Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination

Purpose

The Certificate is designed to provide a basic programme of integrated teaching and learning relevant to the needs of those involved in forensic examinations, viz. police officers, internal auditors and risk managers.

Rationale

To provide qualifiers with specific skills and applied competences in forensic examinations that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society's determination to fight crime.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• In the Recognition of Prior Learning process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the student's admission. The Professional Development Center (PDC) will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in Economic Development as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.

Learning assumed to be in place

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Reading Skills.
• Presentation skills supported by three years' relevant work experience.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies plus three years' relevant work experience.
• National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies plus three years' relevant work experience.
• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption plus three years' relevant work experience.
• Any NQF Level 4 qualification plus three years' relevant work experience that is approved by the Senate for admission.

Level 5, 120 Credits.

Learning components

• Introduction to Law and Criminal Law.
• Administrative law.
• Labour Law.
• Law of Evidence.
• Investigation of Crime.
• Internal Auditing.

By the end of the programme, qualifying learners will be able to

• Analyse the importance and role of forensic investigations.
• Apply evaluative thought processes within the various public acts.
• Comply within current legal and criminal justice systems.
• Apply business practices and legal requirements within the field of forensics.

• The importance and role of forensic investigations is analysed and understood.
• The various public acts are evaluated in terms of potential for fraud.
• Current legal and criminal justice systems are complied with.
• Business practices and legal requirements are applied within the field of forensics.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place according to strict assessment criteria as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented.

This ensures that assessments maintain a certain standard in accordance with the standards as set out in the syllabus. An external moderator moderates' assessment papers set. The same principle applies to the final marking of the assessments. This ensures that skills and concepts are mastered, thereby maintaining a standard of assessment relevant to this offering.

Integrated Assessment

Variety of assessment procedures, including

• Assignments.
• Case studies.
• Tests.
• Continuous evaluation.
• Formal examinations.