Program Overview

Programme: LLM specialising in International Air, Space and Telecommunications Law (Coursework)

Programme information

A limited number of no more than 10 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 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.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Limiting of modules on offer in a particular academic year and availability to foreign students. The dean, in consultation with the head of department concerned, determines which modules will be presented each year, taking into consideration the availability of lecturing personnel, space and financial implications and/or other circumstances.

Core modules

• AIL 802: Advanced international law 802
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: The topics covered include international humanitarian law, use of force, terrorism, humanitarian intervention, extradition, diplomatic law
• MCL 801: Applied international law 801
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: The module deals with the principles of international law at an advanced level. It focuses on theoretical questions pertaining to sources of the law and the relationship between international and national law.
• MND 800: Mini-dissertation 800
  • Credits: 100.00
  • Module content: The student must submit a research proposal during his/her first year of registration for the LLM degree to the supervisor prior to commencing with the writing of the mini-dissertation.
• RHP 801: Research methodology 801
  • Credits: 5.00
  • Module content: Planning and organising a research project, drafting a research proposal, hypotheses and research question, theory in research and methodological approaches to legal research
• RHP 803: Research proposal 803
  • Credits: 5.00
  • Module content: Development and presentation of a research proposal.
• SAL 801: International air, space and telecommunications law 801
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: The public and private law aspects of air law, the regulatory system of the International Telecommunication Union, the history and major principles of space law, the use of space for military purposes, liability for the wrongful use of space