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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
114875  Doctor of Philosophy 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
Doctoral Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 primary purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level by completing an approved research project at an advanced level. A second purpose of the qualification is for learners to gain competencies to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, 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 Criminology.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to accommodate learners who have finished their Masters in Safety and Security related field, like Criminology, Criminal Justice and or Penology, etc. This qualification consists of a research thesis and will equip the learner with in-depth research skills and a thorough knowledge of his or her chosen research topic.

This qualification will directly contribute to safety and security at the national and international level with regards to the following:
  • There is a definite shortage of professional Criminologists at NQF Level 10 in South Africa.
  • Any research at NQF Level 10 must address a specific crime challenge in a practical manner that ensures the safety and security inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa and outside of the borders of our country.
  • This qualification ensures that the learner contributes to an environment that is more crime-free.
  • Typical learners come especially from South Africa and consist of members that are actively working in a law enforcement environment and wants to enhance their knowledge and professional careers.
  • The learning pathway is in the field of safety and security and this Doctorate make it possible for them to operate at the highest levels of professionalism in South Africa and outside of South Africa.

    There is a desperate need to professionalise the law enforcement agencies in South Africa. A Postgraduate qualification like this one at NQF Level 10 will enhance the professional image of those working with crime related issues in a law enforcement environment in South Africa and outside the country. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Recognition of Prior Learning in this qualification is in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) of the institution. RPL is one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access in the institution.

    This policy and set of procedures will be used in the admission of a learner to a qualification where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding mature age exemption category or exemption for admission to undergraduate qualification), but the learner has evidence that the requirements can be achieved through RPL.

    All potential learners not in possession of a Master's Degree in Criminology need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification need to apply to the Head of the Department of Criminal Justice for Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Masters of Arts in Criminology or any other relevant qualification in the field of safety and security at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.
    And
  • Thesis on an approved subject in a criminal justice or safety and security related field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Module: 360 Credits.
  • Research Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Undertake a research project and produce a research thesis under supervision. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate comprehensive and systematic knowledge of criminology.
  • Display the ability to relate theory to practice and vice versa and to think epistemologically.
  • Display a coherent and critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques in policing as well as the valid application thereof under supervision.
  • Master the application of research methods, techniques and technologies appropriate to Criminology as described in the research proposal.
  • Participate in scholarly debates in the field of criminology as described in the research proposal is rigorously critiqued and evaluated.
  • Identify and analyse complex and real-world problems and issues, and deal with drawing systematically and creatively on the theory, research methods and literature applicable.
  • Display advanced information retrieval and processing skills.
  • Identify, analyse and synthesise quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Undertake a study of the literature and current research in policing as described in the research proposal.
  • Present and communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the resources of an academic/professional discourse.
  • Produce a thesis which meets the standards of scholarly/professional writing.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Examiners of theses shall not have any insight into the assessments of other examiners before completing and submitting their reports.
  • Theses examiners are expected to complete an assessment form and also submit a separate assessment report.
  • Examiners must indicate whether:
    > The Degree be awarded unconditionally (without corrections).
    Or
    > The thesis is provisionally accepted pending minor corrections of a technical nature (e.g. spelling, typing, the numbering of pages/ sections, references) which will typically be required to be made to the satisfaction of the supervisor.
    > The thesis is provisionally accepted pending more substantial corrections, which will generally be required to be made to the satisfaction of the examiner, or a specified person or body other than the supervisor.
    > The thesis is not accepted in its current form and that it must be referred back to the learner for revision, comprehensive restructuring or expansion after which it should be resubmitted for examination.
    > The thesis is not accepted and the Degree is not awarded. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with international qualifications from the following countries:
  • United States of America: University of South Florida, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology.
  • United Kingdom: University of Leicester, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology.
  • Cyprus: University of Nicosia, Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for possibilities of horizontal articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation: Not applicable.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, 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.