Department of Law
About Us
BACHELOR OF LAWS
Academic structure
POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Laws
Doctor of Laws (Doctor Legum)
About Us
Welcome to the Department of Law.
In order to meet both Faculty and University Vision and Mission statements, the Department holds the values of :-
- Academic excellence by striving to produce graduates who have attributes that are nationally relevant and globally competitive;
- Honesty and Integrity;
- Accountability and Mutual trust;
- A teaching and learning as well as a research and innovation environment that is conducive for both the academics and the students to be actively engaged in both knowledge construction and knowledge production ;
- To futher the vision of making higher education more accessible in the interest of social justice and
- To always maintain the reputation of UNIZULU by producing Lawyers who are destined to be future leaders.
- The Department also promotes access to justice through the legal services offered at the UNIZULU Law Clinic that provides free legal services to the indigent community.
BACHELOR OF LAWS
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
Purpose
The purpose of the UNIZULU LLB is to ensure that the minimum required outcomes of an LLB and their assessment have been effectively achieved. The qualification meets the minimum requirement for 480 credits, is on a career-focused track, and provides a framework to ensure that students may achieve both the required, compulsory minimum outcomes, as well as have a selection of electives to satisfy their specific interest areas. The choice to do more than one elective per semester can result in the student earning up to 504 credits at the end of his or her studies.
The contribution of the LLB programme to the legal discipline cannot be overemphasised. It is a prerequisite for entry into the legal practice, academia and a variety of other professions that require legal training. The programme has a mixture of practical, procedural skills and a body of knowledge that a graduate would need to demonstrate that there is mastery of Law in order to practice.
Rationale
The programme has been designed in line with national norms and standards. This degree is the minimum qualification for any career in law, be it public prosecutor, magistrate, judge, law advisor, attorney or advocate. To become an attorney, a person must, after completion of the degree, attend the School for Legal Practice and/or serve articles of clerkship in an attorney’s office, and pass the profession’s prescribed practical examinations. In order to formally practise as an advocate, a person must join one of the Bar Associations. A person holding the LLB degree must firstly apply to be admitted as an advocate by the High Court of South Africa, and thereafter complete a term of pupillage and pass the Bar Council’s practical examination.
Exit-level outcomes:
The aims of the LLB are to produce graduates:
- with a systematic and coherent body of understanding and an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legal concepts and principles;
- with a high level of cognitive and problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply principles in practice principles;
- able to communicate both in speaking and in writing;
- numerate and computer literate;
- able to apply basic research methods to the practice of law;
- with the desire for lifelong personal intellectual growth;
- able to take initiative and responsibility;
- the ethical standards required to participate in the promotion of the administration of justice and the development of legal institutions in South Africa; and
- empowered to accept their responsibility towards the realisation of a just society based on a constitutional democracy and the rule of law within an international legal order.
LLB degree: General information
| Faculty: | Commerce, Administration and Law |
| Degree: | Law |
| Majors: | Legal Profession |
| Abbreviation: | LLB |
| UNIZULU Code: | 2LDEG1 |
| SAQA ID | 19170 |
| NQF EXIT Level: | 8 |
| Minimum Duration of Studies: | 4 Years |
| Presentation Mode of Modules: | Day Classes |
| Intake for the Qualification: | January |
| Registration Cycle for the Modules: | January |
| Total Credits to Graduate: | 480 |
| Articulation Options | This qualification offers vertical articulation into cognate Master Degrees. |
Academic structure
Bachelor of Laws
| Module Code | Module Name | Module Code | Module Name |
| YEAR 1 | |||
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
| 2LPL101 | Law of Persons | 1PHP112 | Applied Philosophical Reasoning |
| 2LRI101 | Introduction to Law A | 2LRI102 | Introduction to Law B |
| 2LCL101 | Legal Skills A | 2LCL102 | Legal Skills B |
| 1COR111 | Introduction to Criminology and Research | 2LRD102 | Indigenous Law |
| 1ENG121 | Practical English 1A | 1ENG122 | Practical English 1B |
| YEAR 2 | |||
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
| 2LPL201 | Law of Succession | 2LPP202 | Law of Property |
| 2LCC201 | Criminal Law A | 2LCC202 | Criminal Law B |
| 2LPI201 | Juridical Interpretation | 2LCL202 | Legal Skills D |
| 2LRC201 | Constitutional Law A | 2LRC202 | Constitutional Law B (Fundamental Rights) |
| 2BMG101 or 2ECN101 | Business Management 1 or Principles of Microeconomics | 2LPF202 | Family Law |
| YEAR 3 | |||
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
