Master of Laws

Purpose

The qualification provides training among others in Research Methodology to equip the candidate with the skills necessary either for employment in a variety of fields or for further articulation by independent research for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Laws (LLD) in the same or a related subject area. The research report must reflect professionalism in research expertise and skill. Graduates are expected have mastered a theoretically sophisticated subject matter and to be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field of Law. They will have developed the ability to apply in-depth and specialised disciplinary knowledge and research skills to discipline-based problems.

Rationale

The qualification is intended to enhance the basic knowledge and skills of entry-level lawyers in a specialised area of either Labour Law or Development and Management Law by providing an opportunity for Law Graduates to adapt their basic qualifications to a rapidly changing world work. The need for this stems from the national priority of providing improved security coupled to decreasing levels of criminal activity and of corruption. Specialisation to prepare lawyers in a selection of careers is possible in one of the following professions: International Aspects of Law; Mercantile Law; Private Law; Public Law; Procedural Law.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the programme is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours qualification, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 9, 180 Credits (Choose one)

• Dissertation International Aspects of Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation Perspectives on Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation Mercantile Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation Private Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation Public Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation Procedural Law, 180 Credits.

Or

• Dissertation the Legal Profession, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and be able to critique and evaluate current research or practices.
2. Demonstrate a command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
3. Solve problems in the field of chosen specialisation.
4. Accesses, manages and produces information ethically in the context of the specialisation practitioner's profession.
5. Show sensitivity to and understands the contexts and systems of the profession.
6. Manages his or her own learning and takes accountability for his or her own work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Drafts a research proposal on an approved topic in the chosen specialisation that demonstrates the knowledge that the learner has integrated in the chosen specialisation.
• Reflects on current and recent research in the field in the process of underscoring the process of researching the identified problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Drafts a research proposal of acceptable standard in line with the faculty guidelines for the chosen specialisation.
• Produce a research dissertation of the required length and complexity that demonstrates the application of the research design to the identified problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Produces a research dissertation that reflects on current research, problem analysis and implementation of strategies to solve problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Contributes to the understanding, analysis and resolution of identified research areas in an ethically appropriate manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Properly contextualised and rooted research dissertation in the specialisation area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Properly contextualised and rooted research dissertation in the specialisation area.

Integrated Assessment

Master's Dissertation submitted for examination.