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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124593  Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced 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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0633/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement (MLR) is to educate and train learners to collaborate at an international level in protecting marine living resources and combating exploitation of marine living resources (MRL) and associated crimes.

The qualification aims to:
  • Successfully integrate theory and practical aspects of professional and ethical behaviour.
  • Utilise proven methods and techniques to combat crime in marine living resource protection and to prevent wildlife crime.
  • Advance the recognition of the importance of international collaboration to combat organised crime.
  • Promote an understanding of the international framework that exists for the protection of marine living resources.
  • Devise strategies to combat large-scale illegal, unreported, and unregulated fisheries.

    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Comply with the international legal framework governing organised and fisheries crimes and promote the need for international cooperation in the fisheries sector.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of integrity and ethics and identify ethical dilemmas to make decisions in the law enforcement environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various definitions and effects of corruption and analyse approaches to measuring and addressing corruption.
  • Identify instances of trafficking in persons and drugs as related crimes in the fisheries industry.
  • Encourage recognition of the links between fisheries-related crime and organised crime, environmental crime, corruption, piracy, and other security-related offences, and advocate responses thereto.

    Rationale:
    The marine living resources (MLRs) of South Africa are a high-value national resource. The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) are the principal government agencies mandated to protect marine living resources. The resources are under threat of illegal harvesting by local and international organised criminal syndicates. The situation has progressed to a stage where the utilisation of some of the marine species is seriously endangered. Overfishing and poaching are already rampant. The impacts of the criminal activities include erosion of respect for the rule of law, threats to the environment and sustainable livelihoods, socio-economic degradation, the proliferation of gangsterism and increased linkages with international criminal syndicates.

    South Africa's main fishery sector is wild-capture fisheries, and the trade therein is important for state revenues. The industry employs a significant number of people, and as such, it is a major contributor to household income. Fisheries play a crucial role in enhancing economic growth and reducing poverty. Apart from formal employment, a substantial number of South African communities depend on artisanal, subsistence, or small-scale fishing for their livelihood. In addition, there is a significant opportunity for the Eastern Cape (EC) in general, and the institution, to train law enforcement officers to take up the challenge of adding value in the public sector and preserving valuable marine resources.

    According to the determination of the 2018/19 total allowable catch for lobster, there were 623 rights holders in the local commercial sector as opposed to approximately 2000 small-scale fishers who were not rights holders but received annual permits. This excluded recreational fishers who could also apply for permits recognised as coastal fishing communities, and those with a customary right to fish.

    The Constitutional Court recognised the value of the demersal fishing sector in South Africa. O'Regan J noted in a 2004 judgment that the sector generated R1, 45 billion per annum with 8,000 workers directly employed in the industry. South African law enforcement agencies need to become aware of the international nature of organised crime and the link between fisheries resources and crimes associated with the industry. Knowledge of relevant international legal prescripts, the link between fisheries and other crimes prevalent in the industry, and the need for cooperation and law enforcement responses is required to address these crimes.

    The qualification will provide for continuing professional development and contribute towards the professionalisation of law enforcement as a career. The completion of this qualification will contribute to the increased effectiveness of law enforcement responses and improve international cooperation. This qualification will specifically target both current and prospective employees in the non-SAPS law enforcement environment. The qualification will equip learners with the knowledge, tools, and techniques to enable them to perform their functions in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act and other legislation that grants powers of law enforcement to certain categories of officials. It is often maintained and proved that South Africa has a high crime rate, and this is ascribed to insufficient law enforcement. Learners will also be able to follow career paths in various areas of employment, including municipal law enforcement, building control, forestry, fisheries, SANParks, other environmental agencies, transport, rail, and road. This qualification is designed for non-SAPS graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the field of criminal justice.

    Employees performing law enforcement functions in municipalities currently do not receive training to function as role players within the criminal justice system. The result is that matters are left to the SAPS in law enforcement, where it is often not seen as a priority in these areas. There is currently no similar qualification in South Africa. The institution registered a Diploma in Law Enforcement in 2019, which focuses on the domestic protection of marine living resources. This qualification will take learners to the next level beyond the borders of South Africa. Because of this specific focus and because of the extent of the qualification, it cannot be accommodated in an existing qualification. In addition, the Advanced Diploma programme will also be offered synchronously online to make it accessible to the South African Development Community and to emphasise its international character. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL refers to formal assessment and acknowledgement of skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired through work and/or life experiences. Potential candidates may apply for RPL to the department based on substantial previous experience in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement.

