15 Best Law Courses in South Africa

The law profession is one of the most prestigious careers in the world and in South Africa, a society that recognizes the rule of law and its importance in criminal and civil matters.

To be able to practice Law in South Africa, one must undergo necessary and compulsory training of not less than four years, dedicated solely to studying law courses.

These courses prepare you for the not-so-easy task ahead of arguing cases in front of a jury and judge and handling legal issues for your clients.

Our article will examine the best law courses in South Africa, the schools offering them, and, how protective law students can into these programs.

Which university is best to study law in South Africa?
What type of law course is best?
Which field of law is most in demand in South Africa?
Which subject is best for a Lawyer in South Africa?
How many years to study law in South Africa?
Is studying law in South Africa worth it?
How many types of law degrees are there in South Africa?
What does LLB stand for?
15 Best Law Courses in South Africa
15 Top Areas of Law
FAQs: Law Courses in South Africa
Conclusion
.References
Read Also

Which university is best to study law in South Africa?

For the last four years, the University of Pretoria and its Faculty of Law have been continuously ranked as the best in South Africa and on the African Continent.

However, for those interested in taking law studies in South Africa, other universities like UCT are also excellent choices.

What type of law course is best?

Bachelor of Law LLB is the best Law course. LLB stands for legal bachelor’s degree. After earning a minimum of 50% in any degree, you can pursue this one of the common kinds of legal degrees. A thorough understanding of the law is provided by the three-year LLB program.

Which field of law is most in demand in South Africa?

In South Africa, the highest-paying legal specialties are usually mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and intellectual property law. These fields frequently entail intricate legal matters and valuable transactions, which raises pay.

Which subject is best for a Lawyer in South Africa?

Topics required to become a lawyer (suggested):English: Many South African universities use English as their primary language of instruction.

Therefore, for any student hoping to pursue a legal education, having a solid command of the English language is essential. English improves comprehension, critical reading, and essay writing.

How many years to study law in South Africa?

It will take you a minimum of 4 years to study law in South Africa. However, some law courses or programs might be shorter.

The LLB degree comprises 40 modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules. To complete the qualification, students must comply with the 480 (40 modules) credit requirement.

Is studying law in South Africa worth it?

The demanding nature of a law school curriculum and the variety of abilities necessary for graduation guarantee that law graduates are in high demand in a variety of fields.

To put it another way, law graduates have great professional opportunities.

How many types of law degrees are there in South Africa?

There are different law degrees in South Africa which include the LLB, Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), postgraduate diplomas, BA Law, and BCom Law.

What does LLB stand for?

LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws is “LLB.” Because the degree’s conventional Latin designation is “Legum Baccalaureus,” it is shortened to “LLB” rather than “BL.”

With a law degree in South Africa and the willingness to work your career as a litigator will catch on like fire catches on dry grass.

Before that, you must complete the required training and study the necessary Law courses in South Africa to get started.

We have listed some of the best law courses in no particular order and we hope you find them useful.

#1. PGDip in Public Policy and African Studies

The PGDip in Public Policy and African Studies aims to help future leaders solve public policy issues on the African continent and build and formulate public policy in the African environment.

Through the program, students will be able to build a toolkit of analytical techniques for public policy that will help them investigate the complexities of social issues in Africa, comprehend the process by which public decisions are made, formulate well-considered solutions to policy issues, and handle the difficulties that come up during the implementation of those solutions.

Visit School

#2. LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa) (Coursework)

The curriculum consists of A mini-dissertation of 18,000 to 20,000 words.
Six compulsory modules counting 15 credits each.
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).

Visit School

#3. LLM in International Commercial Law

Do you want to draft, negotiate, and carry out contracts? Are you interested in studying contract law in the thriving commercial centre of South Africa? Do you wish to get the expertise required to draft excellent contracts?

It would be best if you enrolled in the LLM in the Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts course.

Visit School

#4. LLM in Cyber Law

Related topics of cyber law are covered in this sui generis LLM curriculum. These elements of Cyber Law capture how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the law interact.

Additionally, it seeks to provide students with comprehensive legal and technological knowledge and the ability to create and execute relevant policies, programs, and legal frameworks in the rapidly growing field of cyber law.

More thoroughly, the Master of Cyber Law curriculum explains the advantages and difficulties that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) present to society.

Visit School

#5. LLM in Labour Law

The one-year full-time or two-year part-time LLM in Labour Law program gives students the chance to advance their theoretical and intellectual skills and improve their comprehension of labor law from the perspective of a critical analysis of its underlying principles.

