Cecily Zamora
South Africa offers a variety of law degrees, including the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which is the standard undergraduate law degree. The LLB provides a comprehensive understanding of South African law and is necessary for those aspiring to practice law in the country. It typically spans four years, covering key areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, property law, and contract law. Following the completion of an LLB, individuals intending to practice law may pursue careers as attorneys, advocates, or judges. In addition to the LLB, aspiring legal professionals in South Africa can explore other academic pathways, such as the BA Law, BCom Law, postgraduate diplomas, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD). These degrees offer specialisations in diverse fields, including corporate law, environmental law, human rights law, and tax law, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foundational degree | LLB, or Bachelor of Laws |
| Duration | 2, 3, or 4 years |
| Focus | Legal principles, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, justice, and the South African legal system |
| Specializations | Corporate law, criminal law, environmental law, human rights law, intellectual property law, labour law, tax law, civil law, international law, and commercial law |
| Other degrees | BA Law, BCom Law, postgraduate diplomas, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
| Career options | Attorney, advocate, academic, or legal researcher |
| Other benefits | Affordable tuition fees, low living costs, and a chance to explore South Africa's beauty |
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What You'll Learn
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is the foundational degree in law in South Africa. It provides a solid grounding in legal principles and practice, as well as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of justice. The degree usually lasts four years and integrates legal studies with subjects in the arts or commerce. It is a requirement for anyone wishing to practice law in South Africa.
The LLB degree provides students with a sound knowledge of the general principles of the South African legal system and an ability to use legal materials effectively. Students are taught legal principles such as the presumption of innocence, which states that a person is considered innocent unless proven guilty. They also learn to analyse cases and efficiently summarise information.
There are various options for students wishing to study for an LLB in South Africa. For example, Wits University offers a four-year programme comprising mostly law subjects, with several Humanity or Commerce subjects at the first-year level. There is also a three-year programme for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree, and a two-year programme for students who have completed a BA Law or a BCom Law.
The IIE's Varsity College also offers an accredited four-year LLB degree. This programme is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is designed to prepare graduates for work and practice in the field of law in South Africa.
Other top universities and colleges in South Africa offer English-taught LLB degrees, including the University of Kwazulu Natal, the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Pretoria.
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Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate law degree that builds on the knowledge and skills gained during a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme. It is designed for individuals who want to advance their legal careers, develop expertise in a particular area of law, or pursue academic or research-oriented paths. South Africa offers a range of LLM programmes, with over 36,000 international students choosing the country for their studies.
LLM programmes in South Africa typically offer specialisations in various fields of law, including:
- Environmental Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Law
- Human Rights Law
- Criminal Law
- Corporate Law
- Labour Law
- Taxation Law
- Commercial Law
- Dispute Resolution
The duration of LLM programmes in South Africa can vary, with full-time and part-time options available. Some programmes may require students to complete a dissertation, coursework, or a research report, depending on the specific requirements of the university and the chosen field of specialisation.
South Africa is known for offering affordable tuition fees, and its universities excel in disciplines like Development Studies, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Additionally, the country provides international students with a vibrant and culturally diverse learning environment, as well as the opportunity to explore its beautiful landscapes and cities.
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Doctor of Laws (LLD)
The Doctor of Laws (LLD) is a higher doctorate degree in South Africa, ranking above the PhD. It is offered by many university law faculties as the highest degree in law and is awarded based on research and the completion of a PhD-equivalent dissertation. The LLD is a research doctorate of at least two years' duration in various specialised areas of law. To obtain the degree, the student must complete a thesis under the guidance of a supervisor, after completing a module in research methodology, submitting a research proposal, and undergoing an oral examination. The thesis must demonstrate evidence of in-depth independent research and understanding of the topic and constitute an original scientific contribution.
Admission to an LLD programme is usually based on an LLM or, in some cases, an LLB. The LLD is ideal for candidates pursuing academic careers or high-level legal research, contributing to the expansion of legal knowledge and scholarly work. It is not a requirement to practice law but serves as a prerequisite for an academic career.
