Bachelor of Commerce in Law

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Law is to cultivate professionals equipped to navigate the increasingly intertwined worlds of law and Commerce within the South African and global contexts. It aims to provide a robust foundation in legal principles while simultaneously developing a strong understanding of business practices and their legal implications. This unique blend of legal and business education prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to organisations where legal and commercial acumen are essential for success. The qualification serves as a pathway for advanced studies in either Commerce or law, offering students flexibility in their career trajectory.

Qualifying BCom (Law) learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of both legal principles and core business practices, recognising their interconnectedness within the South African and global contexts. They will be adept at identifying and analysing complex challenges at the intersection of law and Commerce, using information from diverse legal and business sources to inform sound decision-making. Graduates will possess strong communication skills, enabling them to articulate legal and business matters effectively to various audiences, both orally and in writing. Furthermore, they will be equipped to demonstrate ethical conduct and social responsibility in their professional lives, considering the broader societal impact of their decisions within legal and business environments.

The qualification also ensures graduates can evaluate fundamental business principles, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and management, understanding their intricate interplay with relevant legal frameworks. Finally, they will be skilled collaborators, able to work effectively in multi-disciplinary settings and contribute meaningfully to solutions that demand both legal and commercial insights. This unique blend of expertise prepares them for diverse and in-demand roles, including Business Analysts, Compliance Officers, Risk Managers, and Legal Assistants or Paralegals, within commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors.

The Exit Level Outcomes directly support the purpose of the BCom (Law) qualification, which is to "cultivate professionals equipped to navigate the increasingly intertwined worlds of Law and commerce within the South African and global contexts". The outcomes collectively ensure that graduates gain a robust foundation in legal principles while simultaneously developing a strong understanding of business practices and their legal implications.

This comprehensive blend of legal and business education prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to organisations where legal and commercial acumen are essential for success. The qualification's design, as reflected in its outcomes, equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between legal and commercial spheres, addressing a critical need for professionals with this dual understanding in the modern economy.

Furthermore, the outcomes contribute to broader societal goals, such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, through the development of high-level skills applicable across commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors.

The qualification inherently fosters several Graduate Attributes

• Dynamic Professional: The qualification cultivates "pro-active change agents" by requiring graduates to integrate legal and business knowledge to address complex challenges, analyse information for decision-making, and collaborate effectively. This prepares them for roles requiring responsible choices and innovative solutions in changing contexts.
• Enquiring Learner: The emphasis on analysing diverse legal and business information and evaluating fundamental business principles encourages students to be "curious independent thinkers" who "explore, evaluate, and responsibly use different sources of knowledge". The critical thinking inherent in applying legal principles also fosters a "growth mindset".
• Engaged Citizen: The focus on demonstrating ethical conduct and social responsibility directly aligns with the "Engaged Citizen" attribute, which promotes understanding values underpinning critical citizenry and commitment to "socially just leadership". The qualification's contribution to broader societal goals, such as poverty alleviation and gender equality, further reinforces this attribute.
• Digital Knower: The qualification's engagement with industry bodies and the modern economy requires the use of technology for research and communication, implicitly fostering digitally knowledgeable and agile individuals who function competently in digital contexts.
• Caring Individual: The "Demonstrate ethical conduct and social responsibility" strongly links to the "Caring Individual" attribute, which emphasises responsibility for well-being and acting ethically in professional and personal lives.

Rationale

The BCom (Law) addresses a critical need for professionals who possess a dual understanding of legal principles and business practices. The increasing interconnectedness of the legal and commercial spheres demands individuals who can effectively bridge the gap between these two domains. This qualification is designed to meet this demand by providing a unique blend of legal and business education, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex legal and commercial landscapes of the modern economy. The rationale is further strengthened by the qualification's contribution to broader societal goals, such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, through the development of high-level skills applicable in commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors. The qualification's proven success, attracting high-calibre students and producing sought-after graduates, validates the continued need for this qualification.

The BCom (Law) responds directly to the needs of several key sectors

• Business: The qualification prepares graduates for roles requiring a combined understanding of law and business, such as contract negotiation, compliance, risk management, and legal affairs within corporations.
• Legal (Paralegal/Legal Support): While not qualifying graduates to practice law as attorneys or advocates, it provides a strong foundation for those pursuing careers as paralegals, legal assistants, or other legal support roles. It also creates a pathway for further legal studies (LLB).
• Government and Public Sector: The combined legal and business knowledge is highly valuable in government agencies and public sector organisations, particularly in areas such as regulatory affairs, policy development, and commercial transactions.
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): The qualification equips graduates with skills relevant to working in NGOs, particularly those focused on areas such as human rights, social justice, and economic development, where an understanding of legal frameworks and business practices is crucial.
• Financial Services: The financial services sector increasingly requires professionals with expertise in both law and finance. BCom (Law) graduates are well-positioned for roles in this sector.

