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: 

Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117877  Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-09-29  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
94864  Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifying learner with basic knowledge of the South African law and its procedures and with essential managerial skills, enabling the learner to apply this knowledge in the South African context in a structured paralegal environment.

After completing the Certificate in Paralegal Studies, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of South African law and procedure.
  • Conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform basic management tasks in the paralegal environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to act professionally and with ethical consideration in the paralegal context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the South African social context on a macro and micro scale.

    Rationale:
    In general this qualification supports the national goal of establishing a culture of lifelong learning by creating additional opportunities for adult learning. The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies seeks to follow the route of a formal qualification for Paralegal Practitioners as paralegal studies are mostly offered on a short course basis.

    There are a number of key challenges facing the legal profession as identified by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA). The meeting between the Department of Higher Education and Training and the LSSA followed by a media statement released on 6 March 2012 affirms the need for the training of paralegal practitioners with mid-level legal qualifications. The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to support this crucial need by providing a full and formal higher education qualification as stepping stone toward further formal studies in this sector.

    The qualification contributes to expanding the body of independent and original scientific research in the field of law and will also contribute towards the upliftment of local communities by providing basic primary legal services as part of the essential support needed by communities. In addition, paralegals will be able to provide technical support to legal practitioners in all sectors of society, thereby alleviating the burden of a very strained legal system by allocating specific legal responsibilities to the paralegal professional. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is a manifestation of lifelong adult learning that is acquired informally, non-formally, experientially or formally. Applicants who fall outside the normal admissions process and who can demonstrate, using a formal RPL process, and to the satisfaction of the provider, that they have relevant qualification- or experiential or work-based learning which has resulted in an equivalent level of qualification, may be considered for admission to the qualification. Applicants may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel to admission to the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The statutory minimum admission requirement is:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) at NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies consists of three compulsory and two elective modules totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Legal Research and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to South African Law, 40 Credits.
  • Practice Management, 20 Credits.
    Total Number of Credits = 80 Credits.

    Elective Modules (Learners are to select any two modules):
  • Civil Litigation, 20 Credits.
  • Company Law, 20 Credits.
  • Employment Law, 20 Credits.
  • Family Law, 20 Credits.
  • Debt Recovery, 20 Credits.

    Total Number of Credits = 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of South African law and procedure.
    2. Conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic management tasks in the paralegal environment.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to act professionally and with ethical consideration in the paralegal context.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the South African social context on a macro and micro scale. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The definition of the concept "Law" is discussed.
  • The legal theory in terms of the nature and purpose of law and the nature and purpose of rights and duties is described.
  • Conflict resolution is described and appropriate forms of dispute resolution are distinguished.
  • An overview of the origin of South African Law is provided.
  • An overview of the sources of South African Law is provided.
  • An overview of the divisions of South African Law illustrating the ability to distinguish between private law (law of persons, family law, the law of things, the law of succession, the law of obligations) and public law (constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law, formal law) provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Definitions of the concept "Legal Research" are discussed.
  • The ability to use printed sources of the Law is identified and demonstrated.
  • The ability to organise legal writing is illustrated.
  • Own statutory research is analysed and statutes correctly cited.
  • An office memorandum with due consideration to general issues, the discussion section, conclusions and facts is drafted.
  • Style issues and editing from a paralegal perspective are discussed.
  • Secondary sources for research are identified and integrated.
  • The role of the Internet in legal research is discussed.
  • Legal citations are understood through demonstrate.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The ability to integrate basic managerial concepts (planning, organising, leading and control) into the paralegal environment is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of the need for management in a law firm is illustrated.
  • Basic knowledge of records management is demonstrated.
  • Basic knowledge of case management is displayed.
  • Compliance issues in a legal firm are described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Confidentiality of client information is understood and maintained.
  • Professional and ethical principles are demonstrated when assisting clients.
  • The principles of integrity and honesty are understood.
  • Thorough understanding of ethics and professional responsibility is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The ability to advise clients on finance and property in the case of a marriage breakdown is demonstrated.
  • Mediation-, settle-, and consent orders are discussed.
  • Welfare benefits and support for children are described.
  • The ability to advise the client on children disputes is demonstrated.
  • The roles of mediation and arbitration are described.
  • An application for a children order is prepared.
  • Recent developments, especially in terms of the unmarried family are described.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the exit level outcomes should be integrated.

    During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. Assessment should ensure that all outcomes, embedded knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aligns well with the following qualifications:
    Paralegal Studies Certificate offered by the University of California in the United States of America:
    This is a one year fulltime qualification leading to employment as paralegals and legal assistants, legal secretaries, law clerks, and court clerks. The certificate also seeks to prepare learners to function as ethical, effective, and efficient professional paralegals in law firms, businesses, government, and non-profit organisations; to perform a wide variety of legal work under the supervision of attorneys; and to adapt easily to the changing role of the paralegal as well as the changing needs of the legal community.

    The Paralegal Studies Certificate consists of paralegal-specific skills, with curriculum structured to build upon and reinforce your learning from previous sessions. Qualifying learners will exit the qualification with a clear understanding of modern paralegal duties and the expertise to put them into practice, including:
  • How to conduct legal research and prepare documentation for trials.
  • Proven methods for managing clients.
  • Litigation procedures and basic appellate processes.
  • Laws pertaining to personal injury, product liability and malpractice.
  • The ability to analyse and draft contracts as well as litigate them.

    Modules:
  • Paralegal Studies Certificate Program Essentials.
  • Contract Law for Paralegals.
  • Tort Law for Paralegals.
  • California Procedures for Paralegals.

    Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies:

    The qualification is designed to educate learners about a broad range of legal topics and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in law-related careers. The Certificate focuses on developing the critical thinking and analytical skills of learners through research, writing and practical assignments.

    The Certificate is crucial to finding work as a paralegal. Paralegal Studies are helpful for those learners who wish to pursue other law-related occupations. A substantive knowledge of the law and legal systems is important for employees in areas from private business to government agencies. Learners will leave the qualification with the professional and analytical skills necessary for law-related careers or even law school.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Legal Research and Writing for Paralegal Studies I, 3 Credits.
  • Litigation for Paralegal Studies I, 3 Credits.
  • Professional Responsibility for Paralegals, 3 Credits.

    Elective Courses (Learners must choose six of the following modules, each worth 3 Credits):
  • Litigation for Paralegal Studies II.
  • Property Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Contract Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Criminal Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Family Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Tort Law for Paralegals.
  • Estate Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Bankruptcy Law for Paralegal Studies.
  • Advanced Legal Writing for Paralegal Studies.
  • Business Associations.

    Conclusion:
    All the qualifications are aimed at ensuring that learners acquire grounded knowledge, skills and techniques attuned to paralegal practice. The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies generally compares favourably with the two international offerings. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally this qualification articulates with:
  • Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies in Commercial Practice, at NQF Level 5.
    Vertically this qualification articulates with:
  • Diploma in Paralegal, at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Southern Business School - effective 29 September 2020 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Stadio (Pty) Ltd 


    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.