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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.

 

What is Contact Learning?

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:

  1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of South African law and procedure.

  2. Conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.

  3. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic management tasks in the paralegal environment.

  4. Demonstrate the ability to act professionally and with ethical consideration in the paralegal context.

  5. 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

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FACT SHEET

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