| 2LPB301 | Business Entities Law | 2LPI302 | Insolvency and Winding Up |
| 2LCP301 | Criminal Procedure A | 2LCP302 | Criminal Procedure B |
| 2LCI301 | Civil Procedure A | 2LCI302 | Civil Procedure B |
| 2LPC301 | Law of Contract A | 2LPC302 | Law of Contract B |
| 2LPD301 | Law of Delict A | 2LRA302 | Administrative Law |
| YEAR 4 | |||
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
| 2LRR401 | Legal Research Methods A | 2PIP402 | Intellectual Property Law |
| 2LCE401 | Law of Evidence A | 2LCE402 | Law of Evidence B |
| 2LPL401 | Labour law A | 2LPL402 | Labour Law B |
| 2LCL401 | Legal Practice A | 2LCL402 | Legal Practice B |
| Electives Choose one of the modules below | Electives Choose one of the modules below | ||
| 2LPP401 | Public International Law | 2LPG402 | Local Government Law |
| 2LPF401 | Fundamental Rights | 2LPF402 | Forensic Medicine |
| 2LPA401 | Advanced Mercantile Law | 2LPE402 | Environmental Law |
| 2LPT401 | Tax Law | 2LPT402 | International Trade Law |
| 2LPN401 | Negotiable Instruments | 2LPC402 | Competition Law |
| 2LMA401 | Maritime Law | 2LCB402 | Cyber Law |
POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS
POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS
All qualifications in FCAL are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
General Admission Requirements
Prospective postgraduate students are advised to consult the University’s Manual for Postgraduate Studies carefully. On completing a baccalaureus degree students are not automatically admitted to the postgraduate programmes of the Faculty. Admission and registration for postgraduate programmes take place in accordance with the General Rules and meeting the specific entrance requirements of the different qualifications. The entrance requirements of the different qualifications may also differ. Entry into postgraduate studies will be subject to satisfactory performance at undergraduate level and the recommendation of the relevant department head and subsequent ratification by the Faculty Board of Commerce, Administration and Law.
Submissions and Deadlines
Students must make sure of the official deadlines for submitting examination documents, i.e. research projects, dissertations and theses. These dates are determined annually. A student who submits his examination documents after the prescribed deadline will most probably not receive his degree at the next graduate ceremony and he/she will have to wait for the next graduation ceremony. The implication of this negligence will be that the student will have to register and pay class fees for another year.
Master of Laws
MASTER’S QUALIFICATIONS BY RESEARCH“The primary purpose of a Master’s Degree is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional development. Master’s graduates must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.” (HEQF qualification descriptors, Government Gazette 5 October 2007).
Student applications for admission into Masters’ degree qualifications are forwarded to the programme coordinator per Department. The Head of the Department and the programme coordinator then acts as a selection committee to undertake the final selection. The Departments evaluate each application individually (on the basis of prior academic record, work record and prior learning and on merit to select for admission those applicants with the aptitude, scholarship and analytical skills necessary to successfully complete an advanced degree. Candidates, who meet the requirements set by the department, are invited for an interview with the selection panel. The task of the panel is to assess the potential of the candidate to successfully complete his/her studies within the required time frame and of the quality required by the Faculty. The following guidelines serve as a basis for the selection of students: the ability to write coherently; the ability to interpret research findings; a working knowledge of their proposed field of study; they should be acquainted with the current issues, the most respected journals and the most respected authors and computer literacy and access to the internet.
The teaching philosophy for post-graduate studies is based on the following assumptions:
- That the students are adults and that the principles underpinning adult learning inform the teaching approach to be used. This includes self-directed learning, self-paced learning and critical reflective learning.
- The students are independent students and should develop the ability to synthesise, analyse and interpret a variety of facts and be able to formulate a critical stance.
- That students are guided and supported to develop the ability to understand the variety of academic discourses and the ability to develop sound academic writing skills that are of a standard that corresponds with work of a postgraduate standard.
Master of Laws (2LLM06)Following the LLB degree a candidate may pursue a Magister Legum (LLM) degree by following a research programme. Specific rules relating to the Degree of Magister Legum are:
- Research on an approved field of study must be undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor, and a dissertation (or thesis of limited scopes) submitted.
- A student may be required to undergo an examination, written or oral, in the field of study of his or her dissertation.
- Material previously included in a LLB dissertation may, with the approval of Faculty, be included in a LLM dissertation.
