Master of Laws
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Walter Sisulu University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security
Subfield
Justice in Society
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is aimed at broadening the general legal knowledge of learners about other legal systems and allowing them to specialise in a particular field. The areas of specialisation for this Master of Laws (LLM) Degree are Public Law; Private and Customary Law; and Criminal Procedural Law. Qualifying learners will be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, plan, organise, manage and execute independent legal research and compile a dissertation on the preferred topic.
Rationale
The Master of Laws (LLM) qualification will be offered through the distance mode of learning. The targeted market for this qualification are law practitioners such as law lecturers, judges, lawyers, prosecutors, registrars and clerks of court, of whom most are unable to study fulltime due to their work circumstances. This qualification will assist in the socio-economic development of the country and give law practitioners an opportunity to improve their knowledge in the respective fields of law. Additionally, there is an urgent need to develop research and analytical lecturers, lawyers and judges to respond to local, national, regional and international needs.
Furthermore, the qualification seeks to
- Enhance learners' ability to conduct major legal research.
- Develop learners' capacity to make informed high level legal decisions based on research.
- Prepare law graduates for advanced and specialised professional development.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Prior learning will be recognised, subject to the requirements of the qualification and as per the University's RPL policy. RPL may be used by learners to demonstrate competence for admission into this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of the prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL may not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal RPL processes using recognised methods. Any other evidence of prior learning will be assessed through RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.
Entry Requirements
Access criteria to this qualification include
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This is a Master of Laws Degree by full dissertation worth 180 Credits.
- Research dissertation, 180 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Initiate, plan, organise, manage and execute independent legal research and compile the dissertation on the preferred topic.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Scientific data are acquired, analysed and interpreted according to recognised legal methods.
- High level legal problems are identified, analysed and solved in written and oral form.
- The effective use of scientific and technological aids in conducting legal research is demonstrated.
- An understanding of the interrelatedness of the law with other fields and with society in general, as well as the influence of the law on society and vice versa is communicated.
- Legal opportunities are explored and utilised while addressing social, economic and ethical problems applicable to the topic of the research dissertation.
- The research results are communicated effectively and appropriately in a clear and concise way through a written research report.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated assessment will be appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose and exit level outcome of the qualification is achieved.
Regular feedback will also be provided to learners on work submitted (i.e. research proposal, individual chapters, first and second drafts and seminar presentations).
The research dissertation will be examined internally and externally on final submission by the learner.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification only allows for systemic articulation both horizontally and vertically with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided learners meet the minimum admission requirements. The possibilities are:
Horizontally
- Master of Laws in Constitutional and Administrative Law, at Level 9.
- Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa, at Level 9.
Vertically, this qualification also articulates with
- Doctor of Laws, at Level 10.
International comparability
United States of America
The Columbia Law School presents the LLM Degree to prepare learners for leadership roles in academia, the judiciary, public service, civil rights and human rights advocacy, corporate law, and other legal and non-legal fields. This qualification offers learners a chance to specialise in a particular field; or to acquire knowledge of the American legal system and international law, or other legal systems. The research project will be undertaken in Criminal Law and Procedure; Human Rights; Racial, Economic, and Social Justice; Civil Procedure and Dispute Resolution, among others. The Columbia Law School will enable learners to attend weekly lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences, which will serve as catalysts for scholarly work and learner involvement on legal issues and activities.
Namibia
The Faculty of Law at University of Namibia offers a Master of Laws Degree by research at NQF Level 9 in any field of law approved by the Faculty. The target market for this qualification will be found in private law firms, the Ministry of Justice and other related ministries, government department, parastatals, the Office of the Prosecutor-General, the magistracy etc. The areas of specialisation within which the research topic will be chosen include Civil or Common Law; Arbitration Law; Constitutional Law; Commercial Law. Full-time learners are expected to complete the approved dissertation for the Degree within one academic year; whereas part-time learners must finish the research project within two academic years.
Conclusion
The Master of Laws compares well with the above two cited international qualifications with regard to the purpose, areas of specialisation, NQF Level in the case of Namibia, target market, and option to pursue it on a part-time basis for working learner.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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