Have you ever wondered what makes someone commit a crime or how society can better prevent it? If you’re the kind of person who’s curious about understanding people, solving mysteries, or making communities safer, criminology might be your thing.
In South Africa, with its unique history and diverse culture, studying criminology is more than just a career choice, it’s a chance to make a real difference. Think about it: every crime has a story, and every story needs someone who can dig deep, connect the dots, and bring justice.
But figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming, right? What courses are available? What are the requirements? And, of course, how much will it all cost?
In this article, we will break it all down: the top criminology courses in South Africa, what each one offers, what you’ll need to apply, and how much to budget.
Table of contents
- Criminology
- Is Criminology a good degree in South Africa?
- Criminology Courses in South Africa
- 1. Criminology and Criminal Justice
- 2. Criminology and Security Management
- 3. Forensic Criminology
- 4. Honours Degree in Criminology
- 5. Juvenile Justice
- 6. Correctional Studies
- 7. Police Studies
- 8. Security Management
- 9. Cybercrime
- 10. Forensic Psychology
- 11. Criminal Law
- 12. Criminal Procedure
- 13. Penology
- 14. Deviance and Social Control
- 15. Criminology and Human Rights
- What are the requirements to study Criminology in South Africa?
- Which colleges offer Criminology in South Africa?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Criminology
Criminology is all about understanding crime—why it happens, who commits it, and how we can prevent it. It’s not just about catching criminals or what you see in detective shows. Instead, it’s a deeper look at human behavior, society, and the justice system.
Studying criminology in South Africa is especially exciting because the country’s unique history and social challenges provide so much to explore. A criminology course can open doors to careers in law enforcement, research, policymaking, or community work.
And with crime being a major issue, there’s always a need for skilled experts. If you’re curious, analytical, and eager to make a difference, criminology might be perfect for you!
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Is criminology a science or art course?
Criminology is a bit of both, it’s where science and art meet, even though it is considered more as the former.
It uses scientific methods like research and data analysis to study crime, but it also requires the art of understanding human behavior and social issues. In South Africa, criminology courses often include sociology, psychology, law, and forensics.
Is a criminologist a lawyer?
No, a criminologist isn’t a lawyer, but their work often overlaps. While lawyers focus on laws and court cases, criminologists study crime itself – its causes, patterns, and prevention.
Think of criminologists as the detectives behind the scenes, using research and analysis to understand the bigger picture of crime and justice.
Is Criminology a good degree in South Africa?
Yes, Criminology is a great degree in South Africa! The country’s history and social challenges, like inequality and crime, make it a fascinating and meaningful field to study.
With a Criminology degree, you can try out careers in law enforcement, research, policy-making, or community work, contributing to real social change. It also sharpens your critical thinking, helping you analyze complex issues.
While the job market can be competitive, especially in specific fields, further studies or specialization can open even more doors!
Which course is best for Criminology?
Criminology and Criminal Justice is your best bet. Why? It’s the foundation that covers everything from crime theories to the justice system, giving you a solid base for understanding the complexities of criminal behavior and legal processes.
It’s broad and offers a lot of pathways to explore within the field, whether it’s policing, security, or law.
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Where do criminologists work in South Africa?
Criminologists in South Africa work in all sorts of places, each with its own impact. Some work directly with the police, helping them understand crime trends and solve cases. Others are in prisons, studying inmate behavior or working on rehabilitation.
You’ll also find criminologists in research labs, looking at the root causes of crime, or in community organizations, helping victims or working on crime prevention. Some even get involved with the government, shaping policies or advising on social justice issues.
No matter where they end up, criminologists have the chance to make a real, positive difference in society.
Criminology Courses in South Africa
See the best criminology courses in South Africa:
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Criminology and Security Management
- Forensic Criminology
- Honours Degree in Criminology
- Juvenile Justice
- Correctional Studies
- Police Studies
- Security Management
- Cybercrime
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Penology
- Deviance and Social Control
- Criminology and Human Rights
1. Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminology and Criminal Justice is one of the most fascinating and practical courses you can study in South Africa. It goes deep into understanding crime—why it happens, how it affects society, and what can be done to prevent it.
You’ll explore topics like criminal behavior, justice systems, law enforcement, and rehabilitation. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about making communities safer, helping victims, or working in fields like policing, corrections, or policy-making.
One great place to study this is the University of South Africa (UNISA), offering a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The cost is around R3,800 per module, depending on your course load. It’s an incredible investment if you tackle crime and justice seriously!
2. Criminology and Security Management
Criminology and Security Management is an exciting course that combines the study of crime with strategies to protect people, property, and information.
It’s all about understanding the root causes of crime while learning how to design systems that prevent it—think of it as blending the detective work of criminology with the practical security management skills. You’ll get into topics like risk assessment and management, cybercrime, security planning, and law enforcement practices.
