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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Laws 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17435  Master of Laws 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Demonstrate advanced skills, knowledge and expertise in law in particular through research. Demonstrate an integrated and effective mix of legal skills that builds on previously demonstrated graduate level legal knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in a number of fields of law that provide opportunities for continues personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contribution to society 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
LLB
Equivalent of a 4-years degree which includes law courses

Recognition of prior learning:
Work/Experiential learning 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate mastery of theoretically sophisticated subject matter with comprehensive knowledge of the field of study
  • Critically review evidence-supporting conclusions and investigate contradictory information
  • Critically evaluate the literature pertaining to the field of study
  • Deploy confidently well-developed research skills
  • Effectively engage in debate in a professional manner and contexts
  • Effectively interact within a learning or professional group with demonstration of leadership

    Critical cross-field outcomes:

    Critical thinking and analytical appreciation of the inter-related but varied responses to the problems of public, globally. Ability to compare and contrast public instruments, practices and procedures with a view to formulate an electric perception of public jurisprudence relevant to South Africa. Acquisition of sophisticated research ability necessary for a productive participation in international public debates. Problem solving and the ability to relate public issues to the problem of societal development 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • In-depth evaluation of learners' knowledge and understanding the relevant principles, doctrines, theories and conflicting options in relation thereto
  • Write research proposals and indicate that learners are able to identify a problem or problems in the application of a legal principle/s; and
  • Formulate research problems and subsets of problems
  • Formulate hypothesis
  • Know, select and utilise research methods relevant to legal research and investigation into legal problems
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, analyse and interpret findings of an investigation
  • Identify and analyse different scientific procedures in terms of the problems being reached
  • Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different sources
  • Search for additional literature and materials relevant to the identified research problems
  • Compare the writings of different authors on the same topic or related topics and identify aspects on which they hold different opinions
  • Systemise and synthesise reading material on the topic being researched
  • Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies
  • Create a theoretical framework by the literature review
  • Compile a complete bibliography
  • Write a dissertation that shows that a learner can express him/herself clearly
  • Write a dissertation that is linguistically correct, acceptable and of a high standard
  • Write a dissertation that is technically well presented and has an acceptable lay out
  • Should meet deadlines for submission of writings

    Integrated assessment:

    A range of continuous formative methods including: prescribed practicals, tutorials, tests and written examinations. Seminars and projects work, singly and in groups, will also be used to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved:
  • Simulations
  • Written examinations
  • Presentation in seminars 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides credits for the related qualifications

    Masters in Constitutional Law
    Masters in Public International Law
    Masters in Environmental Law and Science 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • External assessors would discuss comments with the head of Department to ensure that the programme retains an acceptable standard
  • External assessors must be active and have practical experience in main infrastructure operation and maintenance during the period of assessment 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Internal assessors: Law or related field
    External assessors: Law or related field

    Career experience required:
    Internal assessor must be at least at lecturer level in the relevant field
    External assessor must be at Senior Lecturer level in the legal field

    Other criteria:
    External assessor must show evidence of experience in legal infrastructure 

    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. University of Venda 


    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.