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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Law 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119805  Bachelor of Arts in Law 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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
Registered  EXCO 1011/22  2022-10-04  2025-10-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-10-04   2031-10-04  

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Law is to equip learners for the demands of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and future careers in law. In particular, the qualification would ensure a greater appreciation of the socio-political context in which law operates. The new Bachelor of Laws standard places particular emphasis on cross-cutting themes of transformation through the constitutionalisation, Africanization and decolonization of law and society.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Analyse and apply theories in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
  • Critically question the basic assumptions of the most important theories and basic methodologies of one or more disciplines.
  • Analyze and locate her/his own work in contemporary contexts such as the South African and African contexts regarding specific issues and/or problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
  • Interpret topical issues using different perspectives in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
  • Examine appropriate information-gathering processes and evaluate and manage the sources of information.
  • Interpret, explain and/or develop an argument around and an understanding of newly encountered material and demonstrate an ability to marshal an approach used in one or more disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and law, including at the exit level.
  • Apply comprehensive and sound knowledge of the South African Constitution and basic areas or fields of law, which include the body of South African Law and the South African Legal system, its values and historical background.
  • Access information efficiently and effectively, and use technology as a tool to research, organise, evaluate, and communicate information.
  • Identify and define the relevant issues in legal problems; identify and select the most relevant sources and research methods including electronic databases likely to assist in solving such legal problems and generate reasoned solutions.
  • Function effectively in independent and collaborative settings; make meaningful contributions to work efforts in a group context, including problem-solving to address a particular aspect of a problem or project, and integrate her or his own efforts into a collaborative effort.
  • Critically reflect on and assess her or his own work and critique the work of others in a reasoned and formative manner.

    The outcomes will equip learners with the skills needed for research such as critical and innovative thinking and problem-solving, working independently and in collaboration with others within and across disciplinary boundaries, being responsible members of their legal, social, and natural environments, have effective communication skills, have a life-long learning attitude, and have the confidence to become pioneers in their chosen fields of practice and research. These attributes are consistent with the over-arching skills and abilities described in the Charter of Graduate Attributes.

    Rationale:
    According to the Report on the National Review of LLB Programmes in South Africa (2018), the Council for Higher Education (CHE) states that it is doubtful whether the four-year first degree LLB qualification is fit-for-purpose for two reasons.
  • The lack of curriculum space for discipline-based (rather than skills-based) non-law modules, is a concern more serious in the post-1996 constitutional era in South Africa, because of the crucial need for learners to appreciate the social, economic, and political realities within which law and its underlying constitutional jurisprudence are embedded.
  • Evidence that learners who register for the LLB degree after having completed the first degree, are far more successful than those who register for the LLB degree as first-time entering learners.

    As a result, the CHE recommends the introduction of the option for learners to graduate with a first bachelor's degree in arts/humanities or commerce, with some law modules included and thereafter to register for a second bachelor's degree in law (LLB) that can be completed in a minimum period of two years. The qualification will ensure the sustainable provision of all the diverse needs in terms of legal services, leadership, and innovative, knowledge-based activities of a transforming society within the South African legal state sustainably.

    There is a crucial need in South Africa for capacity building in the sub-field of Justice in Society to promote the principles contained in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution to address past and current injustices and to ensure the sustained development of a just and democratic society based on the rule of Law. The institution already offers a successful Bachelor of Commerce in Law and now seeks to supplement that qualification with a Bachelor of Arts in Law qualification. The undergraduate qualifications are valuable to equip learners better for the demands of the LLB qualification and future careers in law. The qualification would ensure a greater appreciation of the socio-political context in which law operates. The new LLB standard places particular emphasis on cross-cutting themes of transformation through the constitutionalisation, Africanisation and decolonization of law and society. Greater exposure to selected modules from the humanities and social sciences is essential for the study and practice of law.