In addition to its academic usage, the LLD may also be awarded as an honorary degree to recognise a person's contributions to society. Notable holders of the LL.D. degree include Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Guido de Marco, George Borg Olivier, and Lawrence Gonzi.
As of 2014, changes to law courses in some countries resulted in the removal of the Doctorate of Laws (LLD) title, which was replaced by a second cycle degree, the Master of Advocacy (M.Adv). This sparked discussions about whether newly qualified lawyers would continue to be referred to as 'Doctor', as had been the norm.
In South Africa, the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Law is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, and its contribution to legal research, scholarship, and advocacy.
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Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL)
South Africa offers a range of law degrees, including the foundational Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, as well as BA Law, BCom Law, postgraduate diplomas, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees. Each of these degrees offers different specialisations and career paths.
One notable law-related degree programme offered in South Africa is the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This degree offers a structured yet flexible curriculum, allowing students to focus on Philosophy and either Law or Politics, or a combination of both. The PPL degree is particularly well-suited for individuals aspiring towards careers in law, management, politics, or public service, including civil and diplomatic services and local government.
The PPL programme is designed to equip graduates with critical thinking, clear thinking, and independent problem-solving skills. Additionally, it provides graduates with knowledge about political power, processes, institutions, and the legal system that regulates society. These competencies are highly advantageous in today's job market.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's BA PPL degree is typically a full-time, on-campus programme with an application deadline of 30 September 2025. The tuition fees are USD 18,300 per year, and the earliest start date for the programme is February 2026.
While the BA PPL degree does not directly confer the same legal qualifications as an LLB degree, it can still be a valuable stepping stone towards a career in law or a related field. It provides a strong academic foundation and transferable skills that can be further developed through subsequent legal studies or specialised training.
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Specialisations: human rights, international, corporate law, etc
South Africa offers a variety of law degrees, with the foundational degree being the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). This degree usually takes four years to complete and provides a comprehensive understanding of the South African legal system. It is a prerequisite for practising law in South Africa.
Following the completion of an LLB, graduates may choose to pursue specialisations through additional degrees, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or Doctor of Laws (LLD). These degrees allow for in-depth study and research in specific legal fields, such as human rights law, international law, and corporate law.
Human rights law is a specialisation that focuses on protecting and promoting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by international and domestic laws. Human rights lawyers may work to ensure that governments and other entities uphold these rights, and they may advocate for social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups.
International law, on the other hand, deals with the legal frameworks governing interactions between nations. This field encompasses a range of topics, including international trade, human rights, and international criminal law. International lawyers may work for governments, international organisations, or multinational corporations, navigating the complex web of treaties, customs, and conventions that make up international law.
Corporate law, also known as business law, is a specialisation that focuses on legal matters pertaining to corporations and businesses. Corporate lawyers advise their clients on a range of issues, including formation, governance, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and dispute resolution. They play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of the law and help navigate the legal complexities of the corporate world.
These specialisations offer law graduates in South Africa the opportunity to focus their studies and careers on specific areas of interest, contributing to their professional development and advancement.
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Frequently asked questions
The LLB (Bachelor of Laws) is the standard undergraduate law degree in South Africa.
The LLB degree usually lasts four years and covers all aspects of South African law, including constitutional law, criminal law, property law, and contract law.
To obtain an LLB degree in South Africa, students typically need to have a basic knowledge of the English language and complete certain core law subjects, along with a set of elective courses.
An LLB degree qualifies graduates for a range of careers in the legal field, including positions such as lawyer, legal advisor, attorney, advocate, corporate counsel, judge, and more.
Yes, in addition to the LLB, there are BA Law, BCom Law, postgraduate diplomas, Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees. These degrees offer specialisations in various areas of law, such as corporate law, environmental law, human rights law, and tax law.
