SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Criminology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49709  National Certificate: Criminology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Criminology and Criminal Justice 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  134  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 of the qualification

The purpose of the qualification is to equip learners with specific theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of crime and victimisation to enable them to explore a range of career opportunities in South Africa and internationally in order to contribute to a safer society at an individual, social and corporate level.

Learners who have achieved this qualification will have obtained the skills to:
  • Think laterally, critically and creatively when dealing with crime and victimisation.
  • Balance victim and offender rights within the framework of the SA Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South Africa.
  • Develop skills and knowledge to deal more effectively with a range of crime and victimisation problems in the social and economic environment.
  • Develop and implement appropriate strategies/programmes focusing on specific crime and victimisation problems.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies/programmes using appropriate measuring techniques.
  • Generate the ability to contribute to knowledge in the field of crime and victimisation.
  • Handle cultural diversity as well as human and environmental rights in a sensitive manner.
  • Develop skills to enhance their social status and employability.
  • Develop entrepreneurial skills.
  • Work and communicate with others as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Use science and technology ethically, effectively and responsibly when dealing with crime and victimisation without harming society, the environment or individuals.
  • Prepare them for lifelong learning.

    Rationale

    The rationale for this qualification is to equip learners and persons with an interest in crime and victimisation with knowledge and skills needed for creating and maintaining safety in society. Crime and victimisation in South Africa have severe consequences for the sustained development of society, the economy and ecology. This qualification will provide expert knowledge to enable learners to deal effectively with crime, conflict and victimisation in the social and economic spheres. This will contribute to a more just and democratic society while operating within the framework of the SA Constitution and the Bill of Rights and any other relevant national, regional and international guidelines and/or conventions and treaties.

    The qualification allows learners the opportunity to explore career options in the field of crime and victimisation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication Skills at NQF Level 4
  • Mathematical Literacy Skills at NQF Level 4

    Recognition of previous learning

    Learners who have met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA). The learner will be assessed against the specific outcomes and with the assessment criteria for the relevant unit standard/s.This recognition of prior learning may allow for:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF
  • Gaining of credits towards unit standards in this qualification
  • Obtaining this qualification in whole or in part.

    Access to the qualification

    Access to the qualification can be based on a formal Level 4 qualification such as the further Education and Training Certificate in Criminology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    There should be a minimum of 134 credits at the exit level, Level 5 of the NQF.

    Fundamental unit standards:
  • The learner must achieve all 29 credits

    Core unit standards:
  • The learner must achieve all 90 credits

    Elective unit standards:
  • The learner must achieve at least 15 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify specific risk factors contributing to crime and victimisation
    2. Apply specialised techniques to assess the extent of an identified risk factor
    3. Analyse the appropriateness of existing crime and victimisation strategies/programmes to deal with an identified risk factor
    4. Develop an appropriate strategy/programme to address an identified risk factor
    5. Implement a strategy/programme to deal effectively with crime and victimisation risk
    6. Evaluate the success of the strategy/programme to reduce crime and victimisation risk
    7. Use applicable techniques to report the outcome of a crime and victimisation strategy/programme.

    Critical cross-field outcomes

    The exit level outcomes and unit standards are consistent with the following critical cross-field outcomes listed in Section 7(3) of the NSB Regulations:
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking (Exit level outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9).
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community (Exit level outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 6).
  • Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively (Exit level outcomes 1 and 2).
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information (Exit level outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6,7, 8 and 9).
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation (Exit level outcomes 3, 6, 8 and 9).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation (Exit level outcomes 3, 6, 8 and 9).
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others (Exit level outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9). 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • A specific crime and victimisation risk factor is identified
  • Specific factors contributing to crime and victimisation risk are explained

    2.
  • Techniques and procedures to determine the extent of crime and victimisation risk are determined
  • Appropriate techniques and procedures to deal with an identified risk are selected

    3.
  • Existing crime and victimisation strategies/programmes to address a crime and victimisation risk are analysed.
  • An appropriate strategy/programme to deal with an identified risk is determined

    4.
  • The strategy/programme needs are defined to address an identified crime and victimisation risk
  • An appropriate strategy/programme to deal with an identified crime and victimisation risk is developed

    5.
  • All role-players and resources to manage the strategy/programme are identified
  • An appropriate programme to train all role-players is designed
  • A code of conduct for all role-players is developed
  • The strategy/programme is managed using appropriate crimino-ethical protocols and guidelines

    6.
  • Specific criteria to determine the effectiveness of a strategy/programme to deal with crime and victimisation risk are identified
  • The criteria is applied to assess the effectiveness of the strategy/programme to reduce crime and victimisation risk

    7.
  • Different formats of presenting the outcome of the strategy/programme to address crime and victimisation risk effectively are identified
  • An appropriate format to report the results of a crime and victimisation strategy/programme is selected
  • The findings and recommendations relating to the effectiveness of the of a strategy/programme to reduce crime and victimisation risk are discussed

    Integrated assessment

    Learning and assessment should be integrated throughout this qualification. Summative assessment provides an opportunity for learners to demonstrate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and activities across unit standards to achieve the necessary competence to deal effectively with crime and victimisation. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that students are given feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Integrated assessment should integrate the body of knowledge, skills and attitudes, which are represented by the exit level outcomes as a whole.

