Master of Laws

To produce graduates with advanced knowledge of a specific field (or fields) of law and enhanced capacity for independent research.

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

Specific admission requirements

The Baccalaureus Legum degree or the equivalent thereof.

Specific Outcomes

Foundational Competencies (F)

Graduates should demonstrate

1. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a chose field or fields 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 and the potential application and effect of the research results in that context.

Practical Competencies

Graduates should demonstrate

1. Effective oral and written communication skills.
2. Adequate mastery of the 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.

Reflexive Competencies

Graduates should demonstrate

1. The ability to generate new scientific knowledge or a new systemization of existing knowledge or both.
2. Competent engagement in debate with a panel of experts or a peer learning group around topical issues in the chosen field of law.
3. The ability to produce a dissertation or treatise which meets the criteria for publication.

Critical Outcomes

The critical outcomes referred to in SAQA regulation 7(3) 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 ad 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

The forms of assessment which are employed differ depending on whether it concerns a full research programme or a coursework programme:

1. Research Programme

Formative assessment takes place in two ways

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

Summative assessment takes place through examination of a research report in the form of a dissertation

1. Coursework programme

Formative assessment takes place through structured peer group discussions as well as written assignments

Summative assessment takes place through written examinations and a treatise