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with applied competence, on an advanced level, in the mastering, analysis, interpretation and understanding of legal principles and research methods. Students should be able to undertake independent and legal research. Students should also be able to communicate research results and findings in written form. This qualification prepares students to reflect on their own applications of the law to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of the field of law as a social science within their everyday lives.Exit-level outcomes
The exit level outcomes of the students include the following:(a) Demonstrate their competence in applying the advanced theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of law correctly and reflect on the application made. (Problem solving skills).
(b) Plan and undertake advanced research in the field of law, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on legal issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken (Research skills).
(c) Communicate effectively orally and in writing on an advanced level with the different role players in the field of law, by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made (Communication skills).
(d) Accountably develop an advanced theoretical and practical macro-vision, taking into account socio-political and multi-cultural factors of the law, internationally, nationally, provincially or regionally and locally
(e) Accept the responsibility for their own activities in the field of law. (Entrepreneurship, self-responsibility skills).
(f) Practise acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing advanced relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof. (Team-work).
(g) Utilise appropriate management technology (e.g. computer and e-mail) effectively in the field of law (Technological and environmental literacy).
(h) Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of advanced management capabilities within the field of law both on the local and national level (Promoting citizenship).
(i) Practise acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the different role players in the legal profession by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made (Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity).
Master of Laws: General Information
| Faculty: | Commerce, Administration and Law |
| Degree: | Master of Laws |
| Abbreviation: | LLM |
| UNIZULU Code: | 2LLM06 |
| SAQA ID | 22415 |
| NQF EXIT Level: | 9 |
| Minimum Duration of Studies: | 1 Year |
| Presentation Mode of Modules: | Research Programme |
| Intake for the Qualification: | January – April |
| Registration Cycle for the Modules: | After selection and Higher degree Committee approval |
| Admissions Requirement | A potential student must be in possession of a Bachelor of Laws with a subminimum of 60% to be admitted into the Masters programme. Admission requirements may be revised and altered by the Department of Law to account for any University/national higher education requirements or amendments. |
| Total Credits to Graduate: | 180 |
| Articulation Options | This qualification offers vertical articulation into cognate Doctoral Degrees. |
Doctor of Laws (Doctor Legum)
DOCTORAL QUALIFICATIONSThe degree of Doctor follows a Master’s degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Public Administration and Law. A potential student should possess a applicable Master’s degree on NQF level 9. Students accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to originate, plan, complete and report on original scientific work independently. Students should show insight into subject discipline and the field of research. Students should be able to apply research methodology and communicate in written or oral forms on the research process, results and findings. Students should be able to reflect on research finding and applications.
The Doctoral qualification is of at least two years’ duration, the candidate works under an approved supervisor and the thesis is based on original research. The Departments must specifically approve of the field of study, the research topic, methodology and problem statement before the candidate may register. Students have to submit and defend their proposal for the thesis to a postgraduate committee. The student and the supervisor meet regularly to schedule a work programme and to set deadlines.
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
A relevant, problem-based, unique, original and executable topic on a highly advanced academic level within the discipline should be researched independently and reported on scientifically in the form of a thesis. The thesis would constitute a contribution to knowledge of and insight into the subject discipline as well as the field of research.Doctor of Laws (Doctor Legum) (2LLD06)
Specific rules relating to the Degree of Doctor Legum are:
- The General Rules notwithstanding, the degree may also be awarded on the basis of meritorious publications.
- A student shall be required to undergo an oral examination in the field of study of his or her thesis.
- Material previously included in an LLB or LLM dissertation may, with the approval of Senate, be included in an LLD thesis.
Doctor of Laws: General Information
| Faculty: | Commerce, Administration and Law |
| Degree: | Doctor of Laws |
| Abbreviation: | LLD |
| UNIZULU Code: | 2LLD06 |
| SAQA ID | 22414 |
| NQF EXIT Level: | 10 |
| Minimum Duration of Studies: | 2 Years |
| Presentation Mode of Modules: | Research Programme |
| Intake for the Qualification: | January – April |
| Registration Cycle for the Modules: | After selection and Higher degree Committee approval |
| Admissions Requirement | A potential student must be in possession of Master of Laws (NQF level 9) with a 65% average OR any appropriate degree with Law on NQF level 9. An interview and the identification of a supervisor is required before registration can be done. A research proposal must be prepared, presented and approved by the FREC before registration. Admission requirements may be revised and altered by the Department of Law to account for any University/national higher education requirements or amendments. |
| Total Credits to Graduate: | 360 |
| Articulation Options | This qualification offers horizontal articulation into cognate Doctoral degrees. |
