Top 5 Justice Studies Courses In South Africa

1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

• Institution: Universities like the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria (UP), University of South Africa (UNISA), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Stellenbosch University.
• Description: Focuses on legal studies, covering subjects such as criminal law, constitutional law, civil law, human rights, and legal ethics. It prepares students for legal practice or work in the justice sector.
• Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass.
  • Minimum APS (Admission Point Score) of around 36-39, depending on the institution.
  • Specific requirements in English and Mathematics (usually above 60%).
  • An NQF Level 4 qualification (for older systems).

2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology or Social Justice

• Institution: Offered by institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Pretoria.
• Description: Covers the study of crime, its causes, impacts, and prevention strategies. Focus areas may include forensic criminology, victimology, and the sociology of law.
• Requirements:
  • NSC with a Bachelor’s pass.
  • Minimum APS of around 28-30.
  • Proficiency in English.

3. Diploma in Policing or Forensic Investigation

• Institution: Institutions like the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the University of South Africa (UNISA).
• Description: Provides practical and theoretical training for careers in law enforcement, investigation, and forensic analysis.
• Requirements:
  • NSC with a Diploma pass.
  • APS score ranging between 19-25.
  • English language proficiency (minimum of 50%).

4. Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s in Social Justice

• Institution: Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town.
• Description: Aimed at students with an undergraduate degree who wish to specialize in social justice, human rights, and transformative constitutionalism. Courses cover topics such as the role of law in social change and the intersection of law and ethics.
• Requirements:
  • A completed relevant undergraduate degree (typically in law, social sciences, or humanities).
  • Some programs may require work experience or a minimum GPA.
  • Motivation letters and references may be needed for entry.

5. Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) in Criminal Justice

• Institution: Offered by institutions like the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
• Description: Focuses on justice, law, governance, and the criminal justice system. Includes modules in criminology, sociology, law, and public administration.
• Requirements:
  • NSC with a Bachelor’s pass.
  • APS score between 28-30.
  • Specific subject requirements may include English, History, and Life Orientation.

General Requirements Across Institutions:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC): A minimum of a Bachelor’s pass or Diploma pass, depending on the course level.
• APS Score: Each institution calculates an Admission Point Score (APS) based on your matric subjects and marks. Courses in law and justice often require a higher APS.
• English Proficiency: As most courses are taught in English, a good score (50% or more) in English at the NSC level is typically required.
• Additional Documents: For postgraduate courses, a CV, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a personal statement or research proposal may be needed.

Where to Apply:

• Universities: University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria (UP), Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
• TVET Colleges: For diplomas or certificates in policing and related fields, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges also offer relevant programs.

It’s important to check the specific university or institution’s website for up-to-date details on the courses and admission requirements