Program Overview

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Programme: LLM specialising in International Law (Coursework)

The LLM specialising in International Law (Coursework) is a postgraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

Programme Information

A limited number of approximately between 10 and 25 students are selected per year according to the general selection guidelines. In addition to the general admission requirements, the following specific selection criteria are used in combination to select the eligible students:

• A demonstrated professional, academic and personal interest in and commitment to international air, space and telecommunications law;
• An indication that the applicant would be likely to put the qualification to good use in his or her future career, preferably in his or her country of origin (the 'multiplier effect');
• Geographic representation (in the sense that an overrepresentation of students from a particular African country will be avoided, given the pan-African scope and ambitions of the programme);
• Gender representation (in the sense that an equitable balance between women and men is sought);
• Equitable representation of persons from vulnerable communities (such as persons with disabilities, persons belonging to indigenous communities and LGBTI persons).

The curriculum will generally consist of:

• Three modules counting 30 credits each (If a student completes his/her studies over the maximum time of 2 years, at least one of these modules must be completed during the first year of registration).
• A module in research methodology (RHP 801 - 5 credits) (If a student completes his/her studies over the maximum time of 2 years, this module must be completed during the first year of registration).
• A research proposal (RHP 803 - 5 credits). The student must submit the research proposal to the supervisor prior to commencing with the writing of the mini-dissertation. If a student completes his/her studies over the maximum time of 2 years, this submission should take place no later than the end of the first semester of the second year of registration for the degree. This period may be extended with the approval of the relevant head of department.
• A mini-dissertation. The mini-dissertation must deal with the subject content of one of the modules or a combination of the modules registered for by the student for his/her LLM/MPhil degree. Any request for an extension of the period for submission of the mini-dissertation may only be granted by the Postgraduate Committee on recommendation of the relevant head of department.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

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

The following documents must accompany all applications:

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.

All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:

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.

All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 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). 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. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department.

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. All applicants must be computer literate. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access. 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
3. An average of at least 65% for Public International Law at bachelor's 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: The head of department, in consultation with the programme coordinator should, designate a supervisor from within the faculty for a particular master's study candidate.
2. An agreement between the student and the supervisor: An agreement between the student and the supervisor must be signed.
3. Approval of topic and title: Applications for approval of a topic and title of a mini-dissertation, as well as changes to titles, are submitted to the head of department, for approval by the Faculty Postgraduate Committee.
4. Non-disclosure of the contents of a study: Where part or all of the contents of the master's study must remain confidential, the supervisor will be required to submit an application to the dean setting out the grounds for such a request and indicating the duration of the period of confidentiality.
5. Preparation and submission of the mini-dissertation: The supervisor is responsible for advising the student with regard to the proper preparation of the mini-dissertation.
6. Intellectual property: All rights in regard to intellectual property that is produced by a student during his or her studies or as a result of any research project conducted at the University or through the use of the equipment of the University, vest in the University.
7. Technical editing of the mini-dissertation: The technical editing of a mini-dissertation must comply with the following requirements:

• Title page
• Format and cover
• Ethics statement

8. Synopsis of the mini-dissertation: A summary of the mini-dissertation in English of not more than 250 words should be compiled by the student and included in each copy of the mini-dissertation.
9. Evaluation of the mini-dissertation:

• Appointment of the examination panel
• Identity of members of the examination panel
• Criteria for evaluation
• Examiners' reports
• Treatment of examiners' reports

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

Limiting of Modules on Offer in a Particular Academic Year and Availability to Foreign Students

The Dean determines which modules will be presented each year, taking into consideration the availability of lecturing personnel, space and financial implications and/or other circumstances.

Re-Registration for Modules

A student may not register more than twice for the same module. In order to pass a module the student must obtain a final mark of 50%.

Period of Registration

The minimum duration for all master's degrees is one year and the maximum is two years.

Core Modules

• AIL 802: Advanced international law 802
• MCL 801: Applied international law 801
• MND 800: Mini-dissertation 800
• RHP 801: Research methodology 801
• RHP 803: Research proposal 803

Elective Modules

• DRL 806: International protection of persons with disabilities 806
• ICL 802: International criminal law 802
• IEL 801: International environmental law 801
• IHM 801: International humanitarian law and human rights in military operations 801
• IIL 801: International insolvency law 801
• SRI 801: Socio-economic rights under comparative and international law 801
• TBL 802: Advanced transnational business law 802