The University of South Africa (Unisa) law courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in legal principles and an understanding of the complexities of the legal system. The courses are taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is both relevant and practical.
One of the key advantages of studying law at Unisa is the flexibility and convenience it offers. As a distance learning institution, Unisa allows students to study at their own pace and in their own time, making it an ideal choice for working professionals or those with other commitments.
Whether you're looking to advance your career in criminal justice or embark on a new path in corporate law, Unisa's law courses provide the perfect opportunity to realize your aspirations.
Benefits of Pursuing a Law Degree
A law degree offers numerous benefits for aspiring legal professionals.
Firstly, it provides a solid foundation in legal principles and the ability to analyse and interpret complex legal documents. This foundational knowledge is essential for any legal career, whether in criminal justice or corporate law.
Secondly, a law degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. With the legal industry constantly evolving, there is a growing demand for legal professionals in various sectors.
From working in law firms to government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations, the possibilities are endless.
Furthermore, studying law equips individuals with valuable skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication. These skills are highly transferable and can be applied to a variety of professions, making law graduates highly sought after in the job market.
Overview of Unisa's Law Courses
Unisa offers a comprehensive range of law programs that cater to the diverse interests and career goals of aspiring legal professionals. Their law courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in legal principles and an understanding of the complexities of the legal system.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program is the most popular choice for students looking to pursue a career in law. This program covers a wide range of legal subjects, including contract law, criminal law, constitutional law, and more.
It is a four-year degree program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to practice law.
Other Unisa law courses include:
- Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice
- Higher Certificate in Law
- Diploma in Corrections Management
- Diploma in Law
- Diploma in Policing
- Diploma in Security Management
- Advanced Diploma in Security Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Arts in Police Science
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law
- Bachelor of Laws
For those who already have a law degree or professional experience in the legal field, Unisa offers a range of postgraduate programmes such as the LLM (Master of Law) and Doctor of Law Courses. These programmes allow students to specialize in areas such as criminal justice, corporate law, intellectual property law, and more.
They provide an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of specific legal areas and enhance their career prospects.
Course Structure and Curriculum
Unisa's law courses are taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The courses are designed to be practical and relevant, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the realities of legal practice.
The course structure and curriculum vary depending on the program and specialization chosen. However, all programs include core legal subjects that provide a foundation in legal principles and concepts.
These subjects are complemented by electives and specialized courses that allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests.
Unisa's law courses incorporate a combination of online lectures, reading materials, case studies, and assessments. This blended learning approach ensures that students have a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Unisa Entry Requirements
To be eligible for Unisa's law programs, prospective students must meet certain entry requirements. For the LLB program, applicants must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification that satisfies the minimum admission requirements.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Diploma, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Diploma, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Bachelor of Arts in Police Science
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or a Diploma, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Bachelor of Commerce in Law
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 50% in Mathematics, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics, or
- subject to institutional admission requirements, a National Certificate (Vocational) issued by Council for General and Further Education and Training, with at least 60% in the following three fundamental subjects: English, Mathematics and Life Orientation; and in addition, at least 70% in the four vocational subjects, chosen from either of the following two streams (a) Business, Commerce and Management Sciences or (b) Law, Military Sciences and Security, or
- any relevant Higher Certificate obtained in the College of Economic and Management Sciences, College of Accounting Sciences, or the College of Law, or
- any relevant Diploma obtained in the College of Economic and Management Sciences, College of Accounting Sciences or the College of Law.
Bachelor of Laws
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Diploma, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning,
or - Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4 with an equivalent of at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC.
Higher Certificate in Law
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least an F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4 with an equivalent of at least 40% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC.
Diploma in Corrections Management
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Diploma in Law
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Diploma in Policing
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Diploma in Security Management
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or
- a Higher Certificate.
Advanced Diploma in Security Management
- A Diploma in Security Management
Additional requirements may apply for postgraduate programs, such as a relevant undergraduate degree or professional experience.
Unisa Application Process
The application process for Unisa's law programme is straightforward. Prospective students can apply online through the Unisa website.
They will need to provide their personal details, academic qualifications, and any relevant supporting documents. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee, and successful applicants will receive an offer of admission.
How To Apply At Unisa
- Head to the 'Apply for admission' page
- Once you're here, you will see options for which qualification you want to apply to. Choose the type of qualification you're applying for.
- Read the information then click on 'Start the process'
- Read the information then click on 'Proceed to ODL and Unisa'
- Read the information and then scroll back to the top and click on the circle with a number 2 inside which says 'Are you certain about your career?'
- Read the information about applications to Unisa and then scroll back to the top and click on the circle with a number 3 inside which says 'Choose or find your qualification?'. (If you require more information on the courses being offered and the different faculties, scroll down to where it says 'Explore qualifications by interest fields'. Once you know which faculty you want to go into and the qualification you want to pursue, to go back to select, click on the circle with a number 3 inside which says 'Choose or find your qualification?' again.)
- You can then select your qualification by college (faculty) or level.
- Once here, you will find the different qualifications Unisa offers in that college/faculty. If you click on the different qualifications, you will find information such as admission requirements and if you click on 'Registration and curriculum information', you will find the modules that belong to that specific qualification.
- You then head back to the page where it shows the different qualifications offered with the step circles on top.
- You have now found the qualification you want to apply for and should now click on the circle with a number 4 inside which says 'Apply for admission'
- Read the information and then click on 'CLICK HERE to apply online'
- In the first section, click on the bubble next to the qualification you're studying towards.
- If you already have a student number, click yes. If not, click no.
- Fill in your details and follow the prompts.
- Once you're done, you'll need to submit relevant documents.
Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice and Corporate Law
A law degree from Unisa opens up a wide range of career opportunities in both criminal justice and corporate law. In the field of criminal justice, graduates can pursue careers as attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and legal advisors.
They can work in government agencies, law enforcement, or private practice, representing clients in criminal cases.
In the corporate law sector, graduates can work as corporate lawyers, legal consultants, or in-house counsel for companies. They can provide legal advice on a wide range of issues, including contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and more.
Graduates with a strong understanding of corporate law are highly sought after by businesses looking to navigate legal complexities.
Why Unisa is the Right Choice for Aspiring Legal Professionals
Whether you aspire to work in criminal justice or corporate law, Unisa's law courses provide the perfect opportunity to realize your aspirations. With their comprehensive range of programs, flexible study options, and experienced faculty members, Unisa is the leading choice for legal education in South Africa.
By choosing Unisa, you can benefit from a high-quality education that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the legal profession. Whether you're a working professional or have other commitments, Unisa's distance learning format allows you to study at your own pace and in your own time.
So why wait? Enroll now and take the first step towards a successful legal career.