This course is ideal for those who want to work in fields like private security, corporate risk management, law enforcement, or even counter-terrorism. It’s perfect for problem-solvers who want to make a real-world impact.
UNISA and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa offer this course at different levels in South Africa. Criminology and Security Management course typically costs between R30,000 and R50,000 per year depending on the level.
3. Forensic Criminology
Forensic Criminology is like being the bridge between solving crimes and understanding why they happen. Imagine piecing together a puzzle where every clue—a fingerprint, a motive, or even a behavior pattern—helps explain the bigger picture of a crime.
This course goes into analyzing criminal behavior, crime scenes, and evidence to uncover the “how” and “why” behind crimes.
It’s perfect for curious minds who love both science and psychology—people who want to help solve crimes and contribute to justice. You’ll explore forensic psychology, criminal profiling, and even legal processes.
You can study this at the University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN), which offers courses in forensic criminology as part of their postgraduate programs. Here’s a breakdown of how much the course costs:
- The Criminology and Forensic Studies for students outside the European Economic Area costs R299,970 (16,665 USD).
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice costs R5,390 per module.
- The Certificate in Forensic Investigation Techniques costs R22,000, which includes online tuition, instruction materials, and data allocation.
4. Honours Degree in Criminology
An Honours Degree in Criminology is the perfect next step if you’ve already completed your undergraduate studies and are looking to dive deeper into understanding crime and its impact on society.
This course involves studying the causes of criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and how laws are enforced. It’s ideal for those who are curious, critical thinkers and passionate about making a difference in society through crime prevention or policy-making.
The University of Pretoria offers this course, and it typically costs around R40,000 per year.
5. Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Justice is all about understanding how the justice system deals with young people who get into trouble with the law. Think of it as focusing on giving second chances—helping kids who’ve made mistakes to turn their lives around.
This course goes into topics like youth crime, rehabilitation, child rights, and how to prevent repeat offenses. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about working with young people, whether as a social worker, lawyer, or policy maker.
The University of Cape Town offers this course as the Child Rights and Child Law course in South Africa. It is one of the best criminology short courses in South Africa. The course fee is R4500 per participant, which includes the five days of training, course materials, and annual access to all course materials.
6. Correctional Studies
Correctional Studies is all about what happens after someone is convicted of a crime. It focuses on rehabilitation, prison management, and finding ways to help offenders reintegrate into society.
Think of it as a course that doesn’t just deal with punishment but focuses on real change. You’ll learn about offender behavior, correctional programs, and even how the prison system operates.
It’s perfect for people who care about fairness and want to create safer communities by giving people a second chance.
UNISA offers this course at 2,735 ZAR per module for domestic students, with international students potentially facing slightly higher fees.
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7. Police Studies
Police Studies dives into the world of law enforcement and everything that keeps our streets safe. It’s not just about chasing criminals or patrolling neighborhoods—it’s about understanding crime prevention, community engagement, and how policing works in modern society.
This course equips you with knowledge about criminal law, investigation techniques, and public safety. It’s ideal for anyone who dreams of joining the police force or working in security and law enforcement.
Crane International Academy (CIA) offers the policing course at R34 800.
8. Security Management
Security Management is all about learning how to protect people, businesses, and assets from risks and threats. Think of it as the backbone of safety—this course teaches you how to assess risks, manage emergencies, and create strategies to prevent security breaches.
It’s perfect for anyone aiming to work in private security, corporate safety, or even national intelligence.
Oxbridge Academy offers the Security Management course at R7 600, which comes with a registration fee of R800, and a monthly installment payment of R650.00 X 11.7 months.
9. Cybercrime
Cybercrime is one of the most exciting courses in criminology because it dives into the digital world, where so much of our lives happen.
This course teaches you about online threats like hacking, identity theft, and fraud, and how to investigate and stop them. It’s perfect for tech-savvy people who want to combine their love for technology with solving crimes.
CPUT offers this course under its Cyber Security short course in South Africa. It costs R9500. Also, the Institute of Directors in South Africa offers this course, too. It is also one of the best criminology courses for beginners.
10. Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology is such a fascinating course! It’s all about understanding the link between psychology and the justice system. You’ll learn how to assess the minds of criminals, provide insights for investigations, and even help victims deal with trauma.
It’s perfect for anyone curious about the “why” behind criminal behavior and how psychology can help solve crimes.
This course is ideal for people who want to work in law enforcement, courts, or rehabilitation services.
One of the top places to study it in South Africa is the University of South Africa (UNISA), which offers programs in this field. Tuition can range from R20,000 to R40,000 per year, depending on the level of study. It is one of the popular criminology courses at UNISA.
11. Criminal Law
Criminal Law is all about understanding the laws that define crimes, how the justice system handles offenders, and the rights of victims. You’ll get into topics like evidence, trials, sentencing, and how society balances punishment and rehabilitation.