Visit School

#6. LLM in Insurance Law

A lot of South Africans only purchase insurance as a part of credit transactions, making it a grudge purchase.

Prudent consumers frequently use other kinds of insurance products as part of a savings plan.

If you’re curious about how the insurance business operates in South Africa or how insurance products work in the financial services sector, here is the place for you.

Enroll in this course to acquire an in-depth understanding of specific insurance litigation issues.

Visit School

#7. BCom (Law)

Gaining knowledge of the South African legal system, private law, business enterprise law, labor law, and customary law is the aim of a BCom (Law) degree.

The student will also have the opportunity to enrol in classes covering many facets of the management and economic sciences.

Visit School

#8. LLM in Banking Law

The LLM in Banking Law program at the University of Johannesburg aims to give students a specialized understanding of areas of the law that are extremely pertinent to the banking industry.

Full-time students are expected to finish it in a year, whereas part-time students have two years.

Visit School

#9. BA (Law) – University of Johannesburg

The purpose of a BA (Law) degree is to allow the student to acquire knowledge of the South African legal system, private law, constitutional law, and customary law.

In addition to this, the student will be able to take courses in aspects of the Arts and Social Sciences. Furthermore, the student will be exposed to languages and language structure.

Visit School

#10. LLM in International Law – University of Johannesburg

Do you find current events interesting? Are you interested in studying international law in Africa’s most dynamic city?

Do you wish to continue your education in the exciting and fast-paced legal field? Then look at the University of Johannesburg’s LLM in International Law.

The LLM in International Law program offered by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Law allows you to specialize in areas of law that are not only fascinating but also becoming more and more relevant and practical, regardless of your interests in war crimes prosecution, or global warming.

Visit School

#11. LLM Procedural Law (Coursework) – University of Pretoria – Faculty of Law

The 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings place the University of Pretoria Faculty of Law as the top law school in both Africa and South Africa.

The goal of the Faculty of Law is to establish and maintain an environment for research and instruction based on the principles of excellence and social justice.

The Faculty has professional relationships with numerous international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), World Bank, and foreign universities, because the law is growing more complex and, in some cases, more global.

Visit School

#12. LLD Law – University of Pretoria – Faculty of Law

The University of Pretoria Faculty of Law is the highest-ranked law faculty in Africa and in South Africa – according to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The Faculty of Law has as its mission the creation and sustenance of a research and education environment that is grounded in values of social justice and excellence.

As the law is increasingly becoming multifaceted and in certain areas more global, the Faculty maintains professional relations with many international bodies, such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the World Bank, and foreign universities.

Visit School

#13. MPhil in Industrial Policy – University of Johannesburg

The MPhil in Industrial Policy program aims to enhance students’ intellectual competencies, independence, and practical skills in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and application of suitable industrial policies to support the structural transformation of the continent’s economies.

Students can test the practical application of the knowledge taught, participate in case study analysis, go on field trips, and prepare individual technical reports on the various themes covered by the program’s core modules, which provide in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics regarding industrial development policies, strategies, and management in Africa.

Visit School

#14. LLM – Stellenbosch, South Africa

This program provides top-notch legal education in various targeted study areas that are significant both academically and practically.

This program aims to allow law graduates to specialize, develop a deeper understanding of particular legal topics, and become leaders and specialized practitioners in their fields of choice.

After completing four taught modules and a 15,000–20,000-word research paper on an accepted topic, the degree is granted.

The basic or specialist program (such as labor law, intellectual property law, international trade law, or alternative dispute resolution) is available to students.

Visit School

#15. Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Security Management – UNISA

The curriculum includes two (2) articles based on the candidate’s research submitted for publication to a reputable, accredited journal, an oral defence (viva voce), and a thesis with a research plan.

For the degree to be awarded, proof of manuscript submission is a requirement. Students enrolled in research doctoral programs have six years to finish their studies.

Visit School

15 Top Areas of Law

The law is comprehensive, with tentacles in almost all facets of life. It helps safeguard us from ourselves and maintains law and order in businesses, families, and society.

Therefore, we will be looking at the top areas of the law or as some would call it ” hardest parts of the law”

1. Complex Litigation

This area of law requires extraordinary attention to detail and a great deal of patience. Due to the high stakes, corporate disputes, and numerous court motions, complex litigation is one of the most lucrative specialities.