    RPL for access:
  • Applicants who do not meet the direct admission requirements as stipulated, but with relevant work experience related to the field of study, may apply for RPL.
  • On application, the department may request a portfolio of evidence, which will be assessed in terms of the institution's RPL Policy.
  • Admission through the RPL process may not exceed 10%.

    RPL for exemption from modules:
  • RPL can only be granted against explicit learning outcomes of the qualification.
  • The outcomes of the SLPs mentioned in the previous paragraph are the same as those of the programme.
  • Depending on the extent to which the content of the portfolio matches the learning outcomes of the qualification, which may include non-credit bearing SLPs, the assessor may recommend that the candidate be admitted to the qualification and, in that case, the assessor may recommend in addition that:
    (a) The candidate is exempted from one or more assessments within one or more specific modules; and/or
    (b) the candidate is given credits for one or more of the modules.
  • A maximum of 50% of the credits for the qualification will be allowed through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Law Enforcement, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Law, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Environmental Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Policing, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7, totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • International Law Enforcement Cooperation in the Fisheries Sector, 15 Credits.
  • International Legal Framework for Combating Fisheries Crimes, 15 Credits.
  • Integrity and Ethics Promotion, 15 Credits.
  • Anti-corruption Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, 15 Credits.
  • Combatting Organised Crime, 15 Credits.
  • Wildlife Crime Prevention, 15 Credits.
  • Strategies to Combat Large-scale Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fisheries, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1 Demonstrate the ability to comply with the international legal framework governing organised and fisheries crime and promote the need for international cooperation in the fisheries sector.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of integrity and ethics and identify ethical dilemmas to make ethical decisions in the law enforcement environment.
    3 Demonstrate an understanding of the various definitions and effects of corruption and analyse the approaches to measuring and addressing corruption.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to identify instances of trafficking in persons and drugs as related crimes in the fisheries industry.
    5 Demonstrate the ability to encourage recognition of the links between fisheries-related and organised crime, environmental crime, corruption, piracy, and other security-related offences, and advocate responses thereto. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify the challenge of multiple jurisdictions in the fisheries crime sector.
  • Identify the major international legal frameworks for combating fisheries crime.
  • Discuss the mechanisms for international cooperation against fisheries crimes.
  • Recognise Interpol's capabilities in facilitating international cooperation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Define the concepts of integrity and ethics.
  • Describe the three major theoretical approaches in integrity and ethics.
  • Identify ethical dilemmas and apply different theoretical approaches.
  • Explain the concept of personal integrity in the context of law enforcement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss the reasons for the various definitions of corruption across social and historical contexts and explain why there is no agreed-upon universal definition.
  • Describe the relationship between corruption and pressing global problems.
  • Identify different approaches to measuring corruption.
  • Examine own initial orientation to corruption, considering a variety of readings and exercises, and reflect on personal anti-corruption goals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Define the concept of smuggling of migrants.
  • Explain elements of the basic migrant smuggling offence and related offences under the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants (enabling illegal stay and document fraud offences).
  • Explain the organized criminal group and the financial or other material benefit.
  • Discuss the concept of humanitarian exemption.
  • Explain the possible relationship between the smuggling of migrants and other types of crime, and distinguish between the smuggling of migrants and irregular migrants.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain links between IUU fishing as a component of fisheries crime and transnational organised.
  • Discuss the links between IUU fishing and security.
  • Apply governance frameworks to respond to the threat of fisheries crime and explain monitoring and enforcement.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    A continuous assessment strategy will be implemented. Some of the assessments, which will include case studies, encourage learners to work consistently and provide feedback on learners' progress to the lecturer. Learners will work independently and/or in groups, as well as according to guidelines provided by the lecturer. There will be individual assignments requiring independent self-study. At least one purposeful assessment per module, like an individual or group assignment, linked to factual or simulated scenarios, will provide cognitive and academic challenges. These activities will provide opportunities for reinforcement of key concepts (conceptualisation) in a variety of contexts (contextualisation). The learners will receive developmental feedback in formative assessments and will be allowed to resubmit. The class mark will consist of the total of the marks awarded for various forms of summative assessment taken continuously during and between the contact sessions, such as quizzes, multiple-choice tests, short assignments, and long assignments.

    Assessment strategies:
    The modules will employ 100% Continuous Assessment, and theoretical assessment forms an integral part of this approach.

    Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs) will be assessed employing a developmental formative test at the start of each module (progress check). The MLOs related to this assessment method focus on the fundamentals underpinning the modules, the contexts, international legislation, and interventions. The MLOs will be assessed using a formative written assignment. Assessment will test the application of theory and methodology supporting a range of legislation and practices, techniques, interventions, and strategies; the alignment of strategy and practices; and the ethical principles and codes for combating crime and its prevention.

