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:

Master of Laws

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
123585	Master of Laws
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Justice in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0729/25	2025-02-04	2028-02-04
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04		2032-02-04

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 Master of Laws is to provide sound training in research strategy and methodologies through the formal initial research methodology workshop. Subsequent practical research training culminates in the finalisation of the formal research proposal. The latter is vigorously assessed by an oral defence, after which the learner completes a final postgraduate dissertation. Completing the dissertation underpinned by in-depth research within a specific legal discipline or branch of law formally confirms the graduate's status as a specialist in the chosen legal field. This qualification will empower the graduate to demonstrate in the world of work that he/she possesses an advanced level of knowledge, skills, and functioning.

The qualification allows learners to re-enter the tertiary education sector at any time after completion of their undergraduate studies at another institution or even in another country.

The qualification enables a learner to acquire the specialist in-depth knowledge, skills and experience needed for a long and prosperous career in one area of law.

The required research for the dissertation enables the learner to be up to date in national and international developments in the chosen research field and increases the learner's experience, expertise, employability and knowledge. The research skills promote drafting competencies that is a core competency required of a legal practitioner in practice and of lawyers in all other forms of employment.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Apply an in-depth knowledge of the specific legal discipline; intellectual curiosity and an enquiry-led approach to research;

Effectively conceptualise challenges and issues and consider problem-solving techniques; increased adaptability; improved communication and digital skills; foster a culture of life-long learning; an increase in professional and interpersonal skills; ethically engaged and functioning with integrity; career and leadership readiness; increased empathy and awareness of social responsibility; and intercultural competency.

Access and process information using a range of technologies.

Display theoretical awareness, critical analytic competence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills within the disciplinary context.

Conduct research and produce a dissertation on the chosen legal topic.

Manage him/herself effectively and independently.

The qualification furthermore increases the graduate's employability in academia and serves as a prerequisite for progression to the completion of a doctoral degree.

Rationale:
The qualification will benefit the profession in that more advanced knowledge and thereby specialised services will be available to clients. The benefit to society is to deliver more competent and knowledgeable graduates who increase the rate of labour market success, who can deliver a more targeted and specialised public service to members of society and where relevant authorities, thereby contributing to economic growth.

The final dissertation and subsequent academic journal contribution extracted therefrom will add value to the South African jurisprudence and could serve as authority for the courts and to legal academic literature in general. The qualification contributes to the development of learners' social skills, critical thinking skills, empathy, and commitment to civic engagement with the potential of increasing the implementation of social justice that remains lacking in our society.

Typical learners are graduates with a four-year Bachelor of Laws or equivalent, who have performed above average and are interested in pursuing a career path in a specialised targeted field of legal discipline.

The qualification contributes to advanced knowledge that contributes to innovation for a prosperous South Africa and thereby increases the employability of the learner for admission into legal practice, or the appointment as a specialised legal advisor in the larger industries, for example, the financial sector, energy sector, telecommunications and engineering and government sectors.

This qualification will also enable the graduate to enter academia to pursue a career in teaching, research, and subsequent supervision of other postgraduate learners.
The qualification will expand the institution's capacity to provide learners with specialised research training and deliver graduates on an NQF level 9. The qualification furthermore is a prerequisite for and articulates vertically into the highest qualification in law, namely a doctoral degree.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's RPL Policy has been aligned with the criteria set by the HEQC and SAQA. RPL is the comparison of previous learning and experience of a learner, however, obtained against the learning outcomes required for a specific qualification and the acceptance of such learning for purposes of qualification of that which meets the requirements. The possible application of RPL will be done on an individual basis.

RPL for access:

RPL allows access to further study by granting the status, but not the award, of the prerequisite qualification.

For admission of applicants who do not meet the minimum average or who hold an undergraduate Bachelor of Procurationis, prior learning (whether practical or by way of any other formal qualification such as a diploma or certificate, as well as practical work experience) is taken into account at a faculty level and at senate level.

The applicant must provide evidence (e.g. records, portfolios, challenge examinations, etc.) that must be assessed as relevant, sufficient, authentic and current.

The management and administration of the Programme's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process functions within the information management framework. The institution's Registrar is responsible for the reception of prior learning and credit applications from learners. In cooperation with the Registrar, the Programme Coordinator receives these applications from the Registrar on an Ad Hoc basis as these applications are received.