The qualification is not explicitly aligned with the requirements of a professional body. However, the qualification focuses on skills relevant to the commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors, demonstrating an implicit understanding of sectoral needs. The faculties of Law and Commerce, which offer the qualification in partnership, regularly engage with relevant industry bodies (e.g., chambers of Commerce, business associations, law societies, relevant government departments, and NGO networks) on the qualification's content. Additionally, the legal modules included in the qualification form part of the Bachelor of Laws qualification offered by the institution, which was redesigned per the CHE LLB Standard and supported by the Law Society of South Africa. Students who wish to pursue a career in law are required to complete the remainder of the LLB qualification as a postgraduate option after completing the BCom (Law) qualification.

Typical learners are individuals interested in the intersection of law and business. They may aspire to careers in either field or in roles that bridge both. The qualification attracts high-achieving students, as evidenced by its popularity and competitive entry requirements. Qualifying learners will be prepared for a range of occupations, including:

• Business Analysts
• Contract Administrators
• Compliance Officers
• Risk Managers
• Legal Assistants and Paralegals
• Management Consultants
• Project Managers in NGOs
• Government Regulatory Officers
• Financial Analysts with a legal focus

The BCom (Law) is an undergraduate qualification that provides a foundation for further specialisation in either business or law. It can serve as a stepping stone to an LLB degree for those seeking a career as a legal practitioner. It also creates a pathway for postgraduate studies in business-related fields, allowing those who would then enrol in an Honours or PGDip in their selected field.

• Learner: The qualification offers a distinctive and valuable blend of legal and business knowledge, enhancing career prospects and preparing learners for a range of diverse and in-demand roles. The program's focus on transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, benefits learners across various career paths.
• Society: The qualification contributes to a more informed and responsible business environment by producing graduates with a strong understanding of legal and ethical considerations. It also contributes to social development by equipping graduates with skills relevant to working in NGOs and government agencies focused on social justice and economic development. The qualification's emphasis on responsible citizenship, including modules on constitutionalism and core values, contributes to a more engaged and informed citizenry.
• Economy: The qualification supports economic growth by producing professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex legal and commercial landscape. This fosters innovation, reduces business risk, and promotes sustainable business practices. The availability of graduates with this combined skillset enhances South Africa's competitiveness in the global economy and is innovative.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per national guidelines and the SU Regulation for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), no more than 10% of a cohort will be accepted into the qualification via RPL.

All applicants who wish to be considered for RPL or CAT must submit a formal application to the faculty they are applying to. RPL applications can consist of one of the following options.

RPL for access: an applicant does not meet the minimum admission criteria but has completed non-formal or informal learning, such as workplace experience, that can be deemed equivalent to some of the academic requirements.

RPL for exemption: an applicant has completed non-formal or informal learning (such as a combination of short courses) that is deemed equivalent to a module or module(s) in the qualification and is therefore granted exemption from these modules.

However, since a National Senior Certificate is required for access to higher education, RPL for access is highly unlikely for this undergraduate qualification.

Each application is reviewed on its own merit. The procedures outlined by the Faculty's RPL guidelines will be followed.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4 with matriculation exemption.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Law, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 424 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits

• Foundations of Law, 24 Credits.
• Introduction to Constitutional Law and Statutory, 18 Credits.
• Legal Skills, 12 Credits
• Law of Persons,12 Credits
• Financial Accounting, 24 Credits
• Economics, 24 Credits
• Theory of Interest, 6 Credits
• Business Management, 18 Credits
• Information Systems, 6 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 130 Credits

• African Customary Law, 18 Credits.
• Constitutional Law, 12 Credits
• Family Law, 12 Credits
• Legal Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Law of Civil Procedure, 12 Credits.
• Economics, 32 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 32 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 150 Credits

• Property Law, 18 Credits.
• Law of Succession, 12 Credits
• Law of Civil Procedure, 12 Credits.
• Jurisprudence, 12 Credits
• Labour Law, 12 Credits.
• Constitutional Law, 12 Credits.
• Economics/Financial Accounting, 48 Credits.