    The individual assignments are assessed by the lecturer and by an external, independent moderator. An integrated summative assessment forms an integral part of each module. All modules will be externally moderated at the end of the semester. Modules are assessed through continuous assessment. There is no formal module examination. Assessments encourage learners to work consistently and provide feedback on the lecturer, the tutors and the learners' progress. Assessment is undertaken by learners, working independently during the semester assessments, and by presenting a final portfolio collated for this purpose. Learners will demonstrate the ability to communicate specialist knowledge of the key legal issues during the semester.

    The assessment strategy makes provision for both formative and summative assessment. Formative feedback on assessment tasks will be provided through memoranda, general feedback on discussion forums, automated feedback linked to informal quizzes, developmental feedback on module research assignments, as well as rubric-based assessments with individual and/or collective comments. Verbal feedback will also be provided during online sessions.

    Specific assignments will be based on cases pending in any current year. The average mark obtained for the assignments will constitute the final mark. All assessments are compulsory. The portfolios will also serve as the key instrument for external moderation of each module. A sample of the learner's work (portfolio) will be externally moderated. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Nottingham Trent University
    Qualification Title: MSc/PGCert/PGDip International Law Enforcement
    Credits: 120 Credit points
    Duration: One year full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • An undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in International Law Enforcement is to provide multi-disciplinary knowledge, understanding, and skills in law enforcement within an international context.

    International law enforcement operates within an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Crime, too, is complex and is in constant flux, changing in type, scale, spread and impact. Traditional borders and boundaries are increasingly irrelevant, and law enforcement organisations respond by locating their efforts within an international frame of reference, and with a workforce that demonstrates high-quality, specialist law enforcement education.

    A further aim is to develop an advanced understanding of investigation and intelligence, as well as a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the contextual, ethical and justice issues related to law enforcement.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Critically analyse and reflect upon the challenges faced by organisations, agencies, and authorities within law enforcement in an international and transnational context.
  • Evaluate the merits of competing approaches and challenges in the context of law enforcement, contextualising those merits within operational and tactical goals, development, and practices.
  • Understand and critically evaluate approaches to leadership and management in law enforcement contexts.
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of ethical dimensions, social values, and regulatory frameworks relevant to law enforcement.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules, 80 Credit Points (cpts):
  • Intelligence, surveillance, and investigation, 20 cpts
  • Transnational Organised and Corporate Crime, 20 cpts comparable to Combatting Organised Crime
  • Leadership and management in law enforcement, 20 cpts
  • Research Methods, 20 cpts

    Elective Modules, 40 Credit points (select two modules from the following list):
  • Crime, Community and Neighbourhood, 20cpts comparable to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
  • Applied Research Methods for Policing, 20cpts
  • Crime Prevention, 20cpts comparable to Combatting Organised Crime
  • Anti-Corruption: Global Trends, Issues and Resolutions, 20cpts comparable to Anti-Corruption Practice
  • Complex Frauds: Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorist Financing, 20cpts
  • Advanced Forensic Investigations, 20 cpts

    Assessment approach:
    Every module has at least one formative assessment that does not count towards the final grade but provides an opportunity to get feedback to help improve learners' work. Summative assessments, which determine the grade for each module, are designed to help learners develop the skills that they will need for the future. This includes, for example, the ability to produce structured reports that synthesise information from different sources.

    Similarities:
  • The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in one year, full-time.
  • The NTU and SA qualifications consist of 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in a law enforcement-related field
  • The purpose of the NTU and SA qualifications is to develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy, and practice of law enforcement.
  • Both qualifications are specifically designed for those working in, or seeking to work in, a career in law enforcement.
  • The NTU and SA qualifications share similar learning outcomes.
  • Both qualifications consist of formative and summative assessment.

    Differences:
  • The NTU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The flexible design of the NTU qualification allows learners to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), or a full Master's (MSc), while the SA qualification is a stand-alone qualification that articulates vertically to the Postgraduate Diploma and/or Honours degree.
  • The NTU qualification is a broad law enforcement qualification focusing on all issues of organised crime, whereas the SA qualification is a specific law enforcement qualification that focuses on fisheries crimes.

    Country: India
    Institution: Doyens Institute of International Studies (DIIS)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Certificate in International Law Enforcement
    Duration: One year full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • A graduation degree in any field from a recognised University

    Purpose:
    The purpose of this qualification is to develop an advanced understanding of investigation and intelligence, as well as a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the contextual, ethical and justice issues related to law enforcement.

