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Programme: LLM specialising in Law of Contract (Coursework)

The LLM specialising in Law of Contract is a coursework programme offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

Programme information

A maximum number of 15 students are selected according to the general selection guidelines. For admission to the LLM programme, students must have completed a South African LLB degree. Knowledge of the general South African Law of Contract is required as a prerequisite for the advanced LLM modules.

Admission requirements

• All applications must be accompanied by certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
• A certified copy of ID or passport.
• A research concept note is not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees.
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit a SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
• TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results are required if applicable.
• A certified copy of passport.

Other programme-specific information

Mini-dissertation

In addition to the relevant prescribed coursework modules, a mini-dissertation is required for fulfilment of the Master of Laws degree by Coursework in the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. The mini-dissertation must generally comprise 13 000 – 15 000 words, including footnotes but excluding the list of contents and the bibliography.

Designation of supervisors

The head of department, in consultation with the programme coordinator, designates a supervisor from within the faculty for a particular master's study candidate.

Agreement between the student and the supervisor

An agreement between the student and the supervisor must be signed, serving as the basis for the interaction between the student and the supervisor.

Approval of topic and title

Applications for approval of a topic and title of a mini-dissertation are submitted to the head of department for approval by the Faculty Postgraduate Committee.

Preparation and submission of the mini-dissertation

The supervisor is responsible for advising the student on the proper preparation of the mini-dissertation. A mini-dissertation should only be submitted with the written permission of the supervisor.

Evaluation of the mini-dissertation

A mini-dissertation is evaluated on the following:

• Scientific and academic standard of research
• Research procedures and techniques
• Methodology
• Definition and extent of research
• Theoretical foundation
• Coverage of literature and comprehension of field of research
• Scientific and academic quality of processing
• Presentation, analysis, and synthesis of data
• Structure and logical development and arrangement of content
• Critical findings, conclusions, and recommendations
• Editing and use of language
• Technical finish and layout

Examinations and pass requirements

In the event of having failed all modules during a particular year of study, a student will only be allowed to continue with their studies with the consent of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee. No supplementary examination will be granted with regard to LLM modules.

Pass with distinction

For the degree to be awarded with distinction, a student must obtain an average of at least 75% for all the coursework modules, as well as a minimum of 75% for the mini-dissertation.

General information

The official language of tuition is English. The dean, in consultation with the head of department concerned, determines which modules will be presented each year.

Core modules

• GPC 801: Capita selecta of the general principles of the law of contract
• GPC 802: Interpretation of contracts
• GPC 803: Advanced drafting theory
• MND 800: Mini-dissertation
• RHP 801: Research methodology
• RHP 803: Research proposal