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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Criminology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
114878  Master of Arts in Criminology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The goal of the Master of Arts in Criminology is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attributes to:
  • Conduct a research project aimed at a problem related to the crime phenomenon.
  • Develop the ability to think laterally, critically and creatively.
  • Create sensitivity towards cultural diversity as well as human and environmental rights.
  • Develop a high level of cognitive and problem-solving skills that can be applied in their social and work environments.

    Rationale:
    The learning pathway is in the field of safety and security and this qualification make it possible for the learners to progress to a doctorate in the field of criminology that is plotted at NQF Level 10. The qualification will enhance the professional image of those working with crime related issues in a law enforcement environment in South Africa.

    Typical learners come from rural or urban settings and topics adapted to their specific individual needs, in line with national imperatives and international standards.

    The qualification will equip learners with the practical crime prevention skills that will enable them to operate in diverse law enforcement environments, whether police, corrections, private security, or the courts. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 with 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, 180 Credits:
  • Full Dissertation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct a research project aimed at solving conflict, deviance, policing and victimisation problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify the problem to formulate the research relevant question.
  • Select and use appropriate research methods to the research problem.
  • Conduct relevant literature review linked to the identified problem.
  • A clear understanding of Criminology theories, perspectives, approaches and risk factors is evidenced.
  • An ability to synthesise knowledge and information is demonstrated in a critical and creative manner.
  • Sensitivity in terms of cultural diversity, human rights and Crimino-ethical standards is displayed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The student is only tasked to write a scientific, systematic and well-researched crime related topic according to the set requirements as approved by the university. The student is only evaluated at the handing in of the final product (his summative assessment), and where applicable, corrections is allowed to be done by the student, until final approval or rejection by the university. Although the student is formed and shaped through formative internal assessment processes, only the final dissertation (summative assessment product) counts. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Arts in Criminology is comparable to similar international Degrees offered by institutions like the:
  • University of Ottawa (Canada).
  • University of Pennsylvania (USA).
  • University of Florida (USA).

    The above-mentioned institutions, like ourselves, focus on the scientific analysis of crime, on justice and societal control. These emphases take place within a policing, criminal justice and / or law enforcement context or setting. All these mentioned institutions also have an interdisciplinary focus in their qualifications although our emphasis is more applicable to our rural environment and to the safety and security environments in which we operate and in which our learners will function. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in other related fields, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Arts in Criminology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Zululand 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.