    This qualification responds to the demand for employees with specific knowledge of the law, but who are also schooled in aspects of the social or human sciences. This multidisciplinary qualification has several objectives, including to:
  • Produce legal practitioners with a broader academic background.
  • Provide an alternative access route to the LLB qualification.
  • Improve the ability of learners to respond to national and global issues.
  • Academically equip learners for a career in which research, decision-making and reporting on law-related issues play a big role.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with various legal stakeholders such as the Legal Practice Council and the Law Society of South Africa. The qualification has at its heart the transformative constitutionalism embedded in the school's teaching and learning strategic goal of increasing the number of diverse learner groups participating in high-quality educational experiences and earning high-quality credentials. The qualification serves as an alternative route for entry into the LLB (Level 8) qualification since the BA in Law is integrated with the curriculum of the four-year LLB qualification. A learner completes selected modules from the first three years of the LLB qualification alongside subjects from the Faculty of Arts. Thereafter a learner can register for the LLB qualification at level three and complete the LLB in two years. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Law, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7, totalling 365 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 5, 30 Credits:
  • Introduction to Law I, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Law II,15 Credits.

    Elective Modules Level 5, 90 Credits (Select a total of 90 Credits from any three of the following subject groups):
    Group One: English
  • English 111,15 Credits.
  • English 121, 15 Credits.

    Group Two: Philosophy
  • Philosophy 111, 15 Credits.
  • Philosophy 122, 15 Credits.

    Group Three: Sociology
  • Anthropology 111, 15 Credits.
  • Anthropology 121, 15 Credits.
    Or
  • Sociology 111, 15 Credits.
  • Sociology 121, 15 Credits.

    Group Four: Political Studies
  • Political Studies 131, 15 Credits.
  • Political Studies 142, 15 Credits.

    Group Five: Psychology
  • Introduction to Psychology 111, 7.5 Credits.
  • Brain And Behaviour 112, 7.5 Credits.
  • Psychology of Child Development 121, 7.5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Methods 123, 7.5 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 80 Credits.
  • Law of Persons 112, 15 Credits.
  • Basic skills for Law 101, 15 Credits.
  • Family Law 121, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Property, 15 Credits.
  • Constitutional Law 202, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 40 Credits (Select a total of 40 Credits from one of the following subject groups):
    Group One: English
  • English 211, 20 Credits.
  • English 221, 20 Credits.
  • English 223, 10 Credits.
  • English 224, 10 Credits.

    Group Two: Sociology
  • Sociology 211, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 231, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 221, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 232, 10 Credits.

    Group Three: Philosophy
  • Philosophy 212, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 221, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 222, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 213, 10 Credits.

    Group Four: Psychology
  • Study of Human Development 211, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychopathology 213, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychological Intervention 214, 10 Credits.
  • Qualitative Research Methods and Health Sciences 221, 10 Credits.

    Group Five: Political Studies
  • Political Studies 231, 20 Credits.
  • Political Studies 232, 20 Credits.
  • Political Studies 235, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 85 Credits:
  • Law of Delict 201, 20 Credits.
  • Criminal law 202, 20 Credits.
  • Labour Law 3217, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Contract 301,15 Credits
  • Statutory Interpretation 321, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 40 Credits (Select a total of 40 credits from one of the following subject groups):
    Group One: English
  • English 311, 20 Credits.
  • English 321, 20 Credits.
  • English 313, 10 Credits.
  • English 323, 10 Credits.
  • English 324, 10 Credits.
  • English 331, 10 Credits.

    Group Two: Philosophy
  • Philosophy 311, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 312, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 321, 10 Credits.
  • Philosophy 322, 10 Credits.

    Group Three: Psychology
  • Psychopathology 311,10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Personality Theory 312,10 Credits.
  • Quantitative Research Methodology Community and Health Sciences 321, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology of Social Identity and Social Oppression 322, 10 Credits.

    Group Four: Sociology
  • Sociology 311, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 312, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 321, 10 Credits.
  • Sociology 322, 10 Credits.

