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: 

Bachelor of Arts in Law 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117948  Bachelor of Arts in Law 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-12-04  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts in Law seeks to equip learners with a set of core competencies necessary to pursue careers in Law and Politics. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge base, theory, methodology and application relevant to the core areas of private law. The qualification equips learners to be public intellectuals and reflexive practitioners who work for change within South Africa. Qualifying learners will develop skills to lead and mobilise organisations and communities towards societal transformation.

Qualifying learners will be able to do the following:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the South African legal system.
  • Read legal texts and apply legal writing skills to draft legal documents.
  • Apply the principles contained in core areas of South African private law.
  • Manage the conceptualisation and implementation of strategies, policies and plans in private and public sector environments with due regard to national and global contexts.
  • Promote ethical decisions on complex institutional issues with sensitivity and awareness of consequences in an autonomous manner.
  • Communicate effectively through engagement with literature from a wide variety of sources about politics and philosophy.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is currently sought-after as it equips learners to interpret and apply South African law and it contributes to the development of the South African political system.

    The qualification also aims to offer personal and professional formation through the development of learners' leadership skills and their understanding of the Humanities within the South African context. The qualification will enable learners to serve in a variety of capacities in the private and public spheres. Learners can pursue careers in law, journalism, politics, management, intelligence and public administration. Through innovative learning approaches, the qualification promotes an inclusive and transformative ethos of reconciliation, equality, justice and peace. The qualification also serves as an alternative route for entry into the LLB (Level 8) qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The formal Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the Institution is applicable. RPL processes are qualification specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning must be provided, are determined by the learning normally assumed to be in place for qualifications at the relevant level in the field concerned. Instruments are designed only when requests are made. The procedure is governed by the Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy.

    RPL mechanism exists for access and advanced standing for formal learning from a recognised, the registered and accredited institution on a registered and accredited qualification.

    If a learner applies for an RPL admission, the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification is assessed against Exit-Level Outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission. This would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant's cognitive and technical competence. Learners prepare a portfolio against these stated requirements, which is then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy.

    Recognition is awarded for the following:
  • Learning, and not for experience per se;
  • Learning that is on the level of the qualification; and
  • Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the module.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification are:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 390 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 100 Credits:
  • Politics and Government 1, 20 Credits.
  • Academic Writing, 20 Credits.
  • Philosophy 1, 20 Credits.
  • Leadership and Ethics, 20 Credits.
  • African Studies, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6,130 Credits:
  • Politics and Government 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Family Law, 20 Credits.
  • Labour Law, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Persons, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to SA Law and Legal Writing Skills, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 6, 20 Credits (Choose/select one):
  • Innovation, 20 Credits.
  • Understanding and Managing Creativity, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7,160 Credits:
  • Politics and Government 3A, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Succession, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Contract, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Delict, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Property, 20 Credits.
  • Law of Persons, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 7, 20 Credits (Choose/Select one):
  • Politics and Government 3B, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Government 3C, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the South African legal system.
    2. Read legal texts and apply legal writing skills to draft legal documents.
    3. Apply the principles contained in core areas of South African private law.
    4. Solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking embedded in a humanistic paradigm.
    5. Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation in communities and society at large.
    6. Manage the conceptualisation and implementation of strategies, policies and plans in a public sector environment with due regard to national and global contexts.
    7. Promote ethical decisions on complex institutional issues with sensitivity and awareness of consequences in an autonomous manner.
    8. Manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively to promote and strengthen tolerance and affirmation in problem-solving.
    9. Collect, interpret and process data and information to make informed decisions.
    10. Communicate effectively through engagement with literature from a wide variety of sources on politics, philosophy and economics.
    11. Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities in a culturally and aesthetically sensitive way using the humanities as the central pillar. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the South African legal system.
  • Analyse legal issues within the provisions of the South African Constitution.
  • Operate legal principles in practice.
  • Demonstrate understandings of the inner workings of court processes.
  • Evaluate the relationship between law and society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Access appropriate resources to source relevant information.
  • Evaluate information applicable to specific legal issues.
  • Act responsibly and ethically with due regard for relevant conventions.
  • Apply the prescribed model to draft legal documents.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of private law.
  • Analyse legal issues within the provisions of private law.
  • Apply private law principles in practice.
  • Evaluate the shortcomings of private law.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and reflect on creativity and creative practice using suitable concepts.
  • Critically engage with current debates on the nature of creativity and its promotion/management.
  • Apply approaches to the management of creativity at individual and group levels.
  • Interrogate the relationship between creativity and wider economic and social contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Work within a team or group in a community and contribute to the improvement of society.
  • Contribute to community service in society.
  • Approach a charitable organisation in an informed manner.
  • Engage with the members and beneficiaries of a charitable organisation.
  • Contribute to a current charitable initiative.
  • Demonstrate a passion for the causes of the disadvantaged in society.
  • Report on a contribution to a charitable cause.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply major theoretical perspectives for interpreting activities in the global political economy.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the key events and processes through which the system evolved into its current form.
  • Evaluate the significance of the major historical conflicts of the 20th century that have shaped the current global political economy.
  • Apply the benefits of international cooperation within the system as it relates to human development.
  • Analyse the global significance of current events and policies of the major actors in shaping and reshaping the nature of the global political economy.
  • Interpret the impact of ideas and technology as shapers of the current global political economy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply ethical knowledge to pressing contemporary ethical questions.
  • Evaluate ethical responses in the face of changing technologies and societies.
  • Critically engage with concrete ethical questions and issues surrounding them.
  • Debate sensitive and complex ethical questions in an open-minded and rigorous way.
  • Conduct independent research in the field of philosophy.
  • Read and comprehend philosophical texts.
  • Construct coherent arguments for own positions on case studies in applied ethics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply the theoretical perspectives in psychology.
  • Apply theories, models and processes of human behaviour.
  • Analyse work-related examples and applications pertinent to the South African context.
  • Identify culture-specific issues where relevant.
  • Identify behavioural and personality concepts in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify the major theoretical paradigms in the field of political studies, with their corresponding truth claims.
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative empirical research methodologies.
  • Draft a basic quantitative or qualitative research design.
  • Execute a basic research project.
  • Write up the findings of the research project into a research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Conduct independent research in the field of philosophy.
  • Read complex classical and contemporary philosophical texts.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of some major developments in the history of political philosophy.
  • Distinguish between and compare different political theories.
  • Criticise influential political theories.
  • Appreciate the relationship between political theory and political practice.
  • Explicate own views coherently and logically on the selected political theories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and appreciate the origin, purpose and structure of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
  • Apply UNGC principles to human rights, labour and familiar organisational contexts, environment and corruption.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution makes use of formal and non-formal, formative, and summative assessment tasks to assess learners' progress and their achievements on the modules in qualification as part of the integration. The results of non-formal formative assessment tasks are not recorded formally, but these tasks are applied mainly to provide feedback to the learner and to enhance teaching. The results of formal assessment tasks are recorded towards the achievement of success on the module.

