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
97915  Bachelor of Commerce in Law 
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa 
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
There is a growing need for multi-dimensional graduates with the ability to participate in an increasingly complex and dynamic local and global economy. The dual focus on commerce and law increases the opportunities for graduates to pursue a career in business management, whilst the focus on governance and compliance creates consciousness for ethical business practice. Qualifying learners may also complete a further law qualification and thus follow a career in law, whilst armed with a firm grasp of sound business skills.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge and awareness and the ability to apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories pertinent to law and business in general, within a multidisciplinary subject context.
  • Execute basic numeracy tasks related to the fields of law.
  • Communicate effectively, by demonstrating effective oral, written, listening and non-verbal communication skills, as required by the various contexts within the legal profession to enable the effective practice of Law.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply basic legal principles to novel and emergent fields of Law.
  • Identify, analyse, reflect on and solve legal problems, as well as problem in the fields of Economic and Business Sciences, responsibly and creatively, at a basic level, using the most relevant sources and research methods that may assist in solving the legal problems in order to create well-reasoned solutions.
  • Acquire knowledge and awareness of pertinent ethical considerations in Law and organisation and management.

    Rationale:
    This qualification sets out to produce graduates familiar with the relationship between various aspects of commerce and the general rules of law. Graduates of this qualification will also hold in high regard their duty to contribute meaningfully to the development of the local and global society and economy. The qualification will equip the learner with specialised knowledge in certain law subjects, whilst the commerce subjects will allow the learner the ability to develop a specialisation in tax, accounting or governance and compliance. The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Law Degree will also impart general skills and competencies in numeracy, literacy and communication. In addition, graduates obtain a BCom Law Degree upon completion of their first 360 Credits, which includes 240 Credits of study in Economics and Business and all general BCom foundation courses, an ideal first Degree grounding for a variety of careers in law business and government. The above enables graduates to engage in a concerted study of law for the LLB qualification. The graduate is thereby prepared for a process of further learning in Law, leading to a deeper understanding of the nature and function of, and an ability to apply the Law in the regulation of commercial activity. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning access may be considered in line with the Institution's RPL policy and procedures. In so doing, it will recognise the following fundamentals:
  • Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational provider, or by any other accredited provider. Such learning may include professional development or on-the job-training.
  • Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry may be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Credit for modules passed, with satisfactory grades, may be granted, at other recognised higher education institutions if:
  • The module is considered to be comparable in content and standard to those offered by the receiving institution.
  • It is relevant to the planned course/programme of study.
  • The learner must still satisfactorily complete at least half the modules of the qualification at the receiving institution in order to be awarded a Degree.

    Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) allowing entry to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5 in a related field.
    Or
  • Advanced Certificate or Diploma at NQF Level 6 in a related field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules each worth 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Introduction to Information Systems for lawyers.
  • Basic Accounting, Costing and Financing.
  • Ethics and critical thinking for lawyers.
  • Introduction to Law.
  • Introduction to Accounting.
  • Introduction to Micro and Macro Economics.
  • Introduction to Management.
    Total Credits, 105.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Law of persons.
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Introduction to Accounting using International Financial Reporting Standards.
  • Introduction to Taxation Law.
  • Bill of Rights.
  • Business Statistics.
  • Entrepreneurship.
    Total Credits, 105.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Family Law.
  • Compliance and Risk Management.
  • Administration of Deceased Estates and Wills.
  • Service Business Management Simulation.
  • Law of Contract.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Governance and Ethics.
    Total Credits, 105.

    Electives (Learners are to choose any three elective modules):
  • IsiZulu for beginners (Second language for lawyers/accountants), at NQF Level 5.
  • SeSotho for beginners (Second language for lawyers/accountants), at NQF Level 5.
  • Intermediate Accounting using the International Financials Standards, at NQF Level 6.
  • Intermediate Taxation, at NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Accounting using the International Financial Standards, at NQF Level 6.
  • Advanced Taxation, at NQF Level 6.
    Total Credits, 45. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand and critically analyse fundamental legal and business concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to values.
    2. Identify, categorise, analyse and critically evaluate information and evidence from a legal and business perspective.
    3. Communicate correctly, coherently and successfully within a legal and business setting by means of written, oral, persuasive methods and sustained discourse.
    4. Function well in a collaborative setting and add meaningfully to the collaborative outcome.
    5. Use technology to successfully research, retrieve, process and communicate relevant data in a legal and business setting.
    6. The ability to successfully self-manage and self-organise relevant aspects of their professional life and legal and business activities is showcased. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An integrated appreciation of societal matters together with legal and business principles, concepts, theories and values is demonstrated.
  • The requisite legal and business methods, techniques and strategies relating to legal and business research and problem solving in both theoretical and practical scenarios are acquired.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The ability to research, analyse and evaluate information in the manner required by the legal and business discipline is displayed.
  • Complex and diverse legal and business problems are resolved creatively, critically and ethically and legal and business advice is given responsibly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The ability to communicate successfully using written and oral means within a legal and business setting is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Successful collaborative efforts with peers and colleagues are carried out and correct and unbiased feedback on the collaborative work is provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The requisite computer and technical skills are employed to conduct relevant legal and business research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Various learning approaches are demonstrated and assimilated to one's personal life.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This Bachelor of Commerce in Law recognises the importance of integrating learning and assessment. Throughout the qualification, constant and continuous formative assessment occurs in the various modules learners are required to undertake. This continuous and constant formative assessment ensures that throughout the duration of the qualification, learners receive valuable feedback on their academic development regarding the attainment of specific learning outcomes.

    Furthermore, each module contains a summative assessment which allows the learner to effectively assess their academic development with regard to attaining the overall exit level outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is generally difficult to directly compare legal jurisdictions and legal qualifications across countries. However, the international comparisons conducted have focused on jurisdictions with legal qualifications which focus on the same outcomes and/or have a similar type of legal system as South Africa.

    Scotland:
    The University of Edinburgh's Law School offers a graduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree to learners who have already completed an undergraduate Degree such as a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). This Degree is offered over a 2 year period. Upon completion, learners graduate with a joint Bachelor Honors Degree. This is similar to the BCom Law, which is offered as a pathway to the 2 year LLB Degree. The qualification is aimed at developing strong analytical, critical thinking, evaluation and communication skills, and a capacity for independent learning. These are key competencies built into the South African BCom Law Degree.

    Australia:
    Sydney University presents a combined Law qualification that allows learners to study the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in conjunction with another Degree. The first year of the LLB is taught over three years of any other Degree such as Arts, Commerce, Engineering and Information Technology. After completion of the first Degree, learners enroll with the Law School in order to finish the last 2 years of their LLB studies. The Bachelor of Commerce is structured as the first undergraduate Degree. The curriculum spreads the law subjects over the 3 years of the Bachelors' Degree. Upon completion, learners have the choice of either articulating out or enrolling for a 2 year LLB Degree.

    Conclusion:
    Although the B Com Law Degree cannot be directly compared to the above cited international qualifications, its purpose and duration compares well with them. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally, this qualification articulates with:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Law Information Management, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertically, this qualification articulates with:
  • Bachelor of Laws, at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018. 

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.