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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 Laws 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125424  Bachelor of Laws 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
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(Min 480)  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Justice in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2036-03-10  

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 Laws (LLB) in South Africa is a professional undergraduate degree that provides learners with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in law. The purpose of the LLB in South Africa is to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the South African legal system, including its history, principles, and practices. It also seeks to produce legal professionals who are lifelong learners, who possess appropriate legal knowledge, skills and capacity.

Consequently, this qualification aims to:
  • Promote the development of general knowledge and skills required in all the sectors and sub-sectors of the field of law.
  • Produce legal professionals with the knowledge and appreciation of the values and principles contained in the South African Constitution.
  • Enhance a critical understanding of theories, concepts, ethics, perspectives, methodologies and procedures of all the relevant areas in the discipline of law.
  • Equip legal professionals to apply the acquired knowledge appropriately in academic, professional and career contexts.
  • Enable the application of legal principles in academic, professional and societal contexts in a responsible and accountable manner.
  • Create opportunities for mobility between the different sectors of law, society, politics and economics.

    This qualification will provide a unique opportunity for learners who want to specialise in business and commercial law. It will also provide access to a very underserviced area, given the demand as set out in the statistics. This qualification seeks to provide the South African community with legal professionals who are empowered to accept their responsibility towards the realisation of a just social order based on Constitutional and democratic values and principles.

    Rationale:
    A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification is a professional undergraduate qualification that prepares learners for a career in the legal field. In South Africa, obtaining an LLB qualification is an essential step towards becoming a practicing lawyer or pursuing a career in other related fields such as legal research, corporate law, human rights advocacy, or public service.

    There are several reasons why the LLB is a sought-after qualification:
  • The South African legal system is complex and constantly evolving, and the LLB qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the law, its principles, and its practical application.
  • The LLB degree in South Africa provides learners with a firm foundation in legal research and analysis. This is a valuable skill that can be applied in a range of careers, from academia to business and government. Legal research and analysis are also essential for the effective practice of law.
  • The LLB qualification is the first step towards obtaining a license to practice law.
  • There are two Constitutional imperatives as contained in the South African Bill of Rights, that make the LLB a significant qualification.

    The first is contained in Section 29 (b) of the Constitution which sets out the right to further education:
  • Everyone has the right to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible".

    The second is contained in Section 34, which reads as follows:
  • Everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair public hearing before a court or, where appropriate, another independent and impartial tribunal or forum.

    These rights speak to promoting access to higher education and access to justice and consequently, access to the legal profession.

    There is a demand for students wanting to pursue an LLB which demand appears not to be fully met.

    The LLB qualification is a prestigious qualification that demonstrates to employers and society at large that an individual possesses the skills, knowledge, and commitment required to succeed in the legal profession. This qualification provides access to a range of career opportunities in South Africa and beyond, including positions in legal firms, government agencies, NGOs, and multinational corporations.

    The LLB qualification will enable the learner to uphold and entrench the Constitutional values necessary to develop skills and capacity in the field of Justice in Society. These very values demand that any Bachelor of Laws qualification, must promote the transformative values, good governance and ethical principles in its design and implementation, whilst being "alive" to the concept of decolonization and its impact on curriculum transformation. Pursuing a Bachelor of Laws qualification in South Africa is a positive career move for anyone interested in the legal profession. The qualification provides learners with a thorough understanding of the law, research and analytical skills, and the qualifications necessary to practice law in South Africa. It also offers a range of career opportunities in a variety of sectors, making it a versatile and valuable qualification to pursue. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL (RBS) acknowledges the importance of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ensuring that applicants who possess skills acquired through life or work experience and non-formal education are catered for. The RPL assessment will focus on ways of evaluating a person's lifelong experiences (formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria.

    Recognition of prior learning takes account of:
  • Formal study.
  • Age.
  • Work experience.
  • Studies that were undertaken for the purpose of personal gain/interest.
  • Company-based training.
  • Industry-based training.
  • Working with experts in the field.
  • Internships and life experience.

    Exemption is granted for RPL when in the assessment of the RBS selection committee, the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of the course or specific module for which credit is applied. It is important to remember that the selection committee will focus on the quality and not the quantity of prior learning and/or experience.

