Bachelor of Commerce in Law

Purpose

There is a growing need for multi-dimensional graduates with the ability to participate in an increasingly complex and dynamic local and global economy. The dual focus on commerce and law increases the opportunities for graduates to pursue a career in business management, whilst the focus on governance and compliance creates consciousness for ethical business practice. Qualifying learners may also complete a further law qualification and thus follow a career in law, whilst armed with a firm grasp of sound business skills.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to

• Acquire knowledge and awareness and the ability to apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories pertinent to law and business in general, within a multidisciplinary subject context.
• Execute basic numeracy tasks related to the fields of law.
• Communicate effectively, by demonstrating effective oral, written, listening and non-verbal communication skills, as required by the various contexts within the legal profession to enable the effective practice of Law.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply basic legal principles to novel and emergent fields of Law.
• Identify, analyse, reflect on and solve legal problems, as well as problem in the fields of Economic and Business Sciences, responsibly and creatively, at a basic level, using the most relevant sources and research methods that may assist in solving the legal problems in order to create well-reasoned solutions.
• Acquire knowledge and awareness of pertinent ethical considerations in Law and organisation and management.

Rationale

This qualification sets out to produce graduates familiar with the relationship between various aspects of commerce and the general rules of law. Graduates of this qualification will also hold in high regard their duty to contribute meaningfully to the development of the local and global society and economy. The qualification will equip the learner with specialised knowledge in certain law subjects, whilst the commerce subjects will allow the learner the ability to develop a specialisation in tax, accounting or governance and compliance. The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Law Degree will also impart general skills and competencies in numeracy, literacy and communication. In addition, graduates obtain a BCom Law Degree upon completion of their first 360 Credits, which includes 240 Credits of study in Economics and Business and all general BCom foundation courses, an ideal first Degree grounding for a variety of careers in law business and government. The above enables graduates to engage in a concerted study of law for the LLB qualification. The graduate is thereby prepared for a process of further learning in Law, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature and function of, and an ability to apply the Law in the regulation of commercial activity.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning access may be considered in line with the Institution's RPL policy and procedures. In so doing, it will recognise the following fundamentals:

• Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational provider, or by any other accredited provider. Such learning may include professional development or on-the job-training.
• Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry may be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Credit for modules passed, with satisfactory grades, may be granted, at other recognised higher education institutions if:

• The module is considered to be comparable in content and standard to those offered by the receiving institution.
• It is relevant to the planned course/programme of study.
• The learner must still satisfactorily complete at least half the modules of the qualification at the receiving institution in order to be awarded a Degree.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) allowing entry to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5 in a related field.

Or

• Advanced Certificate or Diploma at NQF Level 6 in a related field.

This qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules each worth 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Introduction to Information Systems for lawyers.
• Basic Accounting, Costing and Financing.
• Ethics and critical thinking for lawyers.
• Introduction to Law.
• Introduction to Accounting.
• Introduction to Micro and Macro Economics.
• Introduction to Management.

Total Credits, 105.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Law of persons.
• Constitutional Law.
• Introduction to Accounting using International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Introduction to Taxation Law.
• Bill of Rights.
• Business Statistics.
• Entrepreneurship.

Total Credits, 105.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Family Law.
• Compliance and Risk Management.
• Administration of Deceased Estates and Wills.
• Service Business Management Simulation.
• Law of Contract.
• Criminal Law.
• Governance and Ethics.

Total Credits, 105.

Electives (Learners are to choose any three elective modules)

• IsiZulu for beginners (Second language for lawyers/accountants), at NQF Level 5.
• SeSotho for beginners (Second language for lawyers/accountants), at NQF Level 5.
• Intermediate Accounting using the International Financials Standards, at NQF Level 6.
• Intermediate Taxation, at NQF Level 6.
• Advanced Accounting using the International Financial Standards, at NQF Level 6.
• Advanced Taxation, at NQF Level 6.

Total Credits, 45.

1. Understand and critically analyse fundamental legal and business concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to values.
2. Identify, categorise, analyse and critically evaluate information and evidence from a legal and business perspective.
3. Communicate correctly, coherently and successfully within a legal and business setting by means of written, oral, persuasive methods and sustained discourse.
4. Function well in a collaborative setting and add meaningfully to the collaborative outcome.
5. Use technology to successfully research, retrieve, process and communicate relevant data in a legal and business setting.
6. The ability to successfully self-manage and self-organise relevant aspects of their professional life and legal and business activities is showcased.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An integrated appreciation of societal matters together with legal and business principles, concepts, theories and values is demonstrated.
• The requisite legal and business methods, techniques and strategies relating to legal and business research and problem solving in both theoretical and practical scenarios are acquired.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The ability to research, analyse and evaluate information in the manner required by the legal and business discipline is displayed.
• Complex and diverse legal and business problems are resolved creatively, critically and ethically and legal and business advice is given responsibly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The ability to communicate successfully using written and oral means within a legal and business setting is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Successful collaborative efforts with peers and colleagues are carried out and correct and unbiased feedback on the collaborative work is provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The requisite computer and technical skills are employed to conduct relevant legal and business research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Various learning approaches are demonstrated and assimilated to one's personal life.

Integrated Assessment

This Bachelor of Commerce in Law recognises the importance of integrating learning and assessment. Throughout the qualification, constant and continuous formative assessment occurs in the various modules learners are required to undertake. This continuous and constant formative assessment ensures that throughout the duration of the qualification, learners receive valuable feedback on their academic development regarding the attainment of specific learning outcomes.

Furthermore, each module contains a summative assessment which allows the learner to effectively assess their academic development with regard to attaining the overall exit level outcomes of the qualification.