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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 | |||
| 15594 | Bachelor of Commerce in Law | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Stellenbosch University | ||||
| 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 | Level 6 | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0733/25 | 2024-06-30 | 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 purpose of the Bachelor of Law is to cultivate professionals equipped to navigate the increasingly intertwined worlds of law and Commerce within the South African and global contexts. It aims to provide a robust foundation in legal principles while simultaneously developing a strong understanding of business practices and their legal implications. This unique blend of legal and business education prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to organisations where legal and commercial acumen are essential for success. The qualification serves as a pathway for advanced studies in either Commerce or law, offering students flexibility in their career trajectory. Qualifying BCom (Law) learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of both legal principles and core business practices, recognising their interconnectedness within the South African and global contexts. They will be adept at identifying and analysing complex challenges at the intersection of law and Commerce, using information from diverse legal and business sources to inform sound decision-making. Graduates will possess strong communication skills, enabling them to articulate legal and business matters effectively to various audiences, both orally and in writing. Furthermore, they will be equipped to demonstrate ethical conduct and social responsibility in their professional lives, considering the broader societal impact of their decisions within legal and business environments. The qualification also ensures graduates can evaluate fundamental business principles, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and management, understanding their intricate interplay with relevant legal frameworks. Finally, they will be skilled collaborators, able to work effectively in multi-disciplinary settings and contribute meaningfully to solutions that demand both legal and commercial insights. This unique blend of expertise prepares them for diverse and in-demand roles, including Business Analysts, Compliance Officers, Risk Managers, and Legal Assistants or Paralegals, within commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors. The Exit Level Outcomes directly support the purpose of the BCom (Law) qualification, which is to "cultivate professionals equipped to navigate the increasingly intertwined worlds of Law and commerce within the South African and global contexts". The outcomes collectively ensure that graduates gain a robust foundation in legal principles while simultaneously developing a strong understanding of business practices and their legal implications. This comprehensive blend of legal and business education prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to organisations where legal and commercial acumen are essential for success. The qualification's design, as reflected in its outcomes, equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between legal and commercial spheres, addressing a critical need for professionals with this dual understanding in the modern economy. Furthermore, the outcomes contribute to broader societal goals, such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, through the development of high-level skills applicable across commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors. The qualification inherently fosters several Graduate Attributes: Rationale: The BCom (Law) addresses a critical need for professionals who possess a dual understanding of legal principles and business practices. The increasing interconnectedness of the legal and commercial spheres demands individuals who can effectively bridge the gap between these two domains. This qualification is designed to meet this demand by providing a unique blend of legal and business education, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex legal and commercial landscapes of the modern economy. The rationale is further strengthened by the qualification's contribution to broader societal goals, such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, through the development of high-level skills applicable in commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors. The qualification's proven success, attracting high-calibre students and producing sought-after graduates, validates the continued need for this qualification. The BCom (Law) responds directly to the needs of several key sectors: The qualification is not explicitly aligned with the requirements of a professional body. However, the qualification focuses on skills relevant to the commercial, legal, governmental, and NGO sectors, demonstrating an implicit understanding of sectoral needs. The faculties of Law and Commerce, which offer the qualification in partnership, regularly engage with relevant industry bodies (e.g., chambers of Commerce, business associations, law societies, relevant government departments, and NGO networks) on the qualification's content. Additionally, the legal modules included in the qualification form part of the Bachelor of Laws qualification offered by the institution, which was redesigned per the CHE LLB Standard and supported by the Law Society of South Africa. Students who wish to pursue a career in law are required to complete the remainder of the LLB qualification as a postgraduate option after completing the BCom (Law) qualification. Typical learners are individuals interested in the intersection of law and business. They may aspire to careers in either field or in roles that bridge both. The qualification attracts high-achieving students, as evidenced by its popularity and competitive entry requirements. Qualifying learners will be prepared for a range of occupations, including: The BCom (Law) is an undergraduate qualification that provides a foundation for further specialisation in either business or law. It can serve as a stepping stone to an LLB degree for those seeking a career as a legal practitioner. It also creates a pathway for postgraduate studies in business-related fields, allowing those who would then enrol in an Honours or PGDip in their selected field. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As per national guidelines and the SU Regulation for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), no more than 10% of a cohort will be accepted into the qualification via RPL. All applicants who wish to be considered for RPL or CAT must submit a formal application to the faculty they are applying to. RPL applications can consist of one of the following options. RPL for access: an applicant does not meet the minimum admission criteria but has completed non-formal or informal learning, such as workplace experience, that can be deemed equivalent to some of the academic requirements. RPL for exemption: an applicant has completed non-formal or informal learning (such as a combination of short courses) that is deemed equivalent to a module or module(s) in the qualification and is therefore granted exemption from these modules. However, since a National Senior Certificate is required for access to higher education, RPL for access is highly unlikely for this undergraduate qualification. Each application is reviewed on its own merit. The procedures outlined by the Faculty's RPL guidelines will be followed. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is: Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 424 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 130 Credits Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 150 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Integrate and apply core legal principles and business practices to identify and address complex challenges at the intersection of law and Commerce.
