Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners, who do not comply with the minimum institutional admission requirements for access to Diploma or Degree studies in the College of Law, especially in the various fields in Criminal Justice, for access to qualifications at higher levels.

The qualification is intended to introduce learners to the main fields of Criminal Justice theory and practice by imparting systematic knowledge, skills, and theoretical competence within the field to prepare them for more specialised training. It is furthermore the intention of this qualification to deliver graduates who have sound knowledge and the confidence to apply their skills in contemporary society and to enable further study in the College of Law, especially in the various fields in Criminal Justice, or even in other colleges.

Rationale

This qualification provides learners who do not meet the stipulated minimum university requirements, an opportunity to gain access to qualifications offered in the College of Law, especially in the various fields in Criminal Justice.

This qualification also addresses the workplace need for basic knowledge of Criminal Justice issues. The majority of learners who aspire to this qualification are likely to be those already employed in the criminal justice system. The qualification will, therefore, give them the opportunity to develop skills and acquire vital knowledge that is essential for successful execution of their duties.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification through RPL; the institution's RPL policy guides this process. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process. The learner can be granted access to the qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirements

To gain access to this qualification learners require one of the following

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education Institution.
• A Senior Certificate issued prior to 2008.
• An appropriate Further Education and Training Certificate or equivalent.

This qualification comprises 10 compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits (12 Credits each)

• English for Academic Purposes.
• Academic Literacy.
• End-User Computing.
• Introduction to Criminology: Crime, Criminals and Criminal Behaviour.
• Basic Language Skills in at least one of the official languages.
• Forensic Methods and Techniques.
• Crime Prevention Principles for Policing Module 1.
• Social Dimensions of Justice.
• Introduction to Corrections Science.
• Security Principles and Practices.

1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the core areas of criminal justice.
2. Communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in written or signed form, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications.
3. Demonstrate the ability for further Higher Education studies in an open distance learning (ODL) environment in criminal justice disciplines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, general principles, rules and theories of the criminal justice disciplines is demonstrated.
• An awareness of how knowledge or a knowledge system develops and evolves within criminal justice disciplines is demonstrated.
• Identify, evaluate and solve defined, routine and new problems within a familiar context, and apply solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures or other forms of explanation appropriate to criminal justice disciplines demonstrating an understanding of the consequences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Academic writing skills are used to produce well-written and communicative documentation.
• Texts are interpreted and responded to in writing in a range of contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• General computer skills are demonstrated.
• Standard methods, procedures or techniques are selected and applied within criminal justice disciplines.
• An implementation process within a well-defined, familiar and supported environment is planned and managed.
• Prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices applicable to criminal justice disciplines are taken account of and applied. Guidance on ethical and professional issues are sought where necessary.
• Information from a range of sources is gathered, to select information appropriate to the task, and basic processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation are applied to information.
• Critical self-assessment that reflects an awareness of taking responsibility for own activities, ethical behaviour and continued personal development in the field of criminal justice is undertaken.
• Reasoning reflects an acceptable social sensitivity in the learner's relationships and interactions with others in the criminal justice and other work environments.

Integrated Assessment

To be awarded the qualification, a learner must achieve each of the compulsory modules and must demonstrate the ability to engage in these fields of criminal justice in an integrative way, dealing with divergent demands related to these work operations, effectively. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the purpose of the qualification as a whole at the time of the award of the qualification.