School of Law
Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Qualification / Course Information
Minimum Duration:
1 year
Minimum Credits:
120
NQF Level:
5
SAQA:
117877
MODE:
Contact Learning
CAMPUS:
Bellville (Cape Town), Centurion (Pretoria), Musgrave (Durban) & Waterfall (Midrand)
LANGUAGE:
English
QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW
The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is an entry-level qualification aimed at paralegal professionals who assist lawyers in their legal work.
This Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to present students with basic knowledge of South African law and its procedures.
The flexible structure of this qualification enables candidates to select outcomes that meet the diverse roles and contexts required by a wide range of legal firms, the corporate environment, as well as the public sector.
FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies a student may articulate to the BA Law or BCom Law.
Entry Requirements
THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES ARE:
-
a Senior Certificate (SC); OR
-
a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 40% in three modules, including a Home Language and a minimum of 30% in three other modules; OR
-
a National Senior Certificate – Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)),
with
-
a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or First Additional Language.
To find out more about alternate access routes at STADIO, please click HERE
QUALIFICATION OUTCOMES
After completing the Certificate in Paralegal Studies, qualifying learners will be able to:
-
Demonstrate basic knowledge of South African law and procedure.
-
Conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.
-
Demonstrate the ability to perform basic management tasks in the paralegal environment.
-
Demonstrate the ability to act professionally and with ethical consideration in the paralegal context.
-
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the South African social context on a macro and micro scale.
QUALIFICATION CURRICULUM
COMPULSORY MODULES
-
End-User Computing
-
Introduction to Business Law
-
Introduction to Law
-
Legal Practice Management
-
Legal Skills
ELECTIVE MODULES: CHOOSE TWO
-
Debt Recovery
-
Introduction to Family Law
-
Introduction to Labour Law
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides candidates with essential managerial skills required within the context of a paralegal environment.
Below are some key career opportunities that you may consider once you have completed this qualification:
-
Court Clerk
-
Law Clerks
-
Legal Assistant
-
Legal Secretary
-
Paralegal Professional