    Depending on the nature of the subject matter, a range of assessment methods is applied at formative and summative assessment stage to facilitate effective integrated assessment. For panel discussions, presentations and project work, experts from industry are invited, where possible, to provide input into the formal assessment results, with the institution's examiners.

    The following assessment regime applies to modules on this qualification.

    Formative Assessment:
    On the first level of formative assessment, activities and self-assessment questions are provided in study guides. Learners are provided with model answers at the back of the study guides. These self-assessment opportunities prepare learners for individual assignments and online tests.

    On the second level of formative assessment, learners will have to complete one online test and one individual written assignment. Upon completion of the online test, learners will be provided with feedback on their attempt per question.

    Summative Assessment:
    Each module will have one final summative assessment (examination). Depending on nature or application required for a particular module, the examination may be in the form of an individual summative assignment or a venue-based examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In the United States, the American Bar Association requires Law schools to accept only learners already in possession of a first Bachelor's qualification, colloquially referred to as 'pre-Law'. This could be any Bachelor's qualification; there are no specific requirements. In practice, most universities will offer Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science BSc or equivalent qualifications. In addition to the Law modules taken, common majors are Political Science, History, English, Criminal Justice and Psychology. At the University of Arizona, for example, learners enrolling for the BA in Law are encouraged to follow their interests and take minors such as Sociology, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Global Studies to complement their Law modules and majors.

    The University of Hong Kong offers a variety of first 'pre-law' qualifications such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). Qualifying learners will go on to complete an LLB to eventually hold BBA (Law), LLB or BA (Law), LLB or BSocSc (Govt & Law), and LLB qualifications.

    In Australia, the University of Sydney offers a five-year Bachelor of Arts/Law combination that is billed to challenge outlooks and provide the skill set to think differently about finding workable and ethical solutions to contemporary problems and issues. Learners must select humanities orientated major in their first year of study. This allows them to specialise in an area of interest. The fourth and fifth years are dedicated to Law modules.

    The New Zealand Law Society determines that to qualify as a lawyer, learners must hold an LLB qualification. However, the Society remarks that learners who have completed a 'double qualification' (such as a BA, LLB combination or equivalent) may find greater opportunity in the employment market.

    In conclusion, it appears that only the US requires a compulsory first qualification for entrance to the LLB (or equivalent) qualification. Most other jurisdictions within the common-law family (which includes South Africa) allow, in principle, direct access to the LLB qualification after school. However, learners, regulators, professional societies and universities throughout the common-law countries advocate a first qualification, usually a BA (Law), as a preferable or advantageous option because it better prepares learners for the rigours of the LLB, broadens perspectives and optimises alternative career trajectories.

    This qualification is, therefore, is designed to comprehensively provide the qualified learners with in-depth competencies aligned with the knowledge, skills and competencies found in most international qualifications. It provides a very relevant and appropriate undergraduate qualification that prepares learners (who opt for the postgraduate LL.B). Qualifying learners may, however, also enter other NQF Level 8 qualifications, linked to the non-law major. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Law, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Laws, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.