Program Overview

Master of Laws in International Economic Law

The Master of Laws in International Economic Law is a coursework master's degree that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and applied competence in various legal fields. The primary purpose of this qualification is to equip graduates with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Master of Laws in International Economic Law is to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in a number of legal fields. The qualification aims to ensure opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society. The second purpose is to provide South Africa and the global community with graduates in a number of learning fields to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

Qualification Details

• Qualification code: 98623
• Qualification type: Coursework
• NQF level: 9
• Total credits: 180

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Laws in International Economic Law include:

• A South African LLB degree
• A foreign LLB degree of minimum 4 years' duration
• A B Proc or a Postgraduate Diploma in Law on NQF level 8
• A foreign LLB degree of minimum 3 years' duration and 4 LLB modules selected from the NQF level 8 modules in the LLB degree
• A foreign LLM Candidates may also apply for admission via recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The minimum requirement to apply for direct access to LLM through RPL is an NQF level 8 qualification in a cognate discipline. Applicants should have at least 5 years of working experience in the field of law and/or legal practice. Alternatively, applicants with an NQF level 7 qualification in a cognate discipline and at least 10 years of relevant work experience (of which 5 years should be at management level) may apply.

Student Fees and Funding

The application fee is non-refundable. Student fees for the 2026 academic year will be available at the time of registration. Students can explore funding opportunities, including bursaries.

Application for Admission

Applications for master's and doctoral qualifications are open until 19 December 2025. Applicants must apply for a Unisa student number, apply for admission, and upload all supporting documents during the application period.

Registration

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2026 academic year.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Master of Laws in International Economic Law includes a research project culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation of limited scope. Students are required to write examinations and submit a research proposal module and a mini-dissertation.

Research Focus Areas

Research focus areas for the College of Law are available. Students are required to submit a detailed research outline that aligns with one of the departmental research focus areas. The research outline should include the title, summary of the topic, short literature review, expected contribution of the study, methodology, availability of data, and list of references.

Time Limits for this Degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. A student registered for a 180-credit structured coursework master's degree must complete the study programme within three years. A student may apply for one additional year of study.