Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

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.

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.

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.

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 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.