Program Overview

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Programme: LLM specialising in Consumer Protection Law (Coursework)

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

Programme information

The minimum duration of a programme is 1 year (2 semesters) and the maximum duration is 2 years (4 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.

Unless the specific requirements listed for a particular programme indicate otherwise, the Master of Laws degree by Coursework is awarded once a student has successfully completed courses in research methodology, three 30-credit modules prescribed for the particular programme, the submission of a research proposal and the submission of a mini-dissertation.

The curriculum will generally consist of:

• Three modules counting 30 credits each (at least one of these modules must be completed during the first year of registration).
• A module in research methodology (RHP 801 - non-credit-bearing) (this module must be completed during the first year of registration).
• A research proposal (RHP 803 - non-credit-bearing).
• A mini-dissertation.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.

1. All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level.
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport.
   3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
2. All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9:
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.
   2. TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable).
   3. Certified copy of passport.
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes.
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable).
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year.
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree.
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project.
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application.
10. All applicants must be computer literate.
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy.

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Bachelor of Laws degree or BProc degree or relevant degree from a foreign university that allows entrance to the formal legal profession.
2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level.

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.

The mini-dissertation in the Faculty of Law must be dealt with on the following basis:

1. Designation of supervisors.
2. An agreement between the student and the supervisor.
3. Approval of topic and title.
4. Non-disclosure of the contents of a study.
5. Preparation and submission of the mini-dissertation.
6. Intellectual property.
7. Technical editing of the mini-dissertation.
8. Synopsis of the mini-dissertation.
9. Evaluation of the mini-dissertation.

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 his/her studies with the consent of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee.

No supplementary examination will be granted with regard to LLM modules, but the General Academic Regulations and rules apply with regard to special and ancillary examinations.

Research information

The relevant head of department must recommend a supervisor and title for a mini-dissertation and these must be approved by the Postgraduate Committee. The mini-dissertation must be assessed and finalised as set out in the Faculty Board-approved LLM/MPhil Policy Document of the Faculty.

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 (not rounded), as well as a minimum of 75% for the mini-dissertation. The modules must have been written for the first time.

General information

The official language of tuition is English.

Core modules

• AML 802: Advanced consumer credit law 802 (Credits: 30.00)
• AML 803: Advanced consumer protection 803 (Credits: 30.00)
• MND 800: Mini-dissertation 800 (Credits: 100.00)
• RHP 801: Research methodology 801 (Credits: 5.00)
• RHP 803: Research proposal 803 (Credits: 5.00)

Elective modules

• AML 804: International consumer protection 804 (Credits: 30.00)
• BNK 802: Banking law 802 (Credits: 30.00)
• IIL 801: International insolvency law 801 (Credits: 30.00)
• ISR 801: Insolvency law 801 (Credits: 30.00)
• KUB 802: Information and communications and technology law 802 (Credits: 30.00)
• MRL 801: General principles of insurance law 801 (Credits: 30.00)
• SCL 801: Statutory competition law 801 (Credits: 30.00)
• SKC 802: Law of specific contracts 802 (Credits: 30.00)
• TAX 801: General principles of income tax 801 (Credits: 30.00)
• TBL 802: Advanced transnational business law 802 (Credits: 30.00)