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 Commerce in Law

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124606	Bachelor of Commerce in Law
ORIGINATOR
Milpark Education (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
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 0633/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2034-07-10

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 Commerce in Law qualification will provide learners with the necessary skills to excel in an increasingly competitive legal and business environment. Addressing the most pressing challenges from a business and legal perspective is vital for offering learners the best competitive advantage in their careers.

Learners who achieve this qualification will be able to demonstrate competence in theoretical knowledge, as well as practical application. This will be achieved through a combination of case studies and theory. The qualification will enable learners to establish a comprehensive understanding of the implications of law on commerce and business, while addressing pressing contemporary skills requirements related to digital skills, general and financial management, international business law, internet law, and general corporate regulations.

The typical learner for this qualification will primarily focus on the compliance, risk and fiduciary professions, or will be those who are in-house legal counsel for a business. The qualification will also be ideal for those looking to start their own business or become entrepreneurs. The qualification will be designed to address the unique pedagogical requirements of these learners who need to gain a better understanding of the intersection between law and business in South Africa.

Equipped with the knowledge from this qualification, learners will be able to navigate their way through the world of business with a firm understanding of the legal considerations needed to be successful in the world of business, in an environment that is rapidly evolving.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:

Analyse the South African legal system in relation to commercial activity and the impact that this regulatory framework has on economic activity in the country.

Incorporate legal analysis and reasoning into business operations to support all stakeholders in effectively achieving the objectives of a business.

Construct legal recommendations, rooted in legislation and case law, that have been tailored to the business context.

Evaluate business decisions from various perspectives to ensure that an organisation meets its objectives, remains compliant, and contributes constructively towards society.

Rationale:
According to the "Lexis Nexis 2021 State of the Legal Industry" in South Africa report, which surveyed professionals in the sector, operational effectiveness has been grossly impacted, with 60% of respondents reporting as such. The downturn experienced by most countries globally has also influenced local law organisations. According to the same report, there was a 19% drop in planned team expansion by law firms between 2016 and 2021.

This trend is most likely continuing, signalling the need for aspiring legal professionals to position themselves in an increasingly competitive labour market. The increased importance of digital data protection and the dramatic increase in cybercrime have seen the introduction of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Legal qualifications must therefore be able to provide learners with a line of sight of these regulations, along with the issues they are trying to address.

This qualification is aimed at addressing the most pressing educational needs of the legal profession in South Africa. This qualification aims to equip professionals looking for insights into the intersection of law and business, and looks to address various contemporary aspects impacting the intersection of law and commerce. Learners will be exposed to a balanced curriculum that introduces foundational business principles combined with in-depth exposure to legal theory and principles.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

The institution admits a small number of learners onto its qualification via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants interested in applying via RPL will be considered individually by the relevant Head of School. A matric with a Bachelor's degree entry, or equivalent, is the usual route to admission (see admission requirements). However, in particular cases, learners without such qualifications, and whose age, work and proven expertise and competency have provided them with equivalent levels of learning, may apply for admission in terms of the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Credit Accumulation and Transfer Policy.

The learner is required to submit details of such experience to the institution, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis, where the application is evaluated against the background of the qualification requirements.

The institution is able to provide alternative entry routes for 10% of any intake.

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

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 (NCV), NQF Level 4, granting access to the bachelor's degree studies.
Or

Higher Certificate in Law, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, and 7, totalling 390 Credits.

Learners must complete eight of the compulsory modules in year one, six in year two, and one in year three. They must complete the eleven elective modules; two elective modules in year one, two elective modules in year two, and seven elective modules in year three.

Compulsory modules, Level 5, 102 Credits:

Induction to Business Studies, 5 Credits.

Principles of Micro- and Macro-Economics, 15 Credits.

Principles of Accounting, 20 Credits.

Mathematical Principles, 7 Credits.

Digital Skills for the Business World, 10 Credits.

General Management, 15 Credits.

The South African Legal Landscape, 15 Credits.

Introduction to Constitutional Law and Statutory Interpretation, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 35 Credits:

Law of Contract, 20 Credits.

Fraud Detection, 15 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 6, 93 Credits:

Finance for Non-Financial Managers, 20 Credits.

Financial Mathematics, 8 Credits.

Business Management, 10 Credits.

Taxation, 20 Credits.

Legal Research and Communication, 15 Credits.

Companies Law and Procedures, 20 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 6, 30 Credits:

Law of Things, 15 Credits.

Law of Persons, 15 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 7, 15 Credits:

Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, 15 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 7, 115 Credits:

Leadership in Diverse Environments, 15 Credits.

Business Management, 15 Credits.

Strategic Management, 15 Credits.

International Business Law, 15 Credits.

Internet Law, 15 Credits.

General Corporate Regulations, 15 Credits.

Law in Business Case Study, 25 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Analyse the South African legal system in relation to commercial activity and the impact that this regulatory framework has on economic activity in the country.
2. Incorporate legal analysis and reasoning into business operations to support all stakeholders in effectively achieving the objectives of a business.
3. Construct legal recommendations, rooted in legislation and case law, that have been tailored to the business context.
4. Evaluate business decisions from various perspectives to ensure that an organisation meets its objectives, remains compliant, and contributes constructively towards society.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify key legal fields impacting commercial activity.

Evaluate legislative hierarchy and its significance to business in South Africa.

Examine legal precedent and its influence on commercial decision-making.

Integrate socio-economic factors and stakeholder interests in business regulation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Evaluate the legal implications of potential business decisions, using critical thinking.

Recommend legally sound solutions to support internal stakeholders in their respective business areas.

Evaluate legislation that would impact business activities in relation to external stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Analyse a business context to determine where legal solutions and advice are required.

Interpret legislation and case law in alignment with business needs to find nuanced solutions that are appropriate to the context.

