Diploma in Paralegal Studies

Purpose

This programme equips learners to work in law firms, advisory offices or the Department of Justice. Through the exposure of students to basic principles of law they can play an important role in ensuring that justice is made accessible to the majority of people living in rural and under-developed areas of our country. The intended purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with the ability to apply the common law to resolving disputes and to recognise and appraise the importance and functioning of the legal remedies as a pre emotive prevention of and safeguard to legal disputes and enforcing the rights of an aggrieved party. To further recognise the inter related legal facets when drafting a contract and utilise same as a decisive and efficient tool in enforcing rights and obligations in the event of a dispute and prior to the litigation.

Rationale

Qualified learners of this programme should have: Knowledge and understanding - have advanced knowledge and reflective understanding of and insight into the substantive principles of the subject; Cognitive skills - be able to apply the advanced knowledge; Practical and professional skills - possess and be able to demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge required to apply the subject principles; Values and attitudes - possess and demonstrate all the values and dispositions required to apply the subject in practice. Learners should further be able to demonstrate: Problem solving; Team-ship; Self-responsibility skills; Research skills; Communication skills; Technological and environmental literacy; Developing macro vision; Learning skills; Citizenship; Cultural and aesthetic understanding; Employment seeking skills; Entrepreneurship.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF)-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning students may gain access, or advance placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements

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

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5, and 6 totalling at 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.

• Family Law 1, 30 Credits.
• Criminal Law 1, 30 Credits.
• Business Law, 30 Credits.
• Civil Law 1, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits

• Civil Law 2, 30 Credits.
• Business Law 2, 30 Credits.
• Criminal Law 2, 30 Credits.
• Family Law 2, 30 Credits.
• Business Law 3, 60 Credits.
• Civil Law 3, 60 Credits.

1. Comprehend the essential requirements for contractual and delictual liability.
2. Obtain an in-depth and practical overview of the various business entities and the role of the paralegal in disputes relevant to these entities.
3. Learners will further obtain a theoretical and practical overview of the common law and legislation which defines the criminal law, criminal procedure law and law of evidence as well as a broad perspective of the legislation which regulates family law.

• Define and analyse the requirements for delictual liability as opposed to criminal and contractual liability.
• Analyse the legislation as it pertains to the functioning of both business entities and natural persons.
• Analyse and apply the legislation which regulates family law in the event of a dispute or where the rights of a person are to be enforced.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, tests, assignments and examination which reveal evidence of learning based on the criteria of adequacy will be utilised.