This course is perfect for anyone dreaming of becoming a lawyer, judge, prosecutor, or even a legal advisor. It’s one of the best criminology-related courses in South Africa for those passionate about justice.
You can study Criminal Law at the University of Cape Town (UCT), one of the top universities in the country. Fees for law programs at UCT range between R70,000 and R100,000 per year.
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12. Criminal Procedure
Criminal Procedure is where the law truly comes to life! This course focuses on the step-by-step process of how crimes are handled in the justice system. From arrest to trial and sentencing, you’ll learn about the rights of accused persons, the role of the police, and how court procedures work.
It’s perfect for anyone interested in working as a lawyer, legal researcher, or in law enforcement. If you’re passionate about how justice is delivered, this course will give you all the tools to understand it deeply.
You can study Criminal Procedure at the University of South Africa (UNISA), a top choice in South Africa. Tuition fees for law programs there start at around R45,000 per year, depending on the modules you choose. It is oen of the best criminology courses online.
13. Penology
Penology is all about understanding punishment and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. You’ll go deep into how prisons operate, what life is like for inmates, and how the system works to reform them. It’s a mix of theory and real-world application, exploring everything from the ethics of punishment to policies aimed at reducing recidivism.
If you’re interested in criminology, social work, or even law enforcement, this course is for you. You’ll come out with a strong understanding of how to improve the prison system and help prevent re-offending.
You can study Penology at the University of South Africa. The fees are approximately R50,000 to R70,000 a year depending on the program.
Deviance and Social Control is a fascinating course that looks at why people break society’s rules and how society reacts to them. You’ll explore topics like crime, punishment, and how certain behaviors are labeled as “deviant.”
It’s all about understanding what causes deviance and the systems in place to control or prevent it, whether through law, social norms, or institutions like schools or prisons.
This course is perfect for anyone interested in sociology, criminology, or social work. If you’re curious about how society manages “bad” behavior and what leads people to break the rules, this is for you.
This course is hosted by the Department of Public Law, University of Cape Town. The course fee i only available upon request.
15. Criminology and Human Rights
The LLM/MPhil in Development and Resource International Affairs (DRIA) at the University of Pretoria is a top-tier course that dives deep into international law, global development, and resource management.
If you’re passionate about how legal frameworks intersect with global challenges—like human rights, trade, and environmental justice—this course is perfect for you. It’s designed for students who want to shape policy, influence change, and work in international organizations or government sectors.
This course is a fantastic choice if you want to build a career in international law or development.
The University of Pretoria, offers this course. The total cost for the 2023 and 2024 academic years was approximately R37,000. Tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic years are expected to increase, and international students may pay more. Students are also responsible for travel and accommodation during contact sessions.
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What are the requirements to study Criminology in South Africa?
The criminology courses requirements in South Africa includes:
General Requirements:
- English as a subject
- Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
- Additional subjects like History, Geography, or Life Sciences can be helpful.
University-Specific Requirements:
- University of Cape Town (UCT):
- BSocSci in Criminology
- APS of around 45
- Specific scores in English and Mathematics/Math Literacy
- University of Pretoria (UP):
- BA in Criminology
- Must meet APS requirements
- A strong score in English
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN):
- BSocSci in Criminology and Forensic Studies
- General admission requirements with an emphasis on Social Science subjects.
Which colleges offer Criminology in South Africa?
Here are the top coleges to check out for Criminology courses in South Africa:
- University of Cape Town (UCT): They offer a BSocSci in Criminology which goes deep into crime, law, and society. It explores everything from criminal behavior to the justice system.
- University of Pretoria (UP): Their BA in Criminology is fantastic for understanding the theories behind criminal justice and practical approaches to crime prevention. It’s all about making the world safer!
- University of South Africa (UNISA): They offer a Bachelor of Criminology that’s perfect for those who want flexibility. With UNISA, you can study from anywhere while still getting a comprehensive education in criminology.
At UCT, the course costs about R40,000 per year, while UNISA offers a more affordable option starting at R9,000 annually.
FAQs
In South Africa, criminologists study crime patterns, causes, and effects. They analyze criminal behavior, advise on crime prevention strategies, work with law enforcement, assist in criminal justice policy development, and contribute to rehabilitation programs to improve public safety.
Yes, you can study criminology in South Africa at universities like UCT, UP, UKZN, and UNISA, offering various programs.
Yes, criminology is in demand in South Africa due to growing crime rates and law enforcement needs.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, these criminology courses in South Africa are your first step into a field that’s as exciting as it is meaningful.
Even if you dream of solving crimes, understanding human behavior, or creating safer communities, there’s a course out there that’s perfect for you. South Africa’s rich history and unique challenges make it an incredible place to study criminology.
References
- quora.com – Is criminology, an art or science, and why?
- studychoices.org.za – Requirements to Study Criminology in South Africa
- coursessouthafrica.co.za -Criminology Courses In South Africa
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