    Some of the criteria that are used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
  • The applicants' motivation, maturity, and realistic approach to their studies.
  • The jobs description, covering the relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, and possibly supplying references.
  • The nature and level of life/ work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, and standards achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) will be obtained from the applicant.
    In keeping with the national norms, RBS will not exceed 10% of the student population of the LLB learners via the RPL route for any intake.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate with endorsement, NQF 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Law, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5, 6, 7, and 8 totalling to 480 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Law, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Persons, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Micro-Economics, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of South African Law, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Legal Research & Writing, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Interpretation of Law, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • Macro-Economics, NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Criminal Law, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Family Law, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits
  • Constitutional Law, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Contract, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Property, Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Delict, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Human Rights Law, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.
  • Specific offences, NQF Level 6, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Specific Contracts, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • International Law, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Labour Law, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Succession, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Finance for Legal Practice, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Evidence, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Cyber Law, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.
  • Corporate Law, NQF Level 7, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 90 Credits:
  • Civil Procedure NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Training 1 (WDL), NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Criminal Procedure, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Law of Insolvency, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Administrative Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Training 2 (WDL), NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 30 Credits (Select two Module):
  • Maritime Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Tax Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Intellectual Property Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Personal Law Systems, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Islamic Finance and Banking Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Global Commercial Law, NQF Level 8, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a coherent and integrated understanding of fundamental legal and related concepts, principles, theories and values in relation to social, economic and political issues in South Africa and globally.
    2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the various areas in the discipline of law.
    3. Utilise appropriate methods, techniques and strategies to undertake legal research.
    4. Critically analyse fundamental legal concepts, principles and theories and apply these principles and theories to legal issues and disputes.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of ethical codes in respect of the law and the legal profession.
    6. Collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate information from a legal perspective to develop creative responses to legal problems and issues.
    7. Demonstrate digital literacy and numeracy skills to communicate in a legal environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Examine the South African legal system, its values and historical background, as well as the body of South African law.
  • Apply law in its social context with the knowledge of a discipline other than law.
  • Engage and apply specialised knowledge in one or more areas (s) of the law.
  • Understand and practice clinical legal education in a social setting.
  • Perform accounting tasks related to the fields of law.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Determine the relative authority of relevant information sources.
  • Read, interpret and summarise information sources.
  • Critically evaluate information and evidence from a legal perspective.
  • Present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions.
  • Use techniques of legal reasoning, methodology and argumentation to reach a plausible conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding and application of legal research responsibility and ethically using different research methods and techniques.
  • Use an appropriate referencing convention.
  • Demonstrate integrity in research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse a text or scenario to find the key issues.
  • Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information and between legal and nonlegal issues.
  • Address the issues presented in a text or scenario and generate appropriate responses to the legal issues it contains.
  • Make critical and logical judgments on the merits of arguments and present reasoned choices between alternative solutions.
  • Engage with diverse audiences as identified by (but not limited to) culture, language, and gender.
  • Construct creative and innovative responses appropriate to legal problems in a text, scenario, or hypothetical situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply ethical requirements and regulations in problem-solving.
  • Access information efficiently and effectively.
  • Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.
  • Show familiarity with legal discourse, its conventions and terminology, and the ability to use them appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Find, select, organise, use, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate a variety of relevant information sources.
  • Recognise, reflect on, and apply social justice imperatives by acknowledging the goals of fairness, legitimacy, efficacy, and equity in the legal system.
  • Analyse, evaluate and solve legal problems.
  • Respond to the professional responsibilities of the legal practitioner in service to the community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Communicate effectively by choosing an appropriate mode/s of communication for a variety of contexts.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a wide range of legal contexts to varied audiences.
  • Develop logically constructed, justified, and coherent arguments.
  • Recognise the implications of accountability for finances in a legal practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments are ongoing and include a variety of assessment methods such as:
  • Written assignments.
  • Case studies and scenario analyses.
  • Group projects and presentations.
  • Online quizzes.

    These assessments are designed to monitor progress, provide feedback, and reinforce learning throughout the semester.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
  • Final examinations.

    The final mark is computed as a weighted average of 40% of the formative assessments and 60% of the summative examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the international qualifications in the following countries:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution Name: University of Canterbury
    Qualification Name: Bachelor of Laws (Honours by Choice)
    Duration: 4 years
    Credits: 480 points

    Qualification Structure & Modules:
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules totalling 480 points.

    Compulsory Modules, 210 Points:
  • Legal System: Legal Method and Institutions.
  • Legal Foundations, Research and Writing.
  • Five 100-level non-Law courses of your choice.
  • The Law of Contract.
  • The Law of Torts.
  • Land Law.
  • Public Law.

    Year 3 Compulsory.
  • Criminal Law.
  • Equity and Trusts.

    Electives modules, 270 points:
    Five courses in this year are made up of elective 300-level LAWS courses.
  • International human rights.
  • Environmental law.
  • Family law.
  • Five 100-level non-Law courses of your choice.

    Similarities:
  • New Zealand and South African (SA) both qualifications have a 4-year duration.
  • Both qualifications are professional law degrees preparing learners for legal practice.
  • Both include compulsory core law modules (e.g., Contract, Criminal Law, Constitutional/Public Law, Property/Land Law).
  • Both qualifications have 480 credits.

    Country: Australian
    Institution Name: Australian National University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
    Duration: 4 years
    Credits: 192 Points

    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules totalling 192 points.
    48 units of elective Law courses and 48 units of non-Law elective courses offered by ANU.
    Compulsory modules, 96 Points:
  • Foundations of Australian Law.
  • Torts.
  • justice & Ethics.
  • Contracts.

    Elective Modules:
  • Four first year level non-law electives.

    Year 2 Compulsory Modules:
  • Australian Public Law.
  • Criminal Law & Procedure.
  • Corporations Law.
  • International Law.
  • Legal Theory.
  • Commonwealth Constitutional Law.
  • Legal Research & Writing.

    Electives Modules:
  • One Law elective or non-Law later year elective.

    Year 3 Compulsory Modules:
  • Administrative Law.
  • Property.
  • Equity & trusts.
  • Evidence.

    Electives Modules:
    Three Law electives or non-Law later year electives.
  • One Law elective.

    Year 4 Compulsory Modules:
  • Litigation & Dispute Management.
  • Law Capstone.

    Electives Modules:
  • Six Law electives

    Learners who complete the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) offered by University of Canterbury (New Zealand) gain a professional qualification in four years. This LLB follows a closely prescribed structure, with courses covering a variety of legal systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and the opportunity to take optional courses in specific areas of legal interest.

    Similarities:
  • Australian and South African (SA) qualifications both take 4 years to complete.
  • Both qualifications are professional degrees that prepare learners for legal careers.
  • Both qualifications include compulsory core modules such as Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Property, Equity & Trusts.
  • Both qualifications have elective and compulsory modules.

    Difference:
  • The Australian qualification has 192 credits, while the South African (SA) qualification has 480 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Criminology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Laws (LLM), NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Laws in Commercial Law, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    No diagonal articulation. 
    		•

    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. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    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.