Which University Offers the Best Criminology Degree in South Africa?
Choosing the right university for a criminology degree is a pivotal decision for anyone aspiring to tackle crime, understand criminal behavior, and shape South Africa’s justice system. With the country facing unique challenges—such as high crime rates, social inequality, and a complex legal landscape—the demand for skilled criminologists has never been higher.
Why Study Criminology in South Africa?
South Africa’s crime statistics—ranging from violent offenses to cybercrime—underscore the need for experts who can analyze, prevent, and address criminal behavior. A criminology degree equips you with theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical expertise to work in law enforcement, corrections, policy development, or academia. Studying in South Africa offers a unique lens into global and local crime dynamics, making it an ideal place to launch your career. But with several universities offering criminology programs, which one stands out as the best?
Criteria for the Best Criminology Degree
To determine the top university, we’ve assessed:
Academic Excellence: Depth of curriculum and faculty expertise.
Practical Training: Opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and real-world application.
Industry Ties: Connections to police services, government, and NGOs.
Graduate Success: Employment rates and alumni impact.
Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge criminology studies.
Let’s dive into the contenders and crown the champion.
Top Universities Offering Criminology Degrees in South Africa
1. University of Pretoria (UP)
Program: BA in Criminology; Honours, Master’s, and PhD in Criminology
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Why It’s a Contender: UP’s Department of Social Work and Criminology is a powerhouse, offering a comprehensive curriculum that blends sociology, psychology, and law. The BA program covers crime causation, victimology, and criminal justice systems, while postgraduate options allow specialization in areas like forensic criminology and crime prevention.
Practical Opportunities: Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, and NGOs like NICRO. Field trips to courts and prisons enhance learning.
Industry Ties: UP’s strong links to government and justice sectors ensure internships and job placements.
Graduate Success: Alumni hold key roles in SAPS, correctional services, and private security, with many pursuing influential research careers.
Research Excellence: The department’s focus on South Africa-specific crime issues—such as gangsterism and gender-based violence—sets it apart.
2. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Program: Postgraduate Diploma, MPhil, and PhD in Criminology (via the Centre of Criminology)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Why It’s a Contender: UCT is Africa’s top-ranked university, and its Centre of Criminology excels in postgraduate education. While it doesn’t offer an undergraduate degree, its advanced programs focus on interdisciplinary research, including policing, social justice, and law in action.
Practical Opportunities: Students engage in fieldwork with organizations like SANParks and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), plus visits to courts and crime-affected communities.
Industry Ties: Located in Cape Town—a hub for policy and research—UCT connects students to global and local justice networks.
Graduate Success: Alumni influence policy at national and international levels, often working with UN agencies or NGOs.
Research Excellence: UCT leads in Africa-focused criminology research, tackling issues like xenophobia and restorative justice.
3. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Program: BA in Criminology; Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees
Location: Distance Learning (Nationwide)
Why It’s a Contender: UNISA’s flexibility as an open-distance learning institution makes it accessible to thousands. Its criminology program covers crime theory, victimology, and penology, with a strong focus on practical application through assignments and research projects.
Practical Opportunities: While fieldwork is limited, UNISA encourages students to seek local internships with SAPS or community organizations.
Industry Ties: Partnerships with justice departments provide pathways to employment.
Graduate Success: UNISA grads populate SAPS, private security, and academia, leveraging the program’s affordability and reach.
Research Excellence: As a research-intensive institution, UNISA supports studies on South Africa’s crime challenges.
4. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Program: BA in Criminology and Forensic Studies; Postgraduate options
Location: Durban & Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Why It’s a Contender: UKZN offers a unique Criminology and Forensic Studies degree, blending criminology with forensic science—a rare combination in South Africa. The curriculum explores crime causation, forensic evidence, and justice systems.
Practical Opportunities: Fieldwork includes forensic lab simulations and collaborations with KZN police units.
Industry Ties: Strong connections to SAPS forensics and local courts enhance employability.
Graduate Success: Graduates excel in forensic investigation, policing, and legal support roles.
Research Excellence: Research focuses on regional issues like organized crime and rural violence.
5. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Program: BA with Criminology as a major; Honours and Master’s options
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Why It’s a Contender: Wits offers a flexible BA where criminology can be paired with sociology or psychology, providing a broad foundation. Its urban setting in Johannesburg—a crime research hub—adds context.
Practical Opportunities: Internships with Gauteng police and community projects offer real-world exposure.
Industry Ties: Links to urban safety initiatives and research institutes like the Centre for Urban and Built Environment Studies.
Graduate Success: Alumni work in policy analysis, policing, and social justice advocacy.
Research Excellence: Wits tackles urban crime and socio-economic drivers, aligning with Johannesburg’s challenges.
Honorable Mentions
University of Limpopo: BA in Criminology with a focus on rural crime (Turfloop Campus).
Nelson Mandela University (NMU): Criminology within Social Sciences, emphasizing community safety (Gqeberha).
And the Winner Is… University of Pretoria (UP)
After rigorous analysis, University of Pretoria emerges as the top choice for the best criminology degree in South Africa for 2025. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: UP offers a full spectrum from undergraduate to doctoral levels, covering all facets of criminology—crime causation, victimology, and justice systems.
- Unmatched Practical Training: Partnerships with SAPS, correctional services, and courts provide hands-on experience unmatched by peers.
- Industry Connections: UP’s Pretoria location and government ties ensure graduates are job-ready.
- Research Leadership: The department’s focus on South Africa’s unique crime issues—gang violence, corruption, and rehabilitation—sets a global standard.
- Graduate Outcomes: UP alumni dominate key roles in law enforcement, policy, and academia, proving its real-world impact.
While UCT excels in postgraduate research and UKZN shines in forensics, UP’s blend of accessibility, depth, and practical focus makes it the standout choice for most students.
How to Get Started at UP
- Admission Requirements: For the BA, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum APS score of 30 and English at level 5. Postgraduate entry requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with strong grades.
- Application Process: Apply via UP’s online portal by June 30, 2025, for the 2026 intake (check the website for exact dates).
- Fees: Approximately R40,000–R50,000 per year for undergraduates (2025 estimates; confirm with UP).
- Contact: Visit www.up.ac.za or email [email protected] for details.
Career Paths with a UP Criminology Degree
- Law Enforcement: SAPS detective or profiler.
- Corrections: Rehabilitation officer or parole analyst.
- Policy: Advisor for the Department of Justice.
- Research: Academic or consultant for ISS or SANBI.
- Private Sector: Security analyst or forensic investigator.
Conclusion
For those asking, “Which university offers the best criminology degree in South Africa?” the answer is clear: University of Pretoria leads the pack in 2025. Its holistic approach, practical training, and industry relevance make it the ultimate launchpad for a criminology career. Whether you’re starting with a BA or aiming for a PhD, UP equips you to address South Africa’s crime challenges head-on. Visit their website today to take your first step toward a transformative education!
