Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Law, Military Science and Security - Justice in Society
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice aims to:
- Prepare learners for a multidisciplinary career path in international spheres and the South African government entities and private sectors like the South African Police Services, Correctional Services, and the Hawks, among other local law enforcement agencies.
- Encourage learners to pursue advanced studies in Law, Policing, and Criminology.
- Offer an innovative and broad education to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution job market.
- Develop well-rounded graduates with the following skills:
- Ability to define, describe, and critically assess victimology and criminal victimization in a criminal justice context.
- Apply innovative techniques in addressing current criminal activities and scientific investigation in the policing (detective) industry.
- Evaluate theories of gendered criminal victimization and apply them within the justice system.
- Apply learned skills in academic, professional, and career contexts.
- Be accountable and responsible in academic, professional, and societal contexts.
Rationale
- The qualification aligns with the South African government's 1996 National Crime Prevention Strategy and subsequent documents guiding Criminal Justice activities.
- It encompasses the Police, Courts, and Corrections spheres of the South African Criminal Justice System.
- Graduates are recruited by government departments like the Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Services, and Department of Correctional Services for various roles.
- The qualification benefits learners, society, and the economy by improving government operations, reducing crime, and poverty rates.
- It addresses social and economic development concerns and aims to produce capable, critical, and ethical citizens, aligning with the institution's goal of developing the African continent.
- Stakeholders, including staff members from the School of Law, Library Services, and external entities like the Provincial Department of Safety and Security, Correctional Services, and the South African Police Services, were consulted in the development of the qualification.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of criminology and policing disciplines or practices, including an understanding and application of basic concepts.
- Apply knowledge of Criminology and Policing Sciences during court proceedings as criminologists or detectives and methodologies to solve well-established criminal activities in the community.
- Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the field of Criminology and Policing.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and principles of generic policing and criminological principles.
- Differentiate between crime and criminal, judicial, and non-judicial definition of crime.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Display familiarity with court proceedings as criminologist approaches and their merits and demerits.
- Apply correct procedures to resolve ethical dilemmas.
- Employ criminological and policing principles to explain reasons for decisions and actions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Define basic concepts in criminology.
- Capacity to interpret public perceptions of crime.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of each structure in the criminal justice system.
- Investigate theory integration towards a multidimensional approach.
- Analyse International developments and International protocols on victims' rights.
- Discuss patterns of victimisation.
- Assess the Interactions between crime victims and the justice system.
Integrated Assessment:
A variety of assessment methods and types, including summative and formative assessment, is used. Assessment opportunities occur regularly throughout the course of study. Examples of formative and summative assessments are:
- Class discussion exercise/presentations
- Oral question and answer sessions on the various criminological aspects
- Portfolios summarising major criminological and policing theories covered
- Role-playing and group exercise in class involving a victim, offender, and a victimologist
- Individual essays to critically assess a current criminological and policing issue
Work Integrated Learning (WIL):
The Department of Criminal Justice is in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant stakeholders such as the SAPS, Correctional Services, and the Department of Community Safety. These stakeholders are found to be relevant in ensuring the implementation of WIL.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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University of Venda
Applications are open
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.