Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigations

Purpose

The intended purpose for the qualification is to provide a fundamental knowledge of the criminal justice process and the principles which govern the investigations and the role of the forensic investigator. The practical skills required to apply the law and procedures pertaining to the efficient execution of a criminal justice and forensic investigation for investigative officers in South African Police Service(SAPS) and Financial Institutions, so that the development of pro-active skills to prevent the occurrence of economic crime by the implementation of specific measures and relevant controls. Development of autonomous and analytical thinking coupled with the ability to flex to the ever changing facets of an investigation and to perpetually update these skills.

Rationale

Qualified learners of this qualification should have advanced knowledge and reflective understanding of and insight into the substantive principles of the subject. Learners will be able to apply the advanced knowledge, practical and professional skills. Demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge required to apply the subject principles. Learners will possess and demonstrate all the values and dispositions required to apply the subject in practice. Learners should further be able to demonstrate problem solving, team ship, self-responsibility skills, research skills, communication skills, technological and environmental literacy. Developing learning skills, Citizenship, Cultural and aesthetic understanding, employment seeking skills and entrepreneurship.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF)-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning students may gain access, or advance placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF)Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5 totalling 128 Credits:

• Criminal law, 40 Credits.
• Economic Crime Investigations, 30 Credits.
• Law of Evidence Criminal Procedure and Constitution, 40 Credits.
• Forensic Auditing, 18.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Define and explain the mechanisms in the criminal justice system.
2. Define an economic crime and to analyse the legislation and legal principles involved in combating such economic crimes.

Associated Assessment Criteria

The Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner

• Define, analyse and differentiate between the various common law rules and principles which govern the standards and procedures including the law of evidence which are decisive in combating economic crimes.

Integrated Assessment

The curriculum is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module outcomes and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, Tests, assignments and an examination which reveal evidence of learning based on the criteria of adequacy forms part of assessment methods.