    Learning Outcomes:
  • Critically analyse and reflect upon the challenges faced by organisations, agencies, and authorities within law enforcement in an international and transnational context.
  • Evaluate the merits of competing approaches and challenges in the context of law enforcement, contextualising those merits within operational and tactical goals, development, and practices.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Investigation
  • Transnational Organised and Corporate Crime
  • Leadership and Management in Law Enforcement

    Elective Modules:
  • Crime, Community and Neighbourhood comparable to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
  • Applied Research Methods for Policing
  • Crime Prevention comparable to Combatting Organised Crime and Wildlife Crime Prevention
  • Anti-Corruption: Global Trends, Issues and Resolutions comparable to Anti-Corruption Practice
  • Complex Frauds: Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorist Financing
  • Advanced Forensic Investigations

    Assessment:
    Assessments involve written assessments, report writing, presentations, and group work. All modules will have at least one formative assessment, which will not count towards the final grade. Assessments offer learners the opportunity to improve their work.

    Similarities:
  • The Doyens Institute of International Studies (DIIS) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year full-time to complete.
  • Both qualifications accept applicants who have completed an undergraduate qualification or equivalent
  • The purpose of the DIIS and SA qualifications is to equip professionals with specialised knowledge and skills to address transnational crime and security challenges.
  • Both qualifications provide a foundation in international law, investigation techniques, and the complexities of global law enforcement, enabling graduates to work effectively in national and international contexts.
  • Both qualifications share similar learning outcomes.
  • The DIIS and SA qualifications use formative and summative assessments.

    Differences:
  • The DIIS qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of the compulsory modules only and no electives.
  • The DIIS qualification deals with international law enforcement in general, while the SA qualification specifically focuses on international law in the context of fisheries crimes.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
    Qualification Title: Advanced Certificate in Transnational Organised Crime Studies
    Credits: 12
    Duration: One semester (full-time)
    Entry Requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or an international equivalent.
  • An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher

    Purpose:
    The qualification involves the nature, dynamics, causes, and control of those crime phenomena that pose a challenge to more than one country and call for international cooperation. It examines the nature and aetiology of established as well as emerging transnational organised criminal groups and criminal activities. The focus is on illegal cross-border trade such as the trafficking of drugs, counterfeit medicine, and humans; transnational predatory crimes such as serial burglary; international environmental crimes; money laundering, corruption, and cybercrime; networks of offenders involved in these crimes and their terrestrial and virtual mobility; and factors that facilitate and shape transnational crime, including technology, international travel, trade, and migration.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how criminal structures and illegal activities transcend international borders.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of international legal and institutional frameworks for responding to transnational organised crime.
  • Think critically about potential solutions for transnational crime and develop theoretically grounded and evidence-based policy solutions that integrate interdisciplinary knowledge.
  • Classify and analyse transnational organised crime phenomena.
  • Critically assess the validity and reliability of data on transnational crime.
  • Demonstrate private sector, public-private, and civil society responses to transnational crime and identify best practices in this field.
  • Gain knowledge about less common forms, as well as emerging new forms of transnational crime.

    Compulsory Module:
  • Transnational Crime comparable to Combatting Organised Crime

    Elective Modules:
  • Corruption and the Global Economy: comparable to Anti-corruption Practice
  • Environmental Crime comparable to Wildlife Crime Prevention
  • Drug Trafficking comparable to Combatting Organised Crime
  • Human Trafficking comparable to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of migrants
  • Terrorism and Transnational Crime comparable to Combatting Organised Crime

    Similarities:
  • The John Jay College of Criminal Justice (JJCCJ) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept applicants who have completed undergraduate qualifications in a related field.
  • The JJCCJ and the SA qualifications are suitable for learners who wish to engage in research, join law enforcement agencies at national or international levels, or seek employment at public or private organisations.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and learning outcomes.

    Differences:
  • The JJCCJ qualification takes 6 months full-time to complete, whereas the SA qualification takes 12 months full-time study.
  • The JJCCJ qualification has 12 US credits, while the SA qualification has 120 credits.
  • The SA qualification consists of compulsory modules only, and no electives, while the JJCJ qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.
  • The JJCCJ qualification gives an overview of environmental crimes, unlike the SA qualification is specific to the enforcement of fisheries crime. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Crime in Social Control and Criminal Justice System, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Law, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Law, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminal Justice, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Criminal Justice Practice, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Criminal and Procedural Law, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation in this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.