    Group Five: Political Studies
  • Political Studies 331, 20 Credits.
  • Political Studies 332, 20 Credits.
  • Political Studies 334, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate familiarity with and have an informed outline knowledge and understanding of the content, and theories in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and locate her/his own work in contemporary contexts such as the South African and African contexts regarding specific issues and/or problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to interpret topical issues using different perspectives around the Humanities, Social Sciences and Law.
    4. Demonstrate a comprehensive and sound knowledge and understanding of the South African Constitution and basic areas or fields of law, which include the body of South African law and the South African legal system, its values and historical background.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to access information efficiently and effectively; as well as to use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to identify and define the relevant issues in legal problems; identify and select the most relevant sources and research methods including electronic databases to assist in solving such legal problems and generate reasoned solutions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Examine and apply the terminology, concepts, principles, and theories in written and/or oral communication.
  • Appraise the relationship among concepts and principles of the disciplines.
  • Evaluate legal principles, concepts, theories, and values also about societal issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically discuss and interpret the limitations of the Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution.
  • Examine the legislatures' executives' and judiciary's authority and powers in terms of the South African Constitution.
  • Evaluate and apply the general principles and rules of formal Law in South Africa.
  • Analyse how politics, economy, society, and culture impact the development of South African Law.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Interpret topical issues from different perspectives.
  • Analyse contemporary contexts and locate work in those contexts.
  • Critically engage with concrete ethical questions and issues surrounding them.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse the South African legal system with other historical backgrounds and values.
  • Describe the founding principles of the South African Constitution.
  • Explore the conventions of legal discourse and apply them appropriately.
  • Analyse chapter nine institutions' authority and powers in terms of the South African Constitution.
  • Compare and contrast the three tiers of government in the South African Constitution with respect to their authority and powers.
  • Apply ethical knowledge to pressing contemporary ethical questions.
  • Evaluate ethical responses in the face of changing technologies and societies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Collect, analyse, organize, and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources in various fields and specific disciplines towards the achievement of a given purpose.
  • Manipulate master and subdocuments in a GUI-based word processor.
  • Communicate effectively by verbal and written means with both internal and external stakeholders as required in the legal environment.
  • Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information.
  • Differentiate between legal and non-legal issues.
  • Critically analyse legal issues in a text or scenario.
  • Construct appropriate responses to legal issues in a text, scenario, or hypothetical.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify and analyse legal problems in real-life or hypothetical/factual situations.
  • Analyse and apply legal theory and practice to the correct approach to addressing a complex legal problem.
  • Apply fundamental and specialist knowledge of the law to address complex and diverse legal problems.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The qualification will utilise both formative and summative assessments. Lecturers will use innovative teaching to create and foster experiential learning opportunities. Innovative teaching is central to ensuring this objective is met. The faculty has put in place important resources that assist in ensuring the faculty delivers a program of instruction that gives learners opportunities to learn from experience. For instance, in problem-based courses, learners will be taught from the perspective of complex, multifaceted, and realistic problems. This will assist them in engaging in professional practices useful after graduation. At a second- and third-year level, advanced simulation courses exist that require the learner to integrate doctrinal instruction with skills instruction and professionalism training. Should the learners decide to proceed to complete the LLB, the Law Clinic allows final year learners to undergo field placement as part of the completion of a final year course, legal practice.

    Formative Assessment:
    In terms of formative assessments, various assessment strategies such as group-work, assignments, simulations, case studies, tutorials, portfolios, and tests according to the approved assessment policies of the institution and Faculties involved. Over and above, experiential learning has been woven into all areas and levels of the program.

    Summative Assessment:
    In terms of summative assessments, final assessments according to the approved assessment policies of the institution and the faculties involved will be provided for. Summative assessment may be used to test for all outcomes. For instance, some approaches to assessment such as assignments, tests and examinations may test more for content and integration of knowledge and some problem solving while moots and mock trials cater more for effective oral communication and development of practical professional skills in preparing and presenting legal arguments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Various combinations of law and the Bachelor of Arts degree are offered around the world, typically as a three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Jurisprudence or BA in law degree. Appellations are deceptive. For example, Oxford University offers a BA in Jurisprudence, but this is their equivalent to an LLB and does not include a mix of Arts modules.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of Baltimore
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence
    Duration: Three years Full Time
    Credits: 33 US credit points

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must hold an official high-school qualification.

