Program Overview

Programme: Master of Laws [LLM]

Programme Information

The primary purpose of an LLM by dissertation is to educate and train law graduates as researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, which is predominantly focused on one or more legal disciplines, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
  • Certified copy of ID or passport
  • A research concept note: 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:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
  • 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
• 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
• 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

• LLB degree or BProc degree or relevant degree from a foreign university that allows entrance to a master's degree which is approved by SAQA on NQF level 8
• A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
• A portfolio consisting of:
  • Recent research-based essays or assignments
  • A letter of motivation
• Note: An admissions examination may be required

Curriculum

The programme consists of the following modules:

• LLM 890: Dissertation: Law 890 (Credits: 200.00)
• RHP 802: Research methodology 802 (Credits: 0.00)
  • 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 804: Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal 804 (Credits: 0.00)

Research Information

With regard to the abovementioned curriculum, the relevant General Academic Regulations apply, and the dissertation counts 100% for the final mark. The dissertation consists of words – including footnotes but excluding the table of contents and the bibliography. The final copy of the dissertation must be accompanied by a proof of submission of an article to a journal accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The article must be based on the research that the student has conducted for the dissertation and be approved by the supervisor. The Faculty of Law guideline document on co-authorship with students applies.

Pass with Distinction

For the degree to be awarded with distinction, a student must obtain a minimum of 75% for the dissertation.

Registration and Renewal of Registration

If admitted, a student can register immediately for the LLM by dissertation programme. The following two or three modules must be registered for and completed within one year of registration:

1. Research methodology (RHP 802) (non-credit bearing) offered by the Faculty of Law
2. Research proposal and oral defence of the research proposal (RHP 804) (non-credit-bearing)
3. Structured research proposal preparation (RHP 806) (non-credit-bearing) may be prescribed by the supervisor.

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, indicating their individual roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and making it clear that they are entering into a binding undertaking with each other. The supervisor has the responsibility to ensure that the dissertation is properly prepared by the student.