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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96575  Master of Arts in Criminal Justice 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
To provide learners acquiring this qualification 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.
  • Provide a pathway to Doctoral studies.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is offered as a Postgraduate program at University of Venda (Univen) after the successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology. Univen has successfully delivered graduates of this programme in the last few years. Graduates work in various fields ranging from the South African Police Service, Department of Justice, Department of Correctional Services and at Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's) like the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Centre etc. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is conducted in terms of the official RPL Policy of the University of Venda.

    Entry Requirements:
    A graduate with an Honours Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Venda or another recognised University with an academic average of at least 60% for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminal Justice (BAHCRM) Degree. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice is by research only - the research dissertation carries 180 Credits and is offered on NQF Level 9. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct a limited research project aimed at a conflict, deviance, policing and victimisation problem.
    2. Assess policing, conflict, deviance, crime and victimisation risk and vulnerability.
    3. Evaluate the functioning of justice systems.
    4. Develop and analyse policing, deviance, crime, conflict and victimisation policies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The problem is clearly identified in order to formulate the research question.
  • An appropriate research method is applied to the research problem.
  • A literature review is conducted which is relevant to the problem.
  • A clear understanding is demonstrated of theories, perspectives, approaches and risk factors.
  • An ability to synthesise knowledge and information is demonstrated in a critical and creative manner.
  • Sensitivity is applied in terms of cultural diversity, human rights and crimino-ethical standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Risk factors and vulnerability are determined on the individual, organisational and social environment.
  • Analyse the impact on the individual, organisational and social environment.
  • Develop strategies to deal with risk and vulnerability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the various formal and informal justice systems.
  • Compare formal and informal justice systems in order to determine effectiveness within various societies.
  • Determine advantages and disadvantages in justice systems in order to promote best practise.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Data is collected, collated and analysed on policies relating to deviance, conflict, crime and victimisation.
  • Recommendations are formulated based on the analysed data.
  • Policies are proposed based on the recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In order to assess theoretical and practical components, the assessor will make use of formative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice offered by the University of Venda is comparable to similar national and international Degrees offered by institutions like the University of Limpopo, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of South Africa (UNISA), University of New South Wales, Griffith University and the Western Sydney University. The Degree is accredited with the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council for Higher Education in South Africa. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities. The qualification articulates horizontally with other Master Degrees. The qualification articulates vertically to Doctoral studies in related fields. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Venda 


    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.