    Purpose:
    The BA in Jurisprudence is a regular three-year undergraduate law degree, equivalent to what in some universities would be called an LLB. It is also a 'qualifying law degree' to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. It is one of the most highly regarded undergraduate law degrees in the United Kingdom, and those who do well in it are in high demand both in the legal professions and in other fields in which professional analytical work is required.


    By completing the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Employ appropriate technologies and strategies to accomplish tasks that facilitate the achievement of legal objectives.
  • Locate, analyze, and evaluate sources of law and communicate effectively orally and in writing about how such sources help answer legal questions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the legal system works, including how the law is developed, interpreted, and enforced, and the roles played by various participants in the legal system.

    Compulsory Modules, 18 Credits:
  • American Legal History or Prisons and Police in the United States (U.S.) History.
  • Legal Foundations.
  • Legal Research and Analysis.
  • The Trial Process.
  • Internship.
  • Capstone Project.

    Elective Modules, 15 Credits (Select three modules from the following options):
  • Argumentation, Debate and Society.
  • Immigration and Law in U.S. History.
  • Civil Rights in U.S. History.
  • Constitutional History.
  • Great Trials in History.
  • History of Common Law.
  • Topics in Legal Studies.
  • Social and Political Philosophy.
  • Logic of Language.
  • Philosophy, Law, and Current Events.
    AND
    Elective Modules, (Select two modules from the following):
  • Criminal Justice.
  • Criminal Law.
  • American Political Institutions.
  • Public Policy Analysis.
  • The Legislative Process.
  • State and Local Government.
  • Administrative Law and Processes.
  • Maryland Government Processes and Politics.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Baltimore (UoB) and the South African qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the high school qualification.
  • Learners graduating from UoB and SA qualifications will be to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills using knowledge of the law and understanding of the context in which law operates.
  • Both qualifications share similar compulsory modules.
    > Criminal Law.
    > Constitutional History.
    > Social and Political Philosophy.
    > Logic of Language.
    > Philosophy, Law, and Current Events.
    > Administrative Law and Processe
    > History of Common Law.
    > Legal Foundations.
    > Legal Research and Analysis.

    Differences:
  • The UoB has 33 US Credit points whereas the SA qualification is weighted 365 credits.
  • The UoB qualification is a multidisciplinary program examining law and legal theory through the study of philosophy, history, literature, and government and public policy. The law component is grouped under a Jurisprudence major, unlike the collection of LLB modules included in the South African qualification. This is typical of similar BA in Jurisprudence qualifications offered at the other United States of America (USA) universities, including Georgetown University, Washington, and Montclair State University.
  • The SA qualification offers a broad scope of subject specialisations to choose from while the scope of the UoB qualification elective modules is limited.
  • The UoB qualification includes an internship whereas the SA qualification does not include an internship.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Arizona University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Law
    Duration: Four years full time

    Entry Requirements:
    The Arizona University (AU) qualification requires applicants who hold a high school qualification.
    First-year undergraduate Learners have a 3.00 (recalculated) GPA from a secondary school, have at least three years of high school work, and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

    Purpose:
    Law provides the base for many professions, from human rights advocacy to politics, and the rigorous academics involved give learners a highly sought-after set of skills. Learners learn key foundational aspects of law, such as criminal and civil procedure, contracts, and torts, while specialized internships in real-world environments allow them to home in on areas of interest. Not only are these qualifications an essential component for careers in which legal training is a distinct advantage, but they also can provide an expedited path to law school or the university's accelerated master's option, where Learners can earn a Master of Legal Studies in just one extra semester.
    The qualifications provide training in critical skills that increase employability across multiple professions such as the following fields:
  • Law.
  • Politics.
  • Criminal justice.
  • Journalism.
  • Human rights.

    Learning Outcomes:
    On completion of the AU qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Analyse the reciprocal relationship between law and society including individual rights and liberty as reflected in the law tradition.
  • Explore the legal process and procedure, both in theory and in practice.
  • Apply foundational concepts related to government accountability and the mechanisms for ensuring accountability, including judicial review.
  • Apply skill sets in legal reasoning and argumentation.

