Diploma in Criminal Justice Course Requirements at Lyceum
Lyceum College · Faculty of Humanities
The Diploma in Criminal Justice is a diploma offered by Lyceum for 2027 learners, taking 3 years full-time minimum; up to 6 years part-time to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Diploma in Criminal Justice at Lyceum
- A National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass, or an NCV Level 4 with diploma endorsement
- An Amended Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate with a diploma endorsement or university exemption is also accepted
- A higher certificate or diploma in a related field can be used for entry
- Applicants aged 45 or older may apply on mature age grounds, subject to conditions
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Senate discretionary admission are available
- Applicants whose first language is not English may need to prove English proficiency
About this course
A 360-credit NQF Level 6 diploma (SAQA ID 79466) that explains how the criminal justice system works, from policing and crime prevention to courts and corrections. Study areas include criminology, criminal law and procedure, victimology, crime prevention and investigation, and security and risk management. It is studied by distance learning, with digital study material, assignments and exams managed through the Lyceum student portal.
It suits school leavers interested in law enforcement or security and people already working in security, policing or municipal enforcement who want a recognised diploma. Credits may articulate into further study through CAT and RPL.
Because the programme is offered by distance learning, you can keep working while you study and set a pace that fits your budget and schedule. Lyceum branch offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Polokwane help with registration and advice, and the student portal is where you download study material, submit assignments, check results and contact academic support.
Possible careers
Criminal justice officer or criminologist in private security companies, municipalities and risk management companies.
Course intelligence for Diploma in Criminal Justice
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Diploma in Criminal Justice doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Lyceum. Ask Lyceum directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Lyceum’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Lyceum and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the Lyceum student portal, or visit or phone a Lyceum branch on 0861 819 211 for help. Have a certified copy of your ID or passport, your highest school certificate and any post-school results ready to upload. Lyceum enrols through the year, so check the next registration window with an advisor before you pay the upfront deposit.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Lyceum College’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Lyceum College.
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- Duration
- 3 years full-time minimum; up to 6 years part-time
- NQF Level
- 6
- Fees
- 2025 fee schedule: R20 886 for the first year; monthly debit order option after a 15% deposit, and a discount for cash settlement. Confirm current fees with Lyceum.
- Application deadline
- Rolling registration; confirm the next intake with Lyceum
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
Related courses
Source: Official website: https://lyceum.edu.za/programme/diploma-in-criminal-justice/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Lyceum College before applying.