Bachelor of Laws

This qualification recognises the skills and knowledge expected of stakeholders or individuals seeking positions in the law environment. The programme is designed to equip students for the demands of the legal and academic environments in democratic South Africa, as well as taking responsibility in relevant societal contexts.

The Bachelor of Laws degree is aimed at producing competent, skilled and dynamic legal graduates, equipped with a firm knowledge and understanding of the relevant legal principles. It furthermore provides the foundation for Master’s level study and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline.

Flexibility is provided with a choice of electives such as Intellectual Property Law, Law Related to Business Distress and Legal Strategy, in order for graduates to specialise in specific fields of the law.

FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES:

The programme provides access to the legal industry to individuals who want to practice as legal practitioners. The programme also serves the entry qualification into a Master of Laws (LLM).

SUPPORT OFFERED:

Distance learning students have access to STADIO’s student support services via the learning management system. Students can access a range of presentations and online support initiatives aimed at success and wellness. At the start of the semester, new students will be invited to join the online student orientation programme to familiarise themselves with the services offered by STADIO. 

STADIO, in partnership with SADAG, has a dedicated STADIO student helpline providing students with free telephonic counselling, information, referrals, and support. Students will also have access to general counselling services.

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) PROFESSIONAL ARE:

• a Senior Certificate (SC) with degree endorsement; or

• a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 50% in four 20-credit subjects, and a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or 50% in English First Additional Language (students who did not 50% in English First Additional Language have to complete a bridging module in English); or

• a National Senior Certificate – Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)) with a minimum of 50% in three fundamental subjects including English; and minimum 60% in four vocational subjects; or

• a Higher Certificate (NQF 5), Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) or Diploma (NQF 6) in the field of law, management or commerce.

MATURE AGE EXEMPTION

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for degree studies listed above, but who have reached the ages of 23 or 45 respectively, may apply for Mature Age Exemption via the USAF Matriculation Board under the following conditions:

• Candidates who have reached/will reach the age of 23 during the first year of registration and who have achieved a Senior Certificate with a pass in at least four subjects, including one of the official languages experience and including one subject on Higher Grade; OR
• Candidates who have reached the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration.

STADIO is committed to achieving inclusion and to overcome barriers to access and success in higher education. Applicants who do not meet the stated admission criteria, but who have relevant work experience and/or prior learning may apply for admission under the policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). STADIO admits a maximum of 10% per cohort via RPL. The implementation of RPL is context-specific, in terms of discipline, programme and level. 

A limited number of applicants will be admitted under the rules of Recognition of Prior Learning, to find out more read HERE.