    Qualification structure:
    The AU qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
    First Year:
  • English 101, 3 Credits.
  • Introduction to General Education, 1 Credit.
  • First Semester Second Language, 4 Credits.
  • English102, 3 Credits.
  • Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections, 3 Credits.
  • Math 112 or Higher Math, 3 Credits.
  • Second Semester Second Language, 4 Credits.

    Second Year
  • American National Government, 3 Credits.
  • SGPP Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections, 3 Credits.
  • POL 202, 203, 204, 206 or 209, 3 Credits.
  • Third Semester Second Language, 4 Credits.
  • Minor Course, 3 Credits.
  • Fourth Semester Second Language, 4 Credits.

    Third Year:
  • GE Capstone, 1 Credit.
  • Procedure, 3 Credits.
  • American Common Law System I, 3 Credits.
  • Minor Course, 3 Credits.
  • The American Common Law System II, 3 Credits.
  • The American Public Law System, 3 Credits.
  • Law Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Minor Course, 3 Credits.

    Fourth Year
  • Law Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Political Science Elective, 3
  • Minor Course, 3 Credits.
  • Political Science Elective, 3
  • Additional Elective (LAW or POL), 3 Credits.
  • Elective, 3 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Arizona University (AU) qualification and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who hold a high school qualification for entry requirements.
  • The AU and SA qualifications are designed to meet the high demand for professionals with legal training across a wide spectrum of careers.
  • Graduates from the AU and SA qualifications will be able to apply key jurisprudential concepts, doctrines, and theories relevant to the common law.
  • Both qualifications provide training in critical skills that increase employability across multiple professions such as the following fields:
    > Law.
    > Politics.
    > Criminal justice.
    > Journalism.
    > Human rights.
  • Both AU and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules sharing similar modules such as English, Political Science, Common, Public and Labour Law.

    Differences:
  • The AU qualification is offered over a period of four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The AU qualification carries 120 credits while the SA qualification carries 365 credits.
  • The Au qualification provides an expedited path to law school or the university's accelerated master's option, where learners can earn a Master of Legal Studies in just one extra semester while the SA qualification articulate vertically into Honour's degree and not a master's degree.
  • The SA qualification offers a wider scope in that learners may select from five subject specialisations while the scope of electives for AU qualification is limited. .
  • Although law modules are similar, the context is different as the AU qualification offers the American Common Law System and the American Public Law System and the SA qualification focuses on the South African law and legal system.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Western Sydney University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
    NQF Level: AQF Level 7
    Credits: 320
    Duration: Three years full time

    Entry Requirements:
    The WSU qualification requires learners who completed the Year 12 qualification.
    Eligibility for admission to the WSU qualification is based on the following requirements:
  • Assumed knowledge: any two units of HSC English.
  • Recommended studies: HSC English standard or equivalent.
  • Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English.
  • International Learners currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) International.

    Purpose:
    The qualification offers learners an opportunity to develop a depth of disciplinary expertise together with the breadth of vision afforded by cross-disciplinary approaches to the humanities. The qualification is designed to develop communication and personal skills, creativity and a capacity for independent thought, adaptability to new situations and problem-solving skills, attributes increasingly demanded by employers. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, and legal technology and extend their professional and learning experiences through work-integrated learning, clinical placement, and international exchange engagements. Learners graduating from the WSU qualification will find employment in diverse areas including communication and media industries; education; psychology and counselling; cultural, political, and social policy analysis; writing and publishing. .

    Learners will engage in collaborative face-to-face problems and case-based learning will be supported by online learning materials and will participate in the authentic assessment to develop knowledge and skills. Learners will develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration, self-management, and ethical and professional awareness and judgement. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, and legal technology and extend their professional and learning experiences through work-integrated learning, clinical placement, and international exchange engagements.

    Qualification Structure:
    Qualification for a double degree in the law requires the successful completion of 400 credit points including the subjects listed in the recommended sequences for the relevant double degree programs. Learners are eligible to graduate in the associated degree at the end of three years of full-time study, only when they have completed all non-law subjects plus the eight law subjects specified in the study sequence as being in the first three years of the relevant double degree.

