The Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a National Qualifications Framework level 5 open distance learning qualification of 120 credits, with a maximum of three years to complete. It introduces students to the South African criminal justice system, covering policing, courts, corrections, criminology, and the rights and procedures that shape the administration of justice. Students develop a foundational understanding of how crime is investigated, prosecuted, and punished, and of the roles played by the various institutions in the justice value chain. It is well suited to those already working in security, policing, or correctional environments, and to students who intend to pursue further study in law, policing, or criminology.
Admission requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an E symbol on the higher grade or a D symbol on the standard grade in the language of teaching and learning, or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at level 4 with at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning. The admission point score (APS/AS) for this qualification is 17. A recognition of prior learning route is available for applicants who are at least 23 years old, have completed at least Grade 10, and have at least three years of relevant work experience. The SAQA identification number for this qualification is 93594.
