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
88875  Master of Laws 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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 
This qualification includes the various specialisations in Law. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to allow a student to demonstrate through research training, an ability to master, at an advanced level, the current state of specialised knowledge on a given topic within a particular branch of the law and to provide the student with sound training in research methodologies.

It is therefore intended that the student for this Master's Degree will undertake advanced research that will contribute to the understanding of and practice in the specialised field of law chosen and will submit a dissertation reporting the results of the research.

Rationale:
The rationale for the qualification is to equip the next generation of legal scholars with the ability to conduct legal research in a specialised field of law. In this way, the student's knowledge of the law in its historical, national, international and interdisciplinary contexts would be enhanced - in order to have a meaningful impact on creating justice in and between societies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to master research methods and techniques due to prior learning and experience, are able to carry out independent research and have the required language skills to write a dissertation.

Formal learning required is a four-year Bachelor's Degree: Law with exit level on NQF Level 8.

Recognition of Prior Learning:
  • Through Recognition of Prior Learning, a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the University.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Law.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:
    > Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.
    > Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF Level.
    > Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
    > Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Law.
    > Is finally decided upon by this Dean's Committee.
  • A BProc Degree does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements for an LLM programme, but the holder of a BProc Degree may apply for admission to the LLM Degree through Recognition of Prior Learning, which application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

    Access to Qualification:
  • The minimum entry requirement is a four-year Bachelor's Degree: Law with exit level on NQF Level 8.
  • Candidates for admission to Master's Degrees in general need to have obtained their previous Degree with an average mark of at least 65%.
  • The relevant Head of Department may permit an applicant to register as a student for purposes of receiving guidance with, and use the facilities of the University for the preparation of a research proposal. This does not create an expectation that the student will be admitted to Master's studies and such registration is provisional pending the approval of the admission of the student by the Board of the Faculty of Law.
  • The Board of the Faculty of Law approves the admission of a student on the basis of the academic merit of the student, the research proposal submitted by the student and the ability of the Faculty to provide appropriate and continuous study guidance and supervision.
  • It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he/she is able to understand the relevant stated law and scholarly writings in the languages they are written in. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • The minimum period of study for the LLM by dissertation is one year.
  • The maximum period of study for the LLM by dissertation is two years for a full-time and three years for a part-time student. Extensions to these periods will only be entertained in exceptional circumstances and will be dealt with in accordance with the Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Assessment (both in the oral examination and in the dissertation) focuses strongly on the ability to integrate prior knowledge gained in preceding studies with a deeper, high-level knowledge of the research topic gained from the research into the topic and from the scholarly writing on it. The purpose is to demonstrate a reflective and scholarly understanding of the research topic and of the relevant branch of the law.

    The curriculum comprises a dissertation, being an advanced contribution to the knowledge of and insight into the specialised field chosen.

    The LLM Degree by dissertation is offered in the following specialisation fields:
  • Administrative and Municipal Law.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Banking Law.
  • Civil Procedural Law.
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Corporate Law.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and the Law of Evidence.
  • Criminal Procedural Law.
  • Human Rights.
  • Human Rights and Constitutional Practice.
  • Indigenous Law.
  • International Commercial Law.
  • International Law.
  • Interpretation of Statutes.
  • Jurisprudence.
  • Labour Law.
  • Labour Law and Employment Relations.
  • Law of Evidence.
  • Mercantile Law.
  • Private International Law.
  • Private Law.
  • Roman Law.
  • Social Security Law.
  • Tax Law.

    Students must demonstrate an understanding of the specialised field of study and their ability to communicate effectively on problem areas and issues related to the research topic.

    Students must illustrate an interpretative, problem-sensitive understanding - based on research of stated law and scholarly writings - of the fundamental legal principles underlying the subject-matter of the dissertation.

    As part of the requirements for completion of the degree a formal oral examination must be passed before the student formally embarks on the writing of the dissertation. The oral examination on prescribed study material serves to assess the student's ability to engage in the type of research, and the writing of the dissertation, required for this qualification.

    In the course of the writing of the dissertation, the student is required to take part in a number of seminar discussions on subjects relating to the research topic. The purpose is to assess the student's understanding of the field of study and his/her ability to communicate effectively on problem areas and issues related to the research topic. In addition, the student is stimulated and encouraged by this participation in discourse on the field of study and, particularly, the dissertation.