    Learners enrolled in the 2537 Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws will only be eligible to graduate from their Bachelor of Laws degree upon completion of the entire 400 credit point program. Learners enrolled in this WSU qualification who wish to graduate with a standalone law degree before completion of the entire Bachelor of Arts component must transfer to program 2502 Bachelor of Laws (Non-Graduate Entry) which requires the completion of 320 credit points (inclusive of 80 credit points of non-LLB study).

    Learners may exit with the Diploma in Laws on completion of 80 credit points, comprising 20 credit points of specified Law core subjects and 60 credit points of Law core or alternate subjects, as provided in the qualification structure. .
    Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws learners are required to complete four Level 1 Bachelor of Arts core subjects plus one of the eight-subject majors and one of the four-subject minors in the Arts degree (16 subjects, including the four-level 1 Arts core subjects) together with the LLB key program (24 subjects). The double degree combination, therefore, consists of 40 subjects with no additional flexible subjects or choices beyond that already included within the separate Arts and Law programs.

    Qualification Structure:
    Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

    Year One:
  • Introduction to Law.
  • Torts Law.
  • Contracts.
  • Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics.
  • Law Foundation.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Property Law.
  • Constitutional Law.

    Year Two:
  • Commercial Law.
  • Equity and Trusts.
  • LLB alternate unit 1.
  • LLB alternate unit 2.
  • Law of Associations.
  • Remedies.
  • LLB alternate unit 3.
  • LLB alternate unit 4.

    Year Three:
  • Revenue Law.
  • Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure.
  • LLB alternate unit 5.
  • LLB alternate unit 6.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Criminal Procedure and Evidence.
  • LLB alternate unit 7.
  • LLB alternate unit 8.

    LLB Alternate Units
    Learners may choose 80 credit points of units from the provided lists.
    Learners must complete the four Level 1 Bachelor of Arts (BA) core subjects.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Australian Politics and Active Citizenship, 10 Credits.
  • Foundations of Academic English, 10 Credits.
  • Diversity, Language and Culture, 10 Credits.
  • Thinking Critically About Texts and Society, 10 Credits.
    Total Credit Points: 40

    Equivalent Core Subjects
    The core subjects listed below count towards completion of this qualification for learners who passed these subjects earlier
  • Analytical Reading and Writing.
  • Australia and the World.
  • Contemporary Society.
  • Texts and Traditions.

    Similarities:
  • The Western Sydney University (WSU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at the same level 7 of the NQF/AQF.
  • Both WSU and SA qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
  • The WSU and SA qualifications require learners who completed the Year 12 qualification.
  • The WSU and SA qualifications provide learners with a broad progressive legal education with a strong practical orientation to the law. Learners will develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration, self-management, and ethical and professional awareness and judgement.
  • Both qualifications offer learners an opportunity to develop a depth of disciplinary expertise together with the breadth of vision afforded by cross-disciplinary approaches to the humanities.
  • The qualifications are designed to develop communication and personal skills, creativity and a capacity for independent thought, adaptability to new situations and problem-solving skills, attributes increasingly demanded by employers.
  • Both qualifications provide an alternative path to LLB.

    Differences:
  • Graduates from the WSU qualification are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice in NSW after undertaking prescribed practical legal training whereas the SA qualification does not lead to professional designation.
  • The WSU qualification carries a weighting of 320 credits while the SA qualification has 365 credits.
  • The WSU qualification may be exited with the Diploma in Laws on completion of 80 credit points, comprising 20 credit points of specified Law core subjects and 60 credit points of Law core or alternate subjects while the SA qualification does not allow for the early exit.
  • The WSU qualification covers a wide scope of Law modules such as the Law Foundation, Criminal Law, Property Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law whereas the SA qualification focuses on Criminal and Constitutional Law, Law of Delict, Labour Law, and Law of Contract

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with all the above-cited international qualifications and arguably proves a better integration of the humanities, the social sciences, and the law than many of the international qualifications. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Law, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Paralegal Studies, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Labour Law, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Laws, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours, 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.