2. Analyse legal and business information from diverse sources to inform decision-making in commercial and legal contexts. 3. Communicate effectively on legal and business matters to various audiences, both orally and in writing. 4. Demonstrate ethical conduct and social responsibility within legal and business environments, considering the broader societal impact of decisions. 5. Evaluate fundamental business principles (e.g., finance, accounting, marketing, management) and their interplay with relevant legal frameworks. 6. Collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary settings, contributing to solutions that require both legal and commercial understanding. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Integrated Assessment: The assessment strategy of this qualification aligns with the institution's Assessment Policy (2022) through the careful design of assessment strategies for each module, which implement flexible assessment frameworks that deliver robust assessments and effectively promote learners' learning, as well as evaluate learners' achievements for certification (The institution's Assessment Policy, 2022). It further aims to support the achievement of the SU graduate attributes by purposefully embedding them in curricula, learning, teaching and assessment activities. Assessments that promote learner learning need to be designed according to the principles of effective assessment. Lecturers involved in this qualification will apply the framework and guidelines provided in the Institution's Assessment policy to measure their assessment practices (SU Assessment policy, 2021). The assessment strategy of each module will be made explicit to learners in a module framework. The assessment strategies are varied and suited to the teaching-learning-assessment approach of each module. Various face-to-face and online, invigilated and take-home, timed and own-pace assessments will be used as unpacked below. Assessments can be done orally (e.g. oral, class discussion, debate, mock trail) or in written format (invigilated, in-person, closed-book assessments, assignment, essay, legal opinion, heads of argument, written pleadings). Written assignments and essays must typically comply with the Law Faculty Writing Guidelines and prescribed referencing guidelines. Assessments will be conducted either individually or in a group e.g. team-based learning (linked to the LLB qualification standard, self-management and collaboration). Learners will receive regular formative feedback to guide their learning. Diagnostic assessment will be used to evaluate learners' strengths, weaknesses, prior knowledge, and skills before the start of a module/contact session, etc., to decide what action(s) may be required of the learners and/or the lecturer. For example, learners will be required to submit a written speech on a prescribed topic to assess their written skills. Formative Assessment: Formative assessments (e.g., written assessments, online quizzes, clicker tests) will be used regularly in all modules. They offer learners an opportunity to develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes with the aid of learning-centred feedback and self- and peer assessment. They can also promote learning, as this requires learners to engage with the assessment criteria. Examples of these will include tutorial activities and group activities in the classroom, such as group discussions, written legal opinions/essays, etc. Summative Assessment: Summative assessments, such as written tests, essays, assignments, presentations, etc., will be used to inform decisions and findings on learners' progress. Each of the modules in the qualification uses a combination of different assessment types and methods and various assessment opportunities are utilised in each module. This is essential to accommodate diverse learning styles, promote holistic and progressive learner learning, support the development of a broad range of graduate attributes and enhance learner engagement. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications:
Country: Australia Institution: University of New South Wales Qualification Title: Bachelor of Commerce (combined with Bachelor of Laws) Duration: The Commerce degree, as the first part of a combined commerce and law degree, is offered as a three-year option. Students may then pursue their LLB degree by completing two years, focusing solely on legal modules. Format: The qualification is offered in a full-contact, in-person mode of delivery only. Purpose of the qualification: The purpose of this qualification is similar to that of BComm (Law) qualification: it is a combined undergraduate coursework degree that is fundamentally a commerce degree, providing a foundation in law. It is a pathway to the LLB, which in turn provides access to legal practice, and focuses on developing