Master of Arts in Forensic Science & Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in forensic investigation to ensure opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society. This qualification will also educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level by completing a single advanced research project.

Rationale

The aim of this qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with police officers and forensic investigators with postgraduate training and to widen the innovative and knowledge based police leadership who will promote economic and scholarly activities. Qualifying learners will understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society, and who are empowered and equipped with the required research and analytical skills to play a key role in shaping law enforcement in a just society based on constitutional democracy within a world legal order.

It will equip learners to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Furthermore, the qualification will equip learners to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Police Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be conducted according to the RPL policy of the institution. Within the context of the research Masters of Arts (MA) in Forensic Science and Technology, students applying to access the qualification through the RPL route will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence (which will be basically a detailed Research Proposal) illustrating their knowledge, skills and experience in the field. Should the illustrated knowledge, skills and experience be deemed to be at an appropriate level, students will be required to register for the Research Methodology module at Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours Degree level for non-degree purpose and pass it before they could register for this qualification, this will be to hone their research methodology skills to enhance their success in this research based qualification. Although learners could access the qualification through RPL, the qualification itself cannot be awarded in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.

Or

• An appropriate Bachelor of Technology Degree.

Or

• An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.

Or

• A 480 Credits Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 180 Credits

• Masters Research Proposal in the School of Criminal Justice, 24 Credits.
• Dissertation in Forensic Science and Technology on an approved topic, 156 Credits.

1. Recognise the role of law enforcement in everyday life.
2. Think critically, logically and analytically within a contextual framework.
3. Solve complex multi-dimensional law enforcement problems originally and creatively.
4. Engage critically and analytically with Criminal Justice text.
5. Apply advanced academic knowledge and skills to play a leading role in police practice and in the shaping of the law enforcement dispensation.
6. Advance policing scholarship in a regional and global context.
7. Act responsibly and authoritatively in his or her chosen career.
8. Play a leading role in contributing to the realisation of a just society based on a constitutional democracy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify complex law enforcement issues in real or simulated fact scenarios.
• Interpret and analyse daily events within a Criminal Justice framework.
• Play a leading role in law enforcement within a regional and global context to cope with modern-day challenges and problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Interpret, analyse and explain complex law enforcement within different contexts.
• Provide an unbiased and balanced perspective on law enforcement problems.
• Consider and critically evaluate different points of view are in terms of students acquired knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Find relevant sources and authorities to solve advanced policing problems.
• Analyse and critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of various policing sources and authorities to solve complex law enforcement problems.
• Select the most appropriate and authoritative policing materials to solve law enforcement problems.
• Consider and critically evaluate different solutions to a problem and the consequences of each solution for future Criminal Justice developments.
• Provide substantiated responses based on acquired advanced knowledge.
• Provide responsible and expert advice on an appropriate course of action.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Critically interpret Criminal Justice text within a contextual framework.
• Reflect on views expressed in text and critically evaluate and debate these.
• Skilfully use sophisticated policing text to substantiate arguments and support recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 5

• Draft and interpret complex policing documents.
• Provide expert opinions on complicated policing issues.
• Demonstrate the required advanced academic knowledge to play a leading role as an academic or in managing policing and in shaping the law enforcement dispensation.
• Skilfully use technology responsibly, effectively and appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 6

• Reflect on and critically evaluate policing theory and practice.
• Recognise areas in need of policing development or law enforcement reform.
• Apply historical and/or comparative methods to develop answers to current issues and complex problems.
• Interpret the law enforcement implications of South African conditions in both regional and global perspectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 7

• Act in accordance with the ethics and code of conduct required from police officers.
• Understand and acted on accordingly, showing responsibility as a leading police officer in a constitutional democracy.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 8

• Use acquired advanced skills and knowledge to advance law enforcement awareness within the community.
• Reflect upon complex problems in society, seek and consider responsible solutions.
• Interpret and apply the underlying constitutional values to diverse problems in society.
• Show advanced awareness and tolerance of diversity and seek harmonising solutions.
• Deal with conflicting interests within a community, locally, regionally as well as globally.
• Harmonise conflicting interests arising from horizontal and vertical relationships.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes and applied competence. Learners will be required to use appropriate methods and skills to apply detailed knowledge of the policing issues in practical situations and to display the skills required from law enforcement practitioners in a variety of contexts typical of the demands set for postgraduate learners.

Learning and assessments are integrated. Formative assessment is a continuous and personal process of interaction between lecturers and learners. It includes supervision of the dissertation and learners will be provided with feedback.