialised field of study in safety and security in South Africa. Law enforcement investigators, analysts and response officers should be able to manage the primary and secondary functions within the sphere of policing in the public and private policing environment. Learners will be required to integrate this required core knowledge in society and effectively execute their functions. There is definitive escalating demand for professionally trained, practically orientated and knowledgeable law enforcement officers.

    Private policing (security) is by far the largest sector in terms of numbers in the broader field of "policing" in South Africa. Indications are that the private law enforcement industry and governmental policing agencies will in future work more closely together in an effort to stem the unacceptable level of crime. It is therefore imperative that the private and public spheres of policing align their qualifications, as many of the issues that impact on the public law enforcement agencies also have a direct influence on the private law enforcement industry.

    This qualification is career directed. Private sector law enforcers are offered the opportunity to enter the field of policing or to establish a private enterprise in the field of security. Apart from following a career as a private or public law enforcement officer, successful learners will also be able to articulate to related fields of study such as criminology and more specifically that of a police, traffic, metropolitan police or security officer. Learners studying towards this qualification will find that the acquisition of the numerous competencies in the qualification will add value to their understanding of any of these sectors and functioning in the work place. It will provide for consolidation of the broad knowledge, skills and values needed in criminal justice.

    This qualification is designed to provide opportunities for the qualifying learner to access positions in:
  • Safety and security.
  • Various sectors within the broader context of policing.

    It is also of benefit to practitioners within the public and private security and law enforcement industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learner is assumed to be competent in the language of learning and teaching and in the general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge accomplished at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph. This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for access to the qualification and can acquire credits for the applicable modules.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Access to this qualification is granted to applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or the alternative routes of entry.

    Applicants who are in possession of:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
  • A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Learners who have attained the age of 23, have work experience and are competent in English can access the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 374 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5:
  • General Management, 20 Credits.
  • Concepts of Policing 1, 20 Credits.
  • Security Practice 1, 20 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Business Law, 20 Credits.

    Optional modules at NQF Level 5 (choose one):
  • Crime Management, 20 Credits.
  • Criminology and Victimology, 20 Credits.

    Totalling: 120 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Criminal Law 1, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Procedure and Evidence, 20 Credits.
  • Criminal Law 2, 20 Credits.
  • Concepts of Policing 2, 25 Credits.
  • Security Practise 2, 25 Credits.
  • Managing the Patrol Function, 20 Credits.

    Optional modules at NQF Level 6 (choose two):
  • Criminology 2, 20 Credits.
  • Risk Management for Law Enforcement, 20 Credits.
  • Crime Prevention, 20 Credits.
  • Community Policing, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management for Law Enforcement, 20 Credits.

    Totalling: 170 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Security Practise 3, 28 Credits.
  • Crowd Management, 28 Credits.
  • Business Ethics, 28 Credits.

    Totalling: 84 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On achieving this Qualification, the learner will be able to:
  • Communicate effectively in a range of routine and complex public and private sector settings.
  • Utilise knowledge and administrative skills to recognise and pursue public and private sector objectives.
  • Apply the principles of business law responsibly.
  • Apply the principles of individual rights to facilitate the investigation of crime scenes.
  • Recognise and solve public relations and communication problems.
  • Apply sound administrative management principles.
  • Complete projects within agreed time frames and according to budgets and professional standards.
  • Utilise essential managerial skills that lead to informed decision making.
  • Implement information and communication technology practices in a work environment.
  • Contribute meaningfully to corporate social responsibility in an organisation.
  • Facilitate "Batho Pele" principles.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The qualifying learner is to have the ability to:
  • Take decisions and accept responsibility.
  • Communicate effectively, using models, graphic and language skill.
  • Work effectively as member of a team.
  • Collect, organise and critically evaluate information in order to assess the situation correctly.
  • Demonstrate an understanding that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and therefore require a look at any system as a whole. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable to all the Exit Level Outcomes and are assessed in an integrated way across the Outcomes:
  • Identify and solve a range of problems when dealing with crime and the investigation of crime.
  • Define the legislation that impacts on security in both the public and private sectors.
  • Collect and collate information and use it to explain social and criminal justice issues.
  • Work effectively with others as part of a team in the investigation of crime and the restoration of order.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between various stakeholders in the field of safety and security.
  • Identify and use technology effectively and efficiently to improve policing practice with due regard to the environment and the health of others.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that contribute to the causation of crime and how to minimise the impact of these factors.
  • Communicate effectively as a practitioner in the field of safety and security with colleagues and the community.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the role of ethics in a policing context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of inter-related systems and that problem-solving tactics must follow this theory.
  • Indicate the importance of human rights in the South African society.
  • Demonstrate competence in the use of data to identify and solve crime problems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will use both formative and summative assessment to assess the competencies of the learners. This integrated assessment will be in the form of tests, assignments and case studies. All assessment opportunities will be internally and externally moderated. The external moderator will not be an affiliate of the Institute and must at least have a relevant legal degree or an equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A general comparison with similar qualifications internationally revealed that the range of competencies is well articulated worldwide. The qualification compares favourably with these qualifications and should articulate well into qualifications at Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree level. The qualifications also relate well to any of the similar qualifications offered at institutions of higher learning within SADC countries. Criminal Justice is a well established field of study and a large degree of synergy in the different qualifications is noted.

    A direct comparison of the title, specific outcomes, assessment criteria and embedded knowledge was undertaken with each and the best practice points were highlighted and incorporated.

    This qualification compares favourably with the learning content and purpose of the following qualifications offered internationally:
  • Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice offered by the Open University in the United Kingdom.
  • Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice offered by the Griffiths University in Australia.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice offered by the Griffiths University in Australia.
  • Associate Degree in Criminal Justice offered by Ashford University in the United States.

    Conclusion:
    The overriding similarity between the qualifications listed above and the Diploma in Criminal Justice is that they all seek to improve the knowledge and skills of practitioners in the criminal justice system by:
  • Facilitating capacity building and human resource development in the law enforcement domain.
  • Facilitating the improvement of general management regarding law enforcement across all sectors of government. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications offered by public and private institutions:
  • Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Security Management, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Policing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Metropolitan and Traffic Policing, NQF Level 6.

    The qualification articulates vertically with a variety of qualifications offered at public and private institutions:
  • Bachelor of Policing Practices, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Police Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Community Safety and Socio-legal Studies, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The institution's academic staff unit is responsible for the setting of formative and summative assessment tools. The marking of assignments, projects and examinations must be carried out in accordance with the pre-determined assessment criteria. Assessment marks will be moderated and verified by sampling done by an external moderator. Moderation is executed in terms of the Institution's internal policy directives. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must have:
  • A qualification in the related field which is at NQF Level 7 or above.
  • At least 5 years' lecturing experience in the field. 
    		•

    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. BETTER BEST EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    2. Nated Studies South Africa - Mokopane (Pty) Ltd/NSSA (Previously known as Better Best Educational Projects (Pty) Ltd) 
    3. Nated Studies South Africa - Tzaneen (Pty) Ltd/NSSA (Previously known as Better Best Educational Projects (Pty) Ltd) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.