Doctor of Laws

This qualification includes specialisations, refer to the "Notes".

To produce graduates with specialised and in-depth knowledge of a specific field of law and a well-developed capacity for independent research.

Prospective students should be able to express their thoughts and ideas in either English or Afrikaans and have acquired such research skills as would adequately equip them for doctoral research.

Specific admission requirements

The Magister Legum Degree or the equivalent thereof.

Specific Outcomes

1. Foundational Competencies

Graduates should demonstrate

1. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge and understanding of a chosen field of law.
2. The ability to critically analyse and evaluate the sources of law and literature in the relevant field.
3. An understanding of the broader socio-political context of the law both nationally and internationally, and the potential application and effect of the researcher results in that context.
4. Practical Competencies

Graduates should demonstrate

1. The achievement of intellectual independence and a capacity for independent research at an advance level.
2. Full and confident use of appropriate research tools and techniques.
3. The ability to identify and define problems, uncertainties, inconsistencies and lacunae in the chosen field of law and generating appropriate solutions.
4. Reflexive Competencies

Graduates should

1. Demonstrate competent professional engagement in debate with a panel of experts around topical issues in the chosen field of law.
2. Produce a thesis which contributes to original knowledge in the chosen field and which meets the criteria for publication.

Critical Outcomes

The critical outcomes referred to in SAQA regulation are embedded in the abovementioned specific outcomes as follows

1. Identifying and solving problems using critical and creative thinking
2. Effective teamwork
3. Effective management of oneself
4. Collecting, analysing and critically evaluating information
5. Effective communication
6. Effective use of science and technology
7. Understanding the inter-relation of systems in the world
8. Full personal development of the learner

Integrated Assessment

1. Formative assessment takes place in two ways

• An oral examination of the candidate by a panel of experts;
• Continuous assessment by the candidate's promoter through discussion sessions and the writing of draft research reports.

1. Summative assessment takes place through examination of a research report in the form of a thesis