Diplomas can provide you with career-oriented skills that can increase your chances of securing a job, as employers like people who can walk into a job and are ready to go. While a diploma is not equivalent to a degree, it can still open doors for you in the world of practicing law.
What is a Diploma in Law?
A law diploma is the equivalent of a paralegal course. It teaches you some of the basics of law, but not enough to warrant an LLB (law degree/Bachelor of Law) conversion.
A student acquiring this qualification will have skills, knowledge and experience to:
- Apply advanced paralegal knowledge and understanding of law to a specific problem within the South African legal context
- Conduct and evaluate legal research and make recommendations based on the findings of the research
- Communicate, in writing or orally with internal and external clients in a paralegal or legal workplace
- Advise, counsel and represent clients in a variety of settings
- Draft legal documents in a paralegal context
- Solve problems in a paralegal context by working in a team and individually
- Manage administration, including financial administration, and provide organisational support in an office environment
- Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with clients.
What is the Difference Between a Diploma and a Degree?
With a diploma qualification, emphasis is placed on a more practical approach to learning.
Diploma studies are typically offered on a full-time and/or part-time basis but are generally offered over a three-year period. Industry training varies from programme to programme, but can be anything from six months to a year.
With a degree qualification, the emphasis is placed on an academic approach to a specified field of study or profession, such as law, pharmacy, architecture, etc.
Degree programmes are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and are offered over three to four years, depending on the type of degree programme. Certain programmes require industry training of about six to eight weeks.
Where to Obtain a Diploma in Law in South Africa
Here is a list of institutions in South Africa where you can obtain a diploma in law:
- Damelin Correspondence College
- The University of South Africa (Unisa)
- INTEC College
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University
Different Law Qualifications Available in South Africa
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
To become an attorney in South Africa, you would need to complete an LLB (Bachelor of Laws, which is an undergraduate law degree), two years of articles (working in a law firm as a "candidate attorney"), pass the board exams and be admitted as an attorney by the High Court of South Africa.
You can pursue an LLB right after matriculating and meeting a university's admission requirements, but also as a second degree. An LLB qualification takes up to at least four years to complete. The degree must be earned at an accredited law school in South Africa.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) with Law
You can also meet the requirements to become a lawyer in South Africa by first getting a Bachelor of Commerce with Law (BCom) and then completing an LLB qualification but in two years.
Diploma in Law
Another option is to pursue a Diploma in Law instead of a degree, or obtaining a Diploma before going after a Degree. You can also focus on a particular specialty; for example, a Diploma in Criminal Law. Students would gain knowledge, skills and experience where they'll learn the basics of law but it won't be enough to grant a conversion to an LLB qualification.
Students can learn about the general areas of law with a Diploma, as well as the application and social context to prepare you for providing primary legal services to the public and support to legal professionals.