analytical, writing, and reading skills. The combined degrees can be obtained in five years, rather than the six years it would take to obtain both degrees separately. Content of qualification: Outcomes: The qualification aims to develop graduates who can: Country: India Institution: Gujarat National Law University Qualification Title: BCom LLB (honours) Duration: This is an integrated BCom and LLB qualification. It combines the study of Commerce and law, allowing students to earn both degrees after five years. Format: The qualification is entirely in-person or full contact. Purpose of qualification: The purpose of this integrated qualification is similar to the SA qualification and LLB qualifications combined: it integrates commerce and law degrees. It provides access to Commerce, particularly commercial legal practice. It focuses on developing analytical, writing and reading skills. The combined degrees can be obtained in five years, rather than the six years that would be needed to obtain both degrees in isolation. Content of qualification: The remaining semesters are then devoted exclusively to law with compulsory elective and clinical modules. The focus gradually slants towards the latter. Outcomes: This qualification is typical of the qualifications offered by law Universities that have been established in India since 1985. These law universities were meant to offer a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to legal education. At the end of the qualification, the student should, according to the stated aims of the University: Comparison: All three qualifications have a similar: All these degrees are referred to as BCom LLB degrees Purpose: They allow learners to complete basic introductory skills modules, such as language. Students complete foundational modules on the law and additional modules that would otherwise be required in the first two or three years of a standard law degree. Learners also complete the modules that are generally required for a commerce degree. Completion will enable them to commence two years of dedicated higher-level legal studies. These commerce qualifications, especially when combined with the two further years of legal studies, enable students to acquire the legal skills and knowledge required for a wide range of legal and Commercial careers. They enable law students to acquire a range of skills and knowledge that extend beyond the legal discipline but are complementary to it. Duration: All three commerce qualifications take three years. They occupy the first three years of a combined qualification and allow students to obtain two degrees in five rather than six years. Articulation route: The SA qualification and Sydney qualifications continue with 2 years of postgraduate LLB or focus on a specialisation in Commerce. At Sydney, Learners can choose to suspend their Law studies for one year to undertake the BCom (Honours) program. Alternatively, students can complete the BCom (Honours) after finishing both the BCom and LLB degrees. The qualification, as a standalone qualification, provides access to BComm (Honours) qualifications. Honours studies can also be undertaken before or after completing the LLB qualification. After completing the combined LLB (Honours) at GNLU, it is possible to pursue a BComm (Honours) from an appropriate university. There is considerable overlap in the outcomes of the qualifications. Differences: Some differences between the qualifications are:: Duration: The combined degrees in the GNLU qualifications are awarded only after a period of 5 years. This is also the case with many combined law and commerce qualifications in New Zealand, Hong Kong and Australia outside of Sydney.. Content: The GNLU commerce modules are more intentionally geared towards law students than the South African BCom (Law) learners, who do not have to take particular commerce majors. The Sydney BCom qualification requires the taking of a Commerce major only up to the 8th semester and not for the entire 3rd year. Learners take only one Commerce major, compared to two majors. The combined degrees are more closely connected than the SA qualification. Sydney offers a broader range of self-selected credits than Stellenbosch. The third year of the SA qualification is more focused on Commerce than the other two. They have already moved towards a focus on law modules in the third year. Degrees awarded: At the end of 5 years of studies, GNLU students receive an LLB (Honours) and not just an LLB. The degrees in India and Australia are not designated as BCom (law) degrees, but they are simply referred to as BCom degrees. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
| As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. |
| 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. | Stellenbosch University |
| 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. |