Program Overview

Programme: Doctor of Laws [LLD]

The primary purpose of the LLD is to educate and train researchers who can make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a field which is predominantly focused on an aspect of one or more legal disciplines.

Programme Information

The minimum duration of the programme is 2 years (4 semesters) and the maximum duration is 3 years (6 semesters). The study period may only be extended in an individual case with the approval of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee on recommendation of the relevant head of department, based on good reason shown and if the student has a reasonable prospect of completing the programme in a further year of study.

Registration and Renewal of Registration

Closing date for applications: SA applicants and non-SA applicants – 31 May of the following year.

Admission Requirements

• Relevant master's degree or relevant degree from a foreign university that allows entrance to a doctoral degree (SAQA level 9)
• At least 65% for the research component at master's level or below 65% for the research component at master's level:
  • relevant work experience
  • other academic qualifications and
  • the merit of the research topic
• An admissions examination may be required
• A portfolio consisting of:
  • copy of the preceding master's research component
  • recent research-based essays or assignments
  • a letter of motivation

Research Information

Thesis and Article

The LLD degree is conferred by virtue of a thesis. The topic of the thesis must be selected from the fields of study, and be approved by the Dean.

Agreement

A written agreement between the student and supervisor must be signed. The document serves as the basis for the interaction between the student and the supervisor.

Oral Defence of the Thesis

After receipt of the reports of the external examiners, the examiners' recommendations must be subjected to the successful completion of revisions as required by the examiners and recommendations of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee.

Core Modules

• LLD 990: Thesis: Law 990 (Credits: 360.00)
• RHP 902: Research methodology 902 (Credits: 5.00)
  • Module content:
    1. Planning and organising a research project
    2. Drafting a research proposal: Hypotheses and Research question
    3. Theory in research and Methodological approaches to legal research
    4. Language
    5. Citation and ethics of citation
    6. Drafting of chapters and presentation
    7. Substantive themes in legal research
• RHP 904: Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal 904 (Credits: 5.00)
  • Module content: Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal. A draft proposal must be approved by the supervisor.

Regulations

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University. The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.