SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma: Corporate Law 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21990  Diploma: Corporate Law 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide graduate legal practitioners with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field o f corporate law for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with postgraduate lawyers in corporate law to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa and the global community with postgraduate lawyers in corporate law who understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society and who are empowered and equipped with the required research and analytical skills to play a key role in the continued shaping of the legal dispensation in a just society based on constitutional democracy within a world legal order. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification can:
  • Learn from predominantly written material
  • take responsibility for their own progress
  • Communicate what they have learnt coherently and logically in the medium of instruction
  • Independently conduct expert and highly specialized in corporate law

    Formal prior learning:
    Students are expected to hold a LLB or a B Proc degree

    Recognition of prior learning:

    The qualification may be awarded in part or as a whole through the recognition of prior learning. The recognition of prior learning will take place in accordance with Unisa's policy and guidelines in this regard. For this postgraduate qualification, recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to other required NQF level and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
    Recognition of prior learning by the Faculty of Law takes place in terms of a portfolio. The relevant department may, in addition, request an interview which may be based on a reading list 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A). Critical cross-field outcomes:

    A Diploma in Corporate Law student is actively engaged in becoming a well-educated specialist in her or his field, and a responsible lawyer, as well as in preparing for further, more specific study or the work environment. As such she of he develops and holds certain values and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification in the SAQA field of Law, Military Science and Security (8)

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the courses/modules which constitute the programmes that lead up to the qualification. They will be assessed within the context of the programmes. The distance education context has particular challenges that we try to meet

    The learner can:
    1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve complex and specialised legal problems in the field of corporate law critically, creatively and responsibly
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community to contribute to the sound administration of justice, the development of the law and legal system to meet the needs of society and to further a just society based on a constitutional democracy
    3. Manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies and career
    4. Analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
    5. Communicate effectively using language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation in sustained discourse
    6. Use technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global contexts
    7. Demonstrate understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community

    B). Developmental outcomes:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

    The Diploma in Corporate Law graduate can:
    1. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to acquire knowledge more effectively (see critical outcomes 3 and 5)
    2. Participate as a responsible citizen (also see critical outcome 2)
    3. Explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification (see all critical outcomes)
    4. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification (see all critical outcomes plus 4)

    C). Specific outcomes:

    The learner is actively engaged in becoming well-rounded educated and is being prepared for further study or for being a specialist practitioner in the field of corporate law and a responsible lawyer. As such she or he develops and holds certain values and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification in the SAQA field of Law, Military Science and Security (8)

    The graduate can:
    1. Recognise the role of the law in everyday life
    2. Think critically, logically and analytically within a contextual framework
    3. Solve complex legal problems originally and creatively
    4. Engage critically and analytically with legal text
    5. The graduate has the advanced academic knowledge and skills to play a leading role in legal practice and in the shaping of the legal dispensation
    6. Advance legal scholarship in regional and global context
    7. Act responsibly and authoritatively in his or her chosen career
    8. Play a leading role in contributing to the realisation of a just society based on a legal democracy 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    A).

    The learner can:
    1.
  • Relate complex everyday situations to the law
  • Identify complex legal problems in the field of corporate law in real-life or simulated factual situations
  • Analyse the nature of different complex and specialised legal problems
  • Recognise, appreciate and evaluate different perspectives to the same problem
  • Present and evaluate different perspectives on the same legal problems
  • Present authoritative substantiated argument, based on the responsibly and extensive use of legal authority, in support of solutions to a given problem

    2.
  • Show evidence of their understanding that the law has to balance different powers, legal systems and competing interests of individuals and groups in society
  • Acknowledge, demonstrate and promote tolerance of diversity within their community, South Africa and globally
  • Respect and investigate different opinions without pre-conceived bias

    3.
  • Demonstrate the requisite advanced study skills and learning strategies
  • Organise and manage their study plans
  • Use creative and various learning strategies which suit their personal situations and contexts
  • Cope with the self-discipline necessary for distance learning
  • Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop coping strategies

    4.
  • Demonstrate the capacity for advanced independent study
  • Use the library and other resources effectively to suit their individual needs as well as the needs of the field of study
  • Organise relevant material with due regard to the weighting of different sources of law
  • Present substantiated arguments, opinions and solutions, based on their research

    5.
  • Advanced arguments and analyses by means of sophisticated language
  • Communicate their interpretation of legal sources in their own words
  • Demonstrate their ability to interpret legal documents

    6.
  • Select the appropriate technology (computers, internet, etc.) for learning, research and communication
  • Use available technology responsibly and skilfully to enhance learning and scholarship
  • Recognise the ethics and legal issues involved in the use of technology