    Assignments must be designed to achieve the following:
  • An integration of the achievement of exit level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
  • Evaluation of learner performance that demonstrates applied competence or capability.
  • A focus on criterion-referenced assessment which is transparent to learners and which is capable of being applied to the recognition of prior learning.

    The importance of integrated assessment is to confirm that the learner is able to demonstrate applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive) and to ensure that the purpose of this qualification is achieved.

    The achievement of applied competence of this qualification will be demonstrated if the learner is able to contribute towards the use of appropriate techniques and procedures to implement and manage appropriate strategies/programmes to deal effectively with identified crime and victimisation problems by communicating ideas, concepts and arguments verbally and in writing.To ensure this, all exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes must be assessed.

    Learners must be assessed on individual work and as part of a team during formative and summative assessment.

    During formative and summative assessments, the assessment methods must include observations (e.g. use appropriate techniques and procedures to identify problems), product evaluation (e.g. analyse existing strategies/programmes and evaluate their effectiveness, prepare a context specific report) and questioning (oral or written) to provide sufficient opportunity to the learner to demonstrate applied competence.

    Exit level summative assessments of this qualification may include the assessment of knowledge (theoretical examinations).Greater weighting should be given to the application of knowledge, skills and values to enhance safety and security in society in order to integrate theory and practice.

    The above-mentioned assessment processes are also capable of being applied to the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following were consulted:
  • United Kingdom Vocational/Qualifications Authority
  • New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • The Scottish Qualifications Authority
  • Australian National Training Authority
  • The Australian Qualifications Framework

    Only one level 5-criminology qualification registered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority could be found. This Scottish qualification is fairly similar to this qualification as the outcomes and performance criteria also deal with aspects such as the extent and nature of crime, social, economic, individual and environmental crime approaches and perspectives, aspects of the criminal justice system and the analysis of specific crime problems.

    The level descriptors set for NQF level 5 by SAQA are internationally recognised criteria used by National Quality Assurance Authorities in England, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and the USA as is evident by the following criteria set for level 5 qualifications by the UK:

    Competence, which involves the application of a range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.

    The qualification also meets the notional learning time and credits set for the UK Level 5 qualifications.

    Information was also obtained from the following African universities:
  • University of Nairobi, Kenya
  • University of Lesotho, Lesotho
  • University of Namibia, Namibia
  • University of Swaziland, Swaziland
  • University of Makerere, Uganda
  • University of Zambia, Zambia
  • University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

    None of the African Universities consulted teach criminology as an independent discipline and criminology either forms part of the teaching modules in the law faculty (e.g. Zimbabwe and Namibia) or the departments of sociology (e.g. Lesotho, Swaziland, Nairobi, Makerere (Uganda)) and none present a level 5 qualification.

    Other national institutions and providers were also consulted during the standards generating process to ensure best practices.

    It is therefore felt that the National Certificate in Criminology makes a unique contribution to learning with a special relevance and applicability to South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    On completion of this qualification learners will be able to proceed to the level 6 Criminology diploma or the level 7 Bachelor of qualification. Horizontally this qualification articulates with certain National Certificates at level 5:
  • National Diploma in Policing
  • National Diploma in Corrections Science
  • National Certificate in Policing
  • National Certificate in Security Management 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal moderation must be available according to the provider's policy while external moderation must be based on accredited/registered external examiners (external to the provider) who should be recognised experts in their field. Both internal and external moderators should have at least a master's degree from a recognised tertiary institution. All moderators must be registered with the relevant ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Equal weight is given to crime and victimisation. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  119757  Analyse existing strategies/programmes to address a specific crime and victimisation risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119756  Design an appropriate strategy/programme to address crime and victimisation risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119760  Evaluate the effectiveness of a crime and victimisation strategy/programme to reduce risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119758  Explain individual, social and corporate factors contributing to crime and victimisation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119759  Manage a crime and victimisation strategy/programme to reduce risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119761  Prepare a context specific report setting out the measures to address crime and victimisation risk and the results achieved  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119762  Report the results of the crime and victimisation strategy/programme  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119754  Use existing legislation, policy and protocols to guide the development of strategy/programme to reduce crime and victimisation risk  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  119755  Use specific techniques to identify risk factors contributing to crime and victimisation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  15234  Apply efficient time management to the work of a department/division/section  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  14047  Apply Sound Management Practices in Order to Achieve Short to Mid Term Objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Fundamental  15231  Create and use a range of resources to effectively manage teams, sections, departments or divisions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  15238  Devise and apply strategies to establish and maintain relationships  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  12433  Use communication techniques effectively  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  365142  Apply counter human trafficking strategies within an immigration context  Level 5  NQF Level 05  10 
    Elective  365139  Demonstrate an understanding of human trafficking and its legal implications  Level 5  NQF Level 05  5 
    Elective  115229  Examine crime and victimisation trends and patterns with reference to specific types of crime and victimisation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  115823  Gather and manage information for decision-making  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  15229  Implement codes of conduct in the team, department or division  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Elective  15230  Monitor team members and measure effectiveness of performance  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  365140  Implement counter human trafficking strategies in a psycho-social and health environment  Level 6  NQF Level 06  15 
    Elective  7881  Manage workplace diversity  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.