Criminology in South Africa is studied as a major within a BA or BSocSci, so entry requires a bachelor pass and the APS the institution sets for that degree. There is no prescribed matric subject and Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted, which makes it more accessible than science-based programmes.
Criminology is the academic study of crime, its causes and responses to it. It is not a policing qualification and it does not by itself qualify you as a forensic investigator, which is a common and costly misunderstanding.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since criminology sits within a degree
- The institution APS for the BA or BSocSci
- A language at the level the faculty requires
- No prescribed subject, with Mathematical Literacy generally accepted
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Criminology is taken as a major alongside another subject, commonly psychology, sociology, law or political science. The combination you choose shapes what you can do afterwards more than the criminology major alone does.
Postgraduate study is where the field specialises, through honours and master’s programmes in criminology, forensic criminology or victimology. Research and academic careers require this route.
For work in policing or corrections, entry is through those services own recruitment and training rather than through the degree. A criminology degree can strengthen an application and support later promotion, but it is not a substitute for the service own entry process.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There are no prescribed subjects. Institutions look for a solid language result because the discipline is reading and writing intensive.
Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted, though the degree does include research methods and statistics modules that assume basic numeracy.
Points follow the institution own method for the BA or BSocSci. Criminology is not usually capped separately from the degree, so admission to the degree normally secures access to the major.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Because criminology sits within a general degree, admission is usually less competitive than for professional programmes. The competition comes later, at postgraduate level and in the job market.
Be clear about the destination before enrolling. Careers connected to the field include research, policy, corrections, victim support, private security management and academia, and several of these need postgraduate study or a separate entry process.
Combine the major deliberately. Criminology with law, psychology or statistics opens more doors than criminology alone, and the combination is decided at registration rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a criminology degree make me a police officer?
No. Entry to policing is through the service own recruitment and training. The degree can support an application and later promotion.
Do I need Mathematics for criminology?
Generally no. Mathematical Literacy is usually accepted, though the degree includes research methods and statistics modules.
Can I become a forensic investigator with criminology?
Not directly. Forensic roles typically require further specialised qualifications or entry through an investigating agency own process.
What should I combine criminology with?
Law, psychology, sociology or statistics are common and useful combinations, chosen at registration.
Confirm the degree APS and major combinations with each institution, and confirm recruitment requirements directly with any service you intend to join. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year, since these differ between institutions and change between years. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.