1. Integrate and apply core legal principles and business practices to identify and address complex challenges at the intersection of law and Commerce.
2. Analyse legal and business information from diverse sources to inform decision-making in commercial and legal contexts.
3. Communicate effectively on legal and business matters to various audiences, both orally and in writing.
4. Demonstrate ethical conduct and social responsibility within legal and business environments, considering the broader societal impact of decisions.
5. Evaluate fundamental business principles (e.g., finance, accounting, marketing, management) and their interplay with relevant legal frameworks.
6. Collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary settings, contributing to solutions that require both legal and commercial understanding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Accurately identify relevant legal principles and business practices applicable to a given complex challenge, demonstrating a clear understanding of their nature.
• Synthesise legal and business knowledge to develop a coherent and practical strategy for addressing the identified challenge.
• Justify the chosen approach by explicitly outlining the interrelationship and mutual influence of the integrated legal and business considerations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Select and critically evaluate pertinent information from a range of legal sources (e.g., legislation, case law) and business sources (e.g., financial statements, market reports).
• Interpret complex data and information accurately to extract key insights relevant to the commercial and legal implications of a scenario.
• Formulate well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations for decision-making, directly supported by the analysed information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Present complex legal and business information clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology and structure for the specific medium (oral/written).
• Adapt communication style, tone, and level of detail to suit the knowledge and expectations of diverse audiences (e.g., legal professionals, business executives, general public).
• Construct well-supported arguments or explanations, demonstrating logical flow and persuasiveness in conveying legal and commercial insights.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Correctly identify and clearly articulate the ethical dilemmas and social responsibilities inherent in given legal and business scenarios.
• Propose suitable solutions or actions that align with recognised ethical principles and promote social well-being, beyond mere legal compliance.
• Justify ethical decisions by referencing relevant codes of conduct, legal frameworks, and considerations for stakeholders and the wider community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Accurately define and explain core concepts and theories within key business disciplines (e.g., financial reporting, marketing strategy, organisational structure).
• Write clear arguments clarifying how specific legal frameworks (e.g. labour law) directly influence and regulate business principles and operations.
• Critically assess the implications of legal constraints and opportunities on business decision-making and strategic planning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Actively participate in group discussions and tasks, demonstrating a willingness to share expertise and consider diverse perspectives from legal and business backgrounds.
• Integrate individual contributions with those of others to produce a cohesive and comprehensive solution that reflects both legal and commercial considerations.
• Engage constructively with team members, demonstrating respectful communication and problem-solving skills when addressing differences in legal or business viewpoints.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy of this qualification aligns with the institution's Assessment Policy (2022) through the careful design of assessment strategies for each module, which implement flexible assessment frameworks that deliver robust assessments and effectively promote learners' learning, as well as evaluate learners' achievements for certification (The institution's Assessment Policy, 2022). It further aims to support the achievement of the SU graduate attributes by purposefully embedding them in curricula, learning, teaching and assessment activities.

Assessments that promote learner learning need to be designed according to the principles of effective assessment. Lecturers involved in this qualification will apply the framework and guidelines provided in the Institution's Assessment policy to measure their assessment practices (SU Assessment policy, 2021).

The assessment strategy of each module will be made explicit to learners in a module framework. The assessment strategies are varied and suited to the teaching-learning-assessment approach of each module. Various face-to-face and online, invigilated and take-home, timed and own-pace assessments will be used as unpacked below. Assessments can be done orally (e.g. oral, class discussion, debate, mock trail) or in written format (invigilated, in-person, closed-book assessments, assignment, essay, legal opinion, heads of argument, written pleadings). Written assignments and essays must typically comply with the Law Faculty Writing Guidelines and prescribed referencing guidelines.

Assessments will be conducted either individually or in a group e.g. team-based learning (linked to the LLB qualification standard, self-management and collaboration). Learners will receive regular formative feedback to guide their learning.

Diagnostic assessment will be used to evaluate learners' strengths, weaknesses, prior knowledge, and skills before the start of a module/contact session, etc., to decide what action(s) may be required of the learners and/or the lecturer. For example, learners will be required to submit a written speech on a prescribed topic to assess their written skills.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments (e.g., written assessments, online quizzes, clicker tests) will be used regularly in all modules. They offer learners an opportunity to develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes with the aid of learning-centred feedback and self- and peer assessment. They can also promote learning, as this requires learners to engage with the assessment criteria. Examples of these will include tutorial activities and group activities in the classroom, such as group discussions, written legal opinions/essays, etc.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessments, such as written tests, essays, assignments, presentations, etc., will be used to inform decisions and findings on learners' progress.

Each of the modules in the qualification uses a combination of different assessment types and methods and various assessment opportunities are utilised in each module. This is essential to accommodate diverse learning styles, promote holistic and progressive learner learning, support the development of a broad range of graduate attributes and enhance learner engagement.