If you enjoy working toward a huge payout, this path can be for you because the cases might drag on for a while.

2. Corporate Law

Although it also deals with economic matters, corporate law is mostly focused on routine, everyday operations. This includes things like liability, compliance, and contracts.

Attorneys who focus on this practice area can assist a business in navigating challenging circumstances like bankruptcy or start-up with its initial paperwork.

3. Tax Law

Tax law is an interesting topic to work on since it is complex and constantly evolving. Tax attorneys can help clients with audits, estate planning, and other IRS-related issues.

This expertise is also quite lucrative; some lawyers make up to $133,948 /year annually – Ziprecruiter in the US and Average Base Salary of R1,142,157 (ZAR)/yr in Mzanzi.

4. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is more crucial than ever in the Internet era. IP attorneys assist clients in safeguarding their concepts and endeavours against infringement or copying through trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other legal measures.

5. Blockchain

Bitcoin and blockchain were heavily incorporated into the culture last year. Lawyers knowledgeable about these technologies will become more and more valuable as more people start to grasp them. You will undoubtedly have more opportunities if you get in early on in this practice area.

6. Healthcare

The US’s healthcare regulations are still changing, and it has been a hot topic for a while. Therefore, professionals who can successfully navigate the landscape and stay current on rules will benefit.

7. Environmental

Climate change will only become more significant throughout our lives. Lawyers in this professional area will be crucial as we continue to determine the best ways to safeguard our environment and as rules change to reflect the required modifications.

8. Criminal

Criminal law offers many opportunities for those who wish to practice defence or prosecution. As they defend their clients’ fundamental rights, the attorneys in this professional area witness a lot of courtroom drama.

9. Civil Rights

Civil rights lawyers play a vital role in addressing fundamental human rights. While taking these cases pro gratis, they frequently work in other practice areas and occasionally work for organizations.

10. Animal Rights

You can represent our furry friends who cannot speak for themselves as an animal rights lawyer. You can fight against people who hurt or take advantage of these animals and support the groups who try to improve their quality of life.

11. Immigration

Criminal/deportation defence, commercial immigration law, and asylum/refugee law constitute another significant practice area. In addition to being highly visible now, this issue provides you with a platform to accomplish amazing things on behalf of others.

12. Sports and Entertainment

IP law, compensation and royalties, contract negotiation and disputes, and other topics are covered in this speciality. If you succeed, you might be working with well-known clients, so you should not be intimidated.

13. Labor

Since workers’ rights are always changing, there is a constant need for attorneys in this field. Attorneys can locate a variety of instances in this field, ranging from sexual harassment to benefits and compensation.

14. Family Law

Additionally, the cases in juvenile and family law are very varied. Attorneys witness a wide range of events, some wonderful and others terrible, from adoption to domestic abuse. In any case, attorneys who decide to practice law will improve the lives of these individuals through their efforts.

15. Elder Law

The need to safeguard some of the fragile elderly is growing as Baby Boomers approach retirement age and life expectancy rises.

This can involve guardianship, estate planning, insurance, wills, and more.

FAQs: Law Courses in South Africa

What are the basic requirements for studying law in South Africa?

Matric: A Matric certificate or equivalent is typically required.
Subjects: Strong performance in subjects like English, Mathematics, and a language is often preferred.
University Entrance: Meeting the specific university’s minimum admission requirements, which often include a high APS score.

What are the different types of law degrees offered in South Africa?

LLB (Bachelor of Laws): This is the foundational law degree.
LLM (Master of Laws): Specialized postgraduate degrees in various legal fields.
LLD (Doctor of Laws): A research-based doctorate

How long does it take to complete a law degree in South Africa?

An LLB degree typically takes 4 years of full-time study. Postgraduate degrees like LLM and LLD vary in duration based on the specific program and research requirements.

What are the top law schools in South Africa? Some of the top law schools in South Africa include:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of Stellenbosch (SU)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

What are the career paths for law graduates in South Africa? Law graduates can pursue various career paths, such as:

Attorney

Advocate

Legal Advisor

Corporate Lawyer

Public Prosecutor

Magistrate

Judge

Academic Positions

Legal Aid Lawyer

And more.

Conclusion

There are so many law courses in South Africa, all designed to help you become the best you can be in any area of the law.

We have extensively discussed some of these courses above and the best areas of Law in Mzanzi.

So find what interests you, look for the school that best suits your needs, and get started on your quest to become a solicitor of the highest court of our land. See you in court.