Bachelor of Commerce in Law

Purpose

This qualification is aimed at promoting access to higher education and equipping learners with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes attuned to the demands of business and industry. Learners will gain a critical understanding of the interplay between the disciplines of modern business management, strategic financial planning and governing rules of the law.

The qualification design reflects the logical progression of learning by introducing learners to the foundational and fundamental aspects of their learning areas in the first year and then progressing to the higher-order skills of analysing, interpreting and applying the principles and theories of focus areas in the second and third years of study.

This qualification is designed to develop the learner's ability to think and act strategically and professionally and to contribute meaningfully to the organisations they will be serving. Consequently, it facilitates the development of a well-rounded strategic business knowledge base in conjunction with substantial legal skills, knowledge and insight to allow for professional practice entry into a broad range of business enterprises as well as further studies in law or commerce.

Rationale

This qualification will provide access to higher education to persons wanting to consolidate their careers in the field of Law and will complement other the existing accredited qualifications. This qualification is of special interest to the working professional in business and private organisations and those who wish to pursue a career in Commercial Law. The course work is designed to provide the learner with an understanding and working application of the principles of Commercial Law.

This qualification will contribute to the following

• Contributes to national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
• Empowers learners with skills and competences to function and progress in the Legal environment.
• Recognises and caters for the career needs of learners who are in employment with increasing legislative requirements placed on businesses and associated red tape the need for legal professionals within the commercial law environment is increasing in South Africa.

The qualification's content is designed to provide learners with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence (including the development of graduate attitudes and qualities). The qualification provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation from their organisations/companies.

Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals of the South African Legal System, 15 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 30 Credits.
• Economics 1, 30 Credits.
• Accounting 1, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Information Systems, 20 Credits.
• Business Law, 20 Credits.
• Business Management 201, 20 Credits.
• Financial Law, 20 Credits.
• Public Law, 20 Credits.
• E-commerce Law, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Business Ethics, 20 Credits.
• Labour Law, 20 Credits.
• Taxation, 20 Credits.
• International Business Law, 20 Credits.
• Property Law, 20 Credits.
• Consumer Law, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate well-rounded and systematic knowledge of the structure of the South African legal system and the relationship between the various sub-disciplines of law that comprise our legal system.
2. Identify and evaluate the basic principles and norms of the modern South African Private and Mercantile Law.
3. Engage with advanced legal texts pertaining to legislation, court precedent and academic articles to source, identify and select appropriate and relevant information to support and inform statements, recommendations and decisions related to legal and corporate financial position.
4. Interpret, analyse and solve questions of law of an advanced nature, including legal problems encountered in financial planning.
5. Articulate, contextualise and communicate a legal conundrum and its likely solution in a professional and academically appropriate manner.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used to assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way.

• Apply theory and principles in a work-based context.
• Utilise appropriate technology in various communication modes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts.
• Display research skills in solving work related problems.
• Communicate legal and business knowledge acquired.
• Demonstrate an understanding of economic issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to propose solutions to problems on legal and business issues.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment: The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.

Summative Assessment: Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. Summative Assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

These Assessment methods include

• Written examination.
• Case studies.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Work based assignments.
• Self-assessment activities in the course material.