Rules For the Degree Master of laws (LLM) and Magister Philosophiae (MPhil)

The LLM/MPhil is a qualification aimed at developing advanced research skills. The degrees can be obtained by either writing a dissertation or by writing a mini-dissertation as well as by successfully completing examinations in the modules prescribed for a focused qualification in Labour Law, Estate Law, Import and Export Law, or Environmental Law and Governance or Comparative Child Law.

Duration (minimum and maximum duration)

The study period is at least one year. A student has to meet all the requirements for the LLM / MPhil degree within two years after registration.

Admission requirements for the qualification

To gain admission to the LLM programme, a student has to meet all the requirements set by this university or any other South African university for the LLB degree. A student in possession of another four year legal degree of this or another university may apply for admission to the LLM degree.

Such a student must furnish sufficient written proof of his/her knowledge and practical experience in the specific field of study.

An evaluation certificate as issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must be submitted if a previous qualification was obtained in a foreign country. 

The Director Research may furthermore require that a student furnish sufficient proof of his/her research skills before the student receives permission to register.

If a student wishes to obtain an LLM degree in a subject not included in the LLB or in which the student’s achievements are not of a sufficient standard, an admission examination in the subject in question can be prescribed by the Director of Research.

As far as the LLM in Estate Law is concerned, a student is required to successfully complete an undergraduate module in Tax Law (JURE 313) or submit proof that an equivalent module was passed at another tertiary institution.

To gain admission to the MPhil in Environmental Law and Governance, a student who meets all the requirements of a four year university degree may apply for admission to the MPhil in Environmental Law and Governance. Such a student must first successfully complete the following undergraduate modules (or module equivalents at another South African university): JURI 111 (Introduction to Law); JURI 226 (Law of Property), JURI 214 (Constitutional Law), JURI 321 (Administrative Law) and JURE 411 (Environmental Law). Before being allowed to register, the student may be required to provide the Director of Research with sufficient written evidence of knowledge and practical experience in the relevant field.

In the case of the LLM in Comparative Child Law, students may be subject to a selection process or interviewed before being admitted, to establish their ability to complete the LLM study. New enrolments for the degree are accepted only if the Director of Research is of the opinion that there is sufficient demand for the programme.

The LLM programmes and elective modules are only offered if the Director of Research is of the opinion that there is sufficient demand for the programme/ modules/s.

Students can only register for a research topic in any module when sufficient supervision is available and if the Director of Research is of the opinion that there will be sufficient expertise for support and guidance to a student in the faculty.

A student can only register for a module/s for non degree purposes if he/she can present proof of preceding knowledge on a HEQF level 7

Christine Bronkhorst

Christine.Bronkhorst@nwu.ac.za

+27(0)18 299 2804

Administrative Manager
Alpha Marais

Alpha.Marais@nwu.ac.za

+27 (0)18 299 2804

Director 
Prof Gerrit Pienaar

Gerrit.Pienaar@nwu.ac.za

+27(0)18 299 1954

Ms Anita Stapelberg

Anita.Stapelberg@nwu.ac.za

+27(0)18 299 1952