This qualification is structured in such a way as to facilitate possible recognition from other institutions, allowing for articulation with similar qualifications or access to higher-level qualifications as well as the possibility of entering the qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Laws, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Law, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:

Dissertation, 180 Credits.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Exit Level Outcomes
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic basic knowledge base in the specific field of study and the ability to apply the knowledge.
2. Demonstrate the ability to access and process information using a range of technologies.
3. Display theoretical awareness, critical analytic competence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills within the disciplinary context.
4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research and produce a dissertation on the chosen legal topic.
5. Demonstrate the ability to manage him/herself effectively and independently.
6. Demonstrate social and eco-systemic competence and responsibility.

Associated Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify, reflect on, and critically appraise a set legal problem and the applicable legal principles pertaining to the problem by drawing upon theoretical knowledge of the relevant legal disciplines.

Formulate a specific research question by appraising and defining a concise and suitable problem statement and clearly describing the purpose and aim of the specific research study.

Address relevant, substantial, original, and important matters for the development of jurisprudence in the selected law field.

Use a variety of sources and apply comparative legal sources where relevant.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use advanced methods of information access, retrieval, and processing skills to identify, critically analyse and synthesise information relevant to complex and/or real-world problems, cases, and issues in the specific field of study, where applicable.

Process and present data in a scientific manner to meet the academic quality requirements as set by the level of study.

Include a comprehensive and judicially proper literature survey and apply an acceptable and consistent style of referencing to sources throughout.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Rigorously critique and evaluate current laws and research to show a coherent and critical understanding of the methodology of the specific field of study.

Collect and organise relevant and appropriate sources of law and literature pertaining to the identified questions or issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Organise and synthesise information in a logical and coherent structure and manner.

Identify the most appropriate research methodology to address the research problem.

Apply integrated knowledge to, in an ethical manner, critically evaluate and apply all values, rules, norms, laws, and regulations pertaining to the specific field of study to reach the research objectives.

Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to provide a holistic overview of the research problem and propose a justified conclusion, and viable recommendations and solutions.

Complete and produce a comprehensive research dissertation that meets the assessment criteria as set out herein.

Devise the most efficient and ethically responsible contextual legal solutions in the form of a justified conclusion, viable solutions and recommendations to the research problem.

With reference to a stated hypothesis create realistic and responsible solutions within the legal context.

Synthesise all relevant information and achieve the set research objectives.

Provide a justified conclusion and effective recommendations where applicable.

Present a comprehensive discussion and a cohesive argument throughout the dissertation to meet the research objectives.

Deliver the research output in a format that meets a high standard of presentation, language, editing and formatting.

Provide a comprehensive and detailed bibliography of sources accessed for the purpose of the dissertation.

Provide a word total of the manuscript, excluding the title pages, the table of contents and the bibliography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Study independently and ensure that all relevant and material sources are considered and duly referenced.

Perform to a high standard especially during the oral defence of the research proposal, and when completing the final written dissertation.

Meet the deadlines by planning accordingly and engaging with the supervisor on a regular basis.

Demonstrate a dedicated, resolute, and serious approach to completing the postgraduate study and meeting its outcomes by delivering a research dissertation that demonstrates a high standard of research in law.

Evaluate own progress during the performance milestones set for the degree and as determined by the supervisor.

Respond to the comments provided by the supervisor and/or the examiners and respond accordingly.

Manage personal agendas and other commitments such as work commitments sensitively to ensure meeting the academic deadlines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Integrate transformative constitutionalism to show a comprehension of constitutional and fundamental rights in the context of the study.

Display an awareness of social and other human sensitivities in a particular legal context where required.

Prioritise the most conscientious manner to approach and deal with sensitive social realities during the research.

Apply ethical principles when addressing sensitive and/or ethical issues and situations.

Apply ethical legal principles to promote general responsibility and social justice in the field of law.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Netherlands
Institution: Utrecht University
Qualification Title: Master of Laws: Legal Research (Coursework)
Duration: Two years full-time
Credits: 120 European Credits (EC)
Entry Requirements:

Bachelor's degree with a major in law with a minimum grade average of 7.0 on a scale from 1 to 10.

Purpose.
The Master's programme in Legal Research makes a well-trained lawyer with a research-oriented mindset, which is crucial in this changing society and a basic requirement for a PhD study.

After finishing this qualification, successful learners can pursue a career in legal research, finding a research position at a university or in one of the major law firms, the research departments of Supreme Courts in various parts of the world, or, in the Netherlands, at the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Council of State or the Research and Documentation Centre (Wetenschappelijk Onderzoeks- en Documentatiecentrum) of the Ministry of Justice. Graduates will also be well prepared for legal practice at a national or international law firm, at a company or in a non-governmental organisation, in the judiciary, or in a government or non-governmental position as a PhD researcher, an assistant, associate or full professor, a lawyer, etc.