    The student must also submit a publishable article based on his/her dissertation that may, at the discretion of the supervisor, be submitted for publication in a law journal under the authorship of the student or both the student and the supervisor.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    N/A 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate in written or oral form, the ability to identify, analyse and solve high-level legal problems.
  • Recognise the challenges and developments in a particular area of law and compare same to international experience.
  • Solve advanced legal problems in a particular field of study.
  • Build awareness of and show an ability to function effectively in a group.
  • Advise clients on the legal implications of and on solutions for particular legal problems and questions.
  • Demonstrate the ability and confidence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Motivate the effective utilisation of scientific and technological aids.
  • Justify and build understanding of the place and role of the law in society and ability to help shape the future.
  • Evaluate the impact of policy decisions on the law.
  • Display specialist knowledge of the chosen specialised field of the law.
  • Construct a piece of independent research and writing at an advanced level.
  • Reflect on the importance of the role of the law in the development of people.
  • Formulate awareness and sensitivity for societal realities and give direction to their accommodation.
  • Estimate as to how the qualification can be utilised to access the labour market.
  • Perceive the necessary elements to develop and maintain at a high level a career in law.

    Integrated Assessment:
    N/A 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Being an advanced qualification awarded in respect of legal studies assessed in terms of international standards, the qualification is intended to be the equivalent to Master's Degrees awarded internationally in respect of legal studies.

    International assessors confirm the standard of the research as demonstrated in the dissertation. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For full research dissertations at Master's level, at least two assessors must be appointed, one of whom must have a Doctoral qualification while the other may have as highest academic qualification a Master's Degree. These assessors must be external to the University, and must not have had prior involvement with the project that might compromise their objectivity when assessing the dissertation.

    In exceptional circumstances only, the Faculty may motivate to the Senate Higher Degrees Committee that consideration be given to the appointment of an assessor from within the University, but this person may not be the supervisor or co-supervisor of the dissertation.

    Efforts should be made to identify at least one assessor from outside South Africa.

    The Faculty Higher Degrees Committee approves the appointment of all assessors, on the basis of CVs submitted. The Senate Higher Degrees Committee approves Master's Degree assessors finally on the basis of the recommendation of the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee and the comprehensive CVs submitted.

    The Senate Higher Degrees Committee considers particularly the appointment of an assessor who is not an employee of a higher education institution. Such appointment must be motivated.

    Assessment of the dissertation is conducted in accordance with the University's Academic Regulations and Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy.

    After approval and final approval of assessors by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee and Senate Higher Degrees Committee respectively, assessors are formally appointed through the Executive Dean's office.

    Assessors' details may be revealed to students only after a final outcome has been approved for the dissertation by the Faculty Board and then only subject to the approval of the assessors, the supervisor(s) and the Executive Dean of the Faculty. Under no circumstances may supervisors or students contact assessors before finalisation of the assessment outcome.

    In the assessment of any component of a master's or doctoral programme, the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee is not bound to award a simple aggregate of all assessors' marks if persuasive reasons exist for awarding a different mark. Faculty regulations will stipulate the methodology to be employed in comparing the various recommended assessment outcomes. In all cases, though, the cumulative weight of the external assessors' marks may not be less than 50%. The Faculty Higher Degree Committee will pay particular attention to final marks below 50% and final marks in the range 70% - 74%.

    Assessors provide written reports and advise the University on one of the following results:
  • That the dissertation be approved and the Master's Degree be awarded (this recommendation may be conditional upon minor changes being made to the satisfaction of the supervisors).
  • That the dissertation be accepted provisionally and that the student be allowed to make non-substantial corrections and improvements as indicated by the assessor within a period of one month.
  • That the dissertation not be accepted, but that the student be given the opportunity to substantially revise the dissertation in the light of deficiencies identified by the assessor within a period of three months.
  • That the dissertation be rejected and no reassessment be considered.

    Senate approves the final result of the assessment following consideration, in terms of the University's Academic Regulations and Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy, by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee and Senate Higher Degrees Committee of the assessors' reports and any additional reports of assessors or arbitrators. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Master of Laws in Administrative Law
  • Master of Laws in Civil Procedural Law
  • Master of Laws in Constitutional Law
  • Master of Laws in Criminal Law
  • Master of Laws in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedural Law and Law of Evidence
  • Master of Laws in Criminal Procedural Law
  • Master of Laws in Human Rights Law
  • Master of Laws in Indigenous Law
  • Master of Laws in Interpretation of Statutes
  • Master of Laws in Jurisprudence
  • Master of Laws in Law of Evidence
  • Master of Laws in Mercantile Law
  • Master of Laws in Private International Law
  • Master of Laws in Private Law
  • Master of Laws in Roman Law 
    		•

    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 Johannesburg 


    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.