Bachelor of Laws

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to

• Equip learners with the knowledge and specific skills, related to the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in a variety of branches of the legal profession with a view to further personal intellectual development, economic activities and community service.
• Develop lawyers who are conversant with the foundations and principles of legal scholarship and equipped to work independently with the Law in concrete situations.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to help sufficient numbers of qualified legal professionals to enter the private and public sectors in South Africa. The qualification will ensure the sustainable provision of all the diverse needs (in terms of legal services, leadership and innovative, knowledge-based activities) of a transforming society within the South African legal state sustainably. The qualification will also equip qualified people to undertake further studies and research at postgraduate level for purposes of obtaining a postgraduate qualification in Law.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based- and life-long learning. Considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role. These considerations subscribe to the view that recognition of prior learning, is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

Formal prior learning

Recognition of Prior accredited learning at the FET or HET level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should occur upon the production of evidence of achievement of the outcomes and assessment criteria specified for the modules LLB. If appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

A learner who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A learner who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but needs further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications before admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelors studies.

Or

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

Or

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

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and understanding of the historical and jurisprudential development of the Law, the role of Law in society in general, and the principles of SA, regional and international Law.
2. Engage with and apply the general principles within relevant contexts.
3. Engage with and address ethical issues about the academic environment, legal practice and society towards the establishment of professional identity and responsibility.
4. Investigate, critically analyse, understand and solve complex real-life and hypothetical problems coherently and creatively, demonstrating advanced use of critical thinking in legal practice.
5. Formulate, present and communicate insightful and creative academic and professional ideas and arguments effectively - verbally and in writing, using appropriate media and communication technology and suitable research methods.
6. Read, interpret and draft legal documents, including statutes.
7. Demonstrate legal skills, both in general and specific to the profession, including relevant computer and numerical skills.
8. Work effectively as part of a team to solve discipline-related problems and to take responsibility for task-specific outcomes and appropriate use of relevant resources.
9. Apply, in a self-critical manner, appropriate learning strategies to effectively address professional and lifelong learning.
10. Demonstrate a commitment to social justice, the promotion of human rights and good citizenship.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will integrate the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate a critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and leader of a team or a group in scientific projects.
• Investigate, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated assessment

Formative assessment such as assignments done in class, group work, written assignments and tests. Summative assessment: examination papers (3 hours). Integrated assessment: written assignments and assignments done in class (written and oral). Mini-dissertation comprising of 20 A4 pages.