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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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120644  Postgraduate Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-07  2029-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-07   2033-03-07  

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 purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge and skills in the field of correctional services.

This qualification will enable working professionals, and middle and senior correctional managers to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in an area of correctional services.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Engage with contemporary issues in the correctional services environment; an understanding of the theories relevant to correctional services; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
  • Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in correctional services and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
  • Apply appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised field, discipline, or practice.
  • Apply a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to correctional services.
  • Address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to correctional services.
  • Review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes through research processes within correctional services contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to correctional services.
  • Operate effectively within a correctional system, or manage a correctional system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between rehabilitation programmes within the correctional system.
  • Apply learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs, and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
  • Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

    Rationale:
    The Department of Correctional Services has embarked on efforts of aligning itself with international practice by engaging in the move from a punitive correctional system to offender rehabilitation and humane treatment. This paradigm shift is also characterised by growth in community corrections. It is against this background that this qualification is constituted by a substantial amount of theoretical foundation in the field of corrections with a focus on community correctional supervision. This qualification will make provision for life-long learning in the field of corrections and fill the gap of unavailable qualifications to equip middle and senior management levels with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies. It is noted that, due to the sensitive nature of working with victims of crime, correctional managers at the middle and senior levels should acquire these specialised knowledge, skills, and competencies at the post-diploma level.

    The other embedded skills in this qualification will ensure that qualifying learners are able to play a role in the rehabilitation of offenders in preparation for life after serving their sentences as law-abiding citizens. The ultimate goal is to successfully reintegrate offenders back into society as law-abiding citizens who through skills acquired during rehabilitation can find employment or use their entrepreneurial skills to start up a business and effectively contribute to the development of the country's economy. This will certainly be in the interest of the government's objective of ensuring that people living in South Africa feel safe at home, at school and work and enjoy a community life free of fear. In addition to that, a reduction in prison overcrowding will save the country financial resources.

    This qualification is designed in such a way that on its completion, graduates can progress to a Master's degree in the Criminal Justice and Correctional field, a niche area of safety in society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's degree in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits
  • Contemporary Issues in Corrections, 30 Credits.
  • Correctional Services Administration, 30 Credits.
  • Social Work Principles in Corrections, 30 Credits.
  • Applied Research Methods in Corrections, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with contemporary issues in the correctional services environment and an understanding of the theories relevant to correctional services.
    2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in correctional services and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    3. Apply appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised field.
    4. Apply a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to correctional services.
    5. Address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to correctional services.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes through research processes within correctional services contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
    7. Communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to correctional services.
    8. Operate effectively within a correctional system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between rehabilitation programmes within the correctional system. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes:
  • Identify and explain the challenges faced by the correctional system of South Africa.
  • Gather information about the day-to-day problems affecting both officials and offenders using legitimate processes.
  • Analyse and apply concepts and theories of punishment by interrogating multiple resources within the correctional system.
  • Evaluate and apply correctional services laws and knowledge of the challenges facing the South African correctional system as the foundation to find practical solutions.
  • Evaluate and interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in correctional services.
  • Apply appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a correctional services practice.
  • Carry out the problem-solving process to deal with problems encountered within correctional centres by both officials and offenders.
  • Identify and analyse complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to correctional services.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to correctional services.
  • Review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in specialised contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Present and communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences.
  • Offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to correctional services.
  • Explore the relationship between the rehabilitation programmes within a correctional system.
  • Apply learning strategies which effectively address learners' professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others in a self-critical manner.
  • Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.
  • Suggest solutions to problems that are encountered within correctional centres through the correct channels.
  • Describe the code of conduct for both correctional officials and offenders and outline possible penalties for transgressions to ensure that ethical issues are addressed.
  • Describe the values and principles governing public administration to enable analysis and address of ethical issues that may lead to unsafe and dangerous situations in a correctional facility.
  • Evaluate compliance or non-compliance with the code of conduct and related prescripts for both correctional officials and offenders using confirmed previous cases that amount to misconduct.
  • Review procedures, processes, or techniques for unfamiliar problems in a specialised field or discipline within the correctional services environment through the gathering, synthesis, and evaluation of information.
  • Develop reporting and communication of clear academic ideas in the form of a proposal. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Tasmania
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma of Criminology and Corrections

    Admission to this qualification is based on the completion of a Bachelor's degree or successful completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Criminology and Corrections.
    Candidates whose employment and educational experience indicate a level of knowledge and skills deemed by the faculty of Arts to be sufficient to complete the qualification satisfactorily may be deemed eligible for admission.

    This qualification is designed for practitioners already employed or active in the field of criminal justice corrections and for learners who wish to gain further professional knowledge and credentials in the field of criminology. It will develop high-level critical thinking and applied skills for people researching and working in the criminal justice field.
    Learners who successfully complete this qualification may proceed to the Master of Criminology and Corrections.

    This qualification is made of the core units which include:
  • Criminological Theory and Practice
  • Correctional Theory and Practice.
    These units are aimed at laying the conceptual foundation for understanding and interpreting recent developments in criminology and criminal justice.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed a Bachelor's degree.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to a Master's degree.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is designed for middle and senior correctional managers, whereas the Tasmania qualification is designed for practitioners in the field of criminal justice corrections and for learners who wish to gain further professional knowledge and credentials in the field of criminology.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution: Egerton University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Probation and Correctional Studies
    Admission requirements to study this qualification is a first degree in Arts, Social Sciences or other related discipline or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
    Duration: One year

    This qualification is designed to provide knowledge, skills and techniques required by Probation Officers in rehabilitating ex-borstal inmates, probationers, community service supervisors, after-care clients, the general youthful offending population, and special needs offenders to address the problem of crime in the ever-dynamic world of crime.

    This qualification is taken in the combination of coursework, examination, field attachment and project report. Twelve modules are taken by learners during the coursework. Exemption from certain modules may be granted to learners who have undertaken similar modules at the undergraduate level and/or higher Diploma levels at institutions recognised by Egerton University Senate.
    On completion of this qualification, learners may proceed to a Master's degree in a related field of study.
  • This qualification prepares learners to work on a tactical and strategic level and can also be considered for officials working in a community corrections environment (Similar to the SA qualification).
  • Assessments are also done through assignments and other learning activities.
  • This qualification also includes modules on any contemporary or recent issue in the correctional services environment and Research Methodologies (Similar to the SA qualification).

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year and articulate vertically to a Master's degree.
  • Both qualifications can be accessed through a Bachelor's degree.
  • Both qualifications have a research component.
  • In both qualifications learners may apply for exemption of modules. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Criminology, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.