    7.
  • Place the South African legal system(s) in context within Africa and the rest of the world
  • Identify similar situations in comparable legal systems and seek harmonising solutions
  • Understand South Africa's role in international law, including regional and international conventions and initiatives

    B).
    1.
  • Succinctly explain what they know in their own words
  • Apply what they study in different complex contexts, both real and simulated
  • Show evidence of effective study skills (e.g. note taking, summarising, analysing and synthesis)

    2.
  • Have regard to the fundamental constitutional values of equality, liberty, freedom, respect for others, etc.
  • Advance legal scholarship in areas of the law where there is a need for legal development and/or reform within their community, regionally and globally

    3.
  • Make connections between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the real world
  • Use the skills required for efficiency in most jobs; objective, critical and analytical evaluation of situations; respect for and interpretation of other opinions; responsible, substantiated and fair decision-making; effective communication skills and interpersonal sensitivity
  • Deal effectively with problems and tasks as they arise in the real world by drawing upon the skills from the Diploma in Corporate Law (critical thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, etc.)

    4.
  • Identify and address the need for legal services within their community
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community, regional and global society
  • Communicate that value to others in the real world
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge, skills and attitudes as required to complete the qualification
  • Deal with various complex situations drawing upon their acquired knowledge base and lawyering skills

    C).
    1.
  • Identify complex legal issues in the field of corporate law in real or simulated fact scenarios
  • Play a leading role in developing corporate law to cope with modern-day challenges and problems

    2.
  • Interpret, analyse and explain complex legal problems relating to corporate law
  • Provide and unbiased and balanced perspective on legal problems
  • Consider different points of view and critically evaluate them in terms of their acquired knowledge base and advanced lawyering skills

    3.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the relevance and applicability of various legal sources and authorities to complex legal problems
  • Consider and critically evaluate different solutions to a problem and contemplate the consequences of each solution for future legal development
  • Provide substantiated responses, based on their acquired advanced knowledge base
  • Provide responsible and expert advice on an appropriate course of action

    4.
  • Reflect on views expressed in text and critically evaluate and debate these
  • Use sophisticated legal text to substantiate arguments and support solutions

    5.
  • Draft and interpret complex legal documents
  • Provide experts opinions on complicated legal issues in the field of corporate law
  • Demonstrate the required advanced academic knowledge to play a leading role in managing a legal office and in shaping the legal dispensation
  • Use technology skilfully, responsibly, effectively and appropriately

    6.
  • Reflect on and critically evaluate legal theory and practice
  • Recognise areas in need of legal development or law reform
  • Apply historical and/or comparative methods to develop answers to current issues and complex problems
  • Interpret the legal implications of South African conditions in both regional and global perspectives

    7.
  • Realise, and act in accordance with, the ethics and code of conduct required of a lawyer
  • Understand his or her responsibility as a leading lawyer in a constitutional democracy and act accordingly

    8.
  • Use his or her acquired advanced skills and knowledge to advance legal awareness within the community
  • Reflect on complex legal problems and seek and consider responsible solutions
  • Deal with conflicting interest within a community, locally, regionally as well as globally


    Integrated assessment:

    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Formative assessment includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes

    Summative assessment:
    Examination and comprehensive assignments are used. Equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence could assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module

    Integrated assessment:
    All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and applied competence. Learners will be required to use appropriate methods and skills to apply detailed knowledge of corporate law in practical situations and to display the skills required of corporate law practitioners in a variety of contexts typical of the demands set for postgraduate learners 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification will articulate with those of other universities and qualifications. For example, recognition will be given to similar qualifications completed at other tertiary institutions. The qualification may assist students who have not obtained the required sub-minimum for the undergraduate qualification to gain entrance to the degree of Master of Laws 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Within Unisa, first examiners set and assess assignments and examinations. In the case of assignments, the quality is checked by course co-ordinators or team leaders and by the head of department. In the case of written examinations, external second examiners, are used to moderate question papers, the marking process and marked scripts

    2. External second examiners, who are practitioners in corporate law act as moderators of the examination papers and their marking. The moderator also moderates the written study material

    3. Members of the legal profession (e.g. the Law Society), as well as the Department of Justice (Director of Justice College), are permanent members of the Faculty Board of the Law Faculty and give their input regarding the curriculum. Members of the profession are also used as external examiners and moderators

    4. International comparators:
    Unisa is part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are valuated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and the Commonwealth Universities' Handbook 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Unisa's own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the University's tuition and assessment policies. Appropriate professional criteria will be drawn up for each programme. The minimum requirement for appointment as a lecturer or external marker at Unisa is an LLB degree and appropriate experience, but for supervision at the level of this qualification the lecturer will be required to possess at least some further qualification or experience. All assessment done by external markers is quality-controlled by internal staff 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.