The qualification allows learners to acquire legal and academic skills by actively conducting research; learning to produce texts that are relevant to legal academics and scholars; performing part or all of a contract study; writing an extensive academic case note; co-organise an academic seminar in the learner's area of expertise; cooperate in the preparation of international academic conferences; publish an article in an (international) scholarly journal; prepare a comparative legal study or participate in and carry out research projects

Modules:
Year 1

Dynamics I: Constitutional Law and Administrative Law

Dynamics II: Criminal Law, Human Rights and International Law

Dynamics III: Private Law

Research Project I: Internal and/or Comparative Perspective

Methodology I: Perspectives on Law

Methodology II: Comparative Perspective

Methodology III: Empirical Legal Studies

Methodology IV: Advanced Empirical Legal Studies/Philosophy of Legal Science

Preparation for Thesis Legal Research: Academic Writing and Presentation Skills

Preparation for Thesis Legal Research: Methodology Round Table

Year 2

Research Project II: External Perspective

Elective course within research profile

Thesis Legal Research

Preparation for Thesis Legal Research: Methodology Round Table

Support for Thesis Legal Research: Methodology Round Table

Assessment:

For each compulsory module: a paper and one or more presentations. sometimes a written or oral exam is required.

First research project.

Second research project.

Exam for the profile modules, usually written examinations or writing of one or more papers.

Master's thesis.

Similarities:

The Utrecht University (UU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over 2 years of full-time study.

Both qualifications offer learners an opportunity to specialise and gain in-depth legal knowledge in law.

The research methodology modules in the UU qualification are similar to the research methodology workshop in the SA qualification (By Research),

Both qualifications prepare graduates to pursue a Doctoral law degree and can pursue a career in legal research, finding a research position at a university or in one of the major law firms, the research departments of Supreme Courts in various parts of the world.

Differences:

The SA qualification has 180 credits whereas the UU qualification has 120 European Credits (EC).

The UU qualification requires learners who completed the bachelor's degree whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Honours degree in a cognate field.

The SA qualification is by research only and no coursework while the UU qualification has both coursework and the master's thesis.

The UU qualification is much broader and more generalised than the SA qualification (Research) in that it does not require a formal written dissertation.

Country: Australia
Institution: Bond University
Qualification Title: Master of Laws (Research)
Duration: Two years of full-time study
Entry Requirements:

Must have completed a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor.

Purpose:
The Master of Laws is designed for learners with a law degree who now want to amplify their knowledge in a specialist area of law and develop their independent research skills. The qualification provides learners with the flexibility to investigate a specific research topic of their own choice while developing their research and critical thinking skills. The qualification also provides learners from a legal background with a specialist postgraduate law qualification. Learners may choose to pursue a specialised area of study or select subjects from a broad range of law electives.

Master of Laws (Research) is a higher degree by research qualification awarded for completion of a 50,000-word thesis including all text. The thesis demonstrates the learner's ability to research, analyse and apply information and concepts to a body of legal knowledge or practice.

On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:

Consistently participate in classes and actively engage in the analysis of complex, and at times, challenging materials, and in debate

Work independently, or, when required, contribute constructively as a part of a group

Engage with, analyse, and comprehend complex written English appropriate to the discipline and relevant interdisciplinary materials

Clearly and independently communicate in written and verbal English

Critically evaluate and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary content via written and verbal English

Achieve sufficient competence with digital technology to effectively engage with learning resources and the completion of assessment items

Display behaviours conducive to effective participation in complex learning environments

Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills

Demonstrate an understanding of, and sensitivity towards, the needs of others

Complete assessment tasks independently, or in collaboration with others as part of a group

Actively and safely participate in and complete, those clinical, laboratory, fieldwork and/or placement activities that are required by the relevant program

Successfully participate in activities that reflect the multicultural Australian and global context which may include mixed genders and religious and culturally diverse groups and environments in on-campus and off-campus settings

Comply with Australian laws and University rules and policies, including the Code of Conduct for Learners and relevant individual program Learner Charters

Similarities:

The Bond University (BU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over two years of full-time study.

Both qualifications develop advanced legal research and writing skills and enhance the ability of learners to critically evaluate complex legal issues within a global context.

The individual learner is supported by a Principal Supervisor and one or more Associate Supervisors with expertise in the topic of the project. The BU qualification is similar to the SA qualification in which the supervisors are co-authors in publications resulting from the learner's dissertation.

Difference:

The BU requires learners who have completed a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor. The latter is a more onerous entry requirement and will limit access to postgraduate studies in a South African context.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Laws in Advanced Criminal Justice, NQF Level 9.

Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution, NQF Level 9.

Master of Laws in Banking Law, NQF Level 9.

Master of Laws in Business Law, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Laws, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Laws, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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.	Akademia NPC