Bachelor of Arts Honours in Penology

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Penology is to provide qualifying learners with systematic knowledge, specialised skills, theoretical and practical competence focusing on penology within a correctional services environment and in a wider interdisciplinary framework of the criminal justice system.

The qualification will also give learners in-depth knowledge and the confidence to identify and address complex problems and to apply their skills in finding solutions to those problems, especially within a correctional and rehabilitative criminal justice setting. Also, the qualification will equip learners with the necessary practical skills to address specific problems or challenges in a correctional and penological setting.

Rationale

To provide learners with an in-depth knowledge of the field of penology and correctional management and all issues related to this discipline and typical learners come from rural settings that have a aery good chance to be employed in the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, which include rural prisons and correctional centres spread all over South Africa. Rehabilitated youth can also be employed in Law Enforcement Environment or government departments.

The learning pathway is in a field of safety and security and this qualification enables the learners to enhance their careers or studies in any other related field like prison services, police, courts, private security, military and crime related law enforcement.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the purpose of admission to university study. Prior learning will be recognised in the form of properly certified qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. Appropriate professional qualifications, as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application may also be considered.

Learners are admitted in terms of the rules governing selection for Postgraduate studies which states that: "An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of Postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of the institution. Learners will have to use the institution's procedure, which are approved at various university levels". Assessment of all learners must be endorsed by the relevant body for approval prior to registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelors' Degrees at NQF Level 7 in Safety and Security related environment.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8: 80.

• Fundamental Penology, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 40 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8: 40 Credits (Choose/select any two modules).

• Penitentiary Penology, 20 Credits.
• Judicial Penology, 20 Credits.
• Community-based Penology, 20 Credits.

1. Design and conduct research in his or her area of specialisation Qualitative and quantitative data within the area of Penology are understood and applied.
2. Articulate an understanding of the area of Penology at a high level of abstraction.
3. Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of dissemination of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1

• Understand and apply qualitative and quantitative data within the area of Penology.
• Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research study under supervision.
• Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2

• Apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems.
• Apply theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 3

• Show an advanced understanding of the principles and practices underlying penological issues is shown.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relevant legislation related to penology.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and functions of the correctional officials in a penological environment.
• Write a meaningful article on penological issues.