Recommend appropriate solutions that are customised to meet the practical requirements of the business in a legally sound manner.

Optimise the communication of legal information in a business, adapting the format and using appropriate wording to align with the business needs and the audience it is intended for.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explore the intersection of ethics and the law in business in the South African and global context, and the impact that this has on society at large.

Assess business operations and strategy in terms of compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Incorporate the management of risks and opportunities into a business strategy.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The institution's assessment process is governed by the Assessment Policy. At the undergraduate level, assessment is mostly conducted through formative, submitted:

assignments

tests

discussion forums

presentations and/or projects (weighted 30% of the final result for the module) and one summative assessment, consisting of either an open- or closed-book proctored exam or a project/submission (weighted 70% of the final result for the module).

In keeping with this policy, and to ensure that the process results in a fair and valid assessment, the entire assessment process is subject to a layered checking and re-checking process that ensures the integrity of the overall assessment and its place in the qualification. This includes internal and external moderation, as per our policy. Learners are guided at the beginning of the semester regarding the assessment structure of each module, in order to set expectations. Substantive formative assessment feedback is given on an individual basis. For this qualification, formative assessments will include informal class work during the semester, homework handed in for marks, graded discussions, as well as online objective tests and a group assignment. Online tests, containing both objective test questions and longer discussion questions, will also be written during the semester as online proctored assessments.

Summative assessment:
The summative assessment will be in the format of a formal exam paper written at the end of the semester, and will also contain both objective test questions and longer discussion questions, as well as a pre-seen case study. In the case study module, learners will be expected to complete an integrated assessment.

The assessment strategy will align with the qualification outcomes and will test the relevant module outcomes. The Learner Management System (LMS) will be used to facilitate online objective tests and graded discussions.

The assessments will be a combination of objective test questions, which require in-depth technical knowledge to answer, and longer discussion questions, which require application of the subject content. The objective test questions typically test the technical knowledge through questions including short calculations, matching terms and application of the terms, choosing all statements that apply, and filling in missing words in sentences. The longer discussion questions typically test the application of the subject content by confronting the learner with a business problem that needs to be solved. The business problems are often solved by a combination of discussion/application, calculations, and recommendations.

Formative assessments will contribute 30% to the final mark, while summative assessments will contribute to 70% of the final mark.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international comparability of the Bachelor of Commerce in Law was conducted in line with the criteria outlined in the CHE accreditation guidelines. The analysis has been structured to compare the following critical areas of the proposed qualification:

Country: Australia
Institution name: University of New South Wales
Qualification title: Bachelor of Commerce / Law
Duration: Five years

Entry Requirements

Passed Australian Year 12 qualification
And

Law Admission Test

Purpose/Rationale
The degree in commerce and law will provide learners with a strong understanding of business and a comprehensive legal education that will set them apart and prepare them to make a difference in the world.

Learners will learn core business principles in a range of disciplines before specialising in subjects that align with their interests and career ambitions. Become an expert in accounting, business, analytics, economics, finance, human resource management, information systems, marketing, taxation, or focus on emerging areas like fintech and cybersecurity management. They will bolster their specialised business knowledge with a deep understanding of the law. These complimentary skills will set them apart in both the legal and business worlds.

Qualification structure:
Modules:

Law in the Global Context, comparable to International Business Law

Land Law

Crime and the Criminal Process

Criminal Laws

Introducing Law and Justice

Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Taxation, comparable to Taxation

Accounting, comparable to Principles of Accounting

Business Economics, comparable to Principles of Micro- and Macro-Economics

Similarities:

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the South African (SA) qualification both accept learners who have completed a high school qualification.

Both qualifications cover key commerce topics such as accounting, business management, and taxation. In addition, they cover fundamental legal topics such as Commercial/Company Law, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Law.

Both qualifications focus on giving learners an in-depth perspective of the relationship between commercial enterprises and the legal system.

Difference:

The UNSW qualification consists of 240 credits and is offered over five years, whereas the SA qualification consists of 360 credits offered over three years.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution name: Leeds Trinity University
Qualification title: Bachelor's in Business Management and Law
Duration: Three years

Entry requirement:

High school qualification in their country that is at a similar academic level to the UK's A-levels.

An International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Purpose/Rationale
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Management and Law is a three-year degree where learners will study both how businesses work and the basics of law. It will give them skills in leading teams, making good decisions, and understanding how legal systems and rules operate. Learners will learn about business organisation, management, finance, marketing, and the legal and ethical issues facing companies. The qualification also covers key areas of law relevant to businesses, such as contract law, company law, and the legal framework in which businesses operate. Learners benefit from professional work placements, including a business project in their final year, to gain practical experience and build connections.

Qualification structure
Learners will learn about organisational structures, management functions, and the business environment. The curriculum includes contract law, torts, legal and ethical considerations in business, and the regulatory context of business.

Similarities:

The Leeds Trinity University (LTU) and the South African (SA) qualification are both offered over three years.

Both qualifications offer learners a basic study in how businesses work and the basics of law.

Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a high school qualification.

The SA qualification will give learners the necessary skills to excel in an increasingly competitive legal and business environment. Addressing the most pressing challenges from a business and legal perspective will gain a competitive advantage in their careers.

Similarly, the LTU qualification aims to give learners skills in leading teams, making good decisions, and understanding how legal systems and rules operate.

Both qualifications offer a curriculum that includes contract law, legal and ethical considerations in business, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance.

Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a high school qualification in their country.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal, vertical, and diagonal articulation.

Horizontal articulation:

Bachelor of Arts in Law, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Law, NQF Level 7.

Vertical articulation:

Bachelor of Laws, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Law, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Fintech Law and Regulation, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Management, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Family Law Practitioner, NQF Level 5.

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.

1.	Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd