Study Law at North-West University South Africa
Post-graduate Programmes
Faculty of Law, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, South
Africa
The
Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the
University of the North West, South Africa joined forces in 2004. The
campuses of the newly amalgamated university, however, still continue
with their separate pre- and post-graduate programmes. The
Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University has a well established
tradition of delivering postgraduate students of high quality.
The
Faculty of Law of the Potchefstroom Campus offers five structured LLM
programmes as well as a traditional research LLM.
These
degrees are structured to combine practical and academic material and to
deliver a well-rounded graduate. The degrees are based on the principle
of self-study. Well-structured study guides are provided and the
students have to attend two seminars per module during each semester.
Completion period:
1 year full-time; 2 years part time.
Admission criteria:
LLB
degree. On application another 4 year law degree may be considered as
prerequisite, if the applicant can indicate that he or she has
applicable practical experience or prior learning.
LLM
Import and Export
In the
past few years import and export have become major contributors to the
South African economy. Due to the growing nature of this discipline,
there is a lack of expertise in this field of law. This LLM course
addresses the law with regard to import and export. Because of its
international character, it also creates the possibility for students to
apply their expertise in foreign countries, especially those that have
trade relations with South Africa.
This
course is designed to enable the student to apply the legal principles
in practice. Study guides are compiled by experts in their respective
fields. Most lecturers have extensive practical experience and are
members of the bar, sidebar, accounting firms and companies dealing with
import and export on a daily basis. Leading academics from Europe also
present lectures at seminars and assist to ensure that internationally
acceptable standards are maintained.
In view
of the subject matter of the course, it is also ideal for foreign
students with an interest in this field of the law. This course will
enhance students' potential to ensure a lucrative career in this field.
The
course consists of the following modules:
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LLM Import and Export |
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International instruments and Quarantines
(LLMI895) |
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International law of contract (LLMI886) |
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International transport law
(LLMI887) |
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Customs and Excise Law
(LLMI994) |
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Mini-dissertation
(LLMI873) |
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Select two of the following modules |
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Transborder Insolvency and Transfer of Technology (LLMI896)
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International Environmental Law (LLMO882) |
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International commercial arbitration (LLMI892). |
International Tax Law
(LLMI893). |
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Private international law and aspects of Insurance Law
(LLMI888) |
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LLM
in Estate Planning
Estate
planning is very important for legal practitioners, financial advisors
and life insurance agents. Estate planning is a two-staged process. The
first stage entails the preparation and implementation of a plan of
wealth disposition during the lifetime of the client, and the second
stage the implementation of such plan after the death of the client. In
order to prepare a plan of wealth disposition, an estate planner must
take cognisance of tax, estate, family and property law. Estate
planners and administrators of estates need to have knowledge of these
disciplines and to continually update their knowledge in this regard.
The LLM
in Estate Planning is one of the longest running programmes of its
nature in South Africa. It has built a reputation as a degree where
learners obtain the necessary knowledge and practical skills to do
proper estate planning. The programme is aimed at practitioners with
practical experience who intent to enhance and/or update their
knowledge.
The
feedback from our LLM graduates is excellent and many of our graduates
have secured careers or have furthered their careers as practitioners
specialising in estate planning, legal advisors at banks, insurance
companies and at the Master's Offices, Deeds Registers Offices and
Magistrates' Offices.
We use
practitioners and skilled personnel who have knowledge and practical
experience in the different subjects to assist learners in the study of
this LLM degree.
Programme:
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LLM in Estate Law |
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Tax Law (LLMB882) |
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Estate Planning (LLMB881) |
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Advanced Matrimonial Property and Succession Law (LLMB884)
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Property Law and Legislation (LLMB883) |
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Financial Planning Law (LLMB885) |
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Mini-dissertation (LLMB873) |
LLM
in Labour Law
Businesses, government and industry experience labour problems on a
daily basis. The Labour Relations Act of 1995 created a totally new
dispensation with regard to labour issues in South Africa. In fact, new
principles have developed on the interpretation of the Act. These
principles bring the Act to life as the different courts in the country
interpret them on a daily basis. In the process of interpretation,
international law plays a major role. The Constitutional Court is giving
new meaning to the Act and the dynamic nature of these interpretations
necessitates continual update of practitioners' knowledge. Labour law
as it is taught during the LLB programme does not provide the student
with the necessary skills and knowledge to practise labour law. The LLM
is therefore an in-depth study and focuses on the Constitutional and
internationally accepted methods of interpretation of labour law.
Practitioners, international labour law experts and eminent academics
are involved in the teaching of the LLM-programme.
Our LLM
Labour Law graduates are sought after as candidate attorneys and better
compensation than their colleagues. Practitioners who completed the LLM
degree use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to further their
own careers.
We are
currently investigating a joint LLM in Labour with RAU and the Goethe
Institute in Germany.
Subjects:
The
following modules are compulsory:
Individual Labour law (LLML811) (3 Papers)
Collective Labour Law and Dispute Resolution (LLML 812)
International and Comparative Labour law (LLML821)
Social
Security and Occupational Health and Security Law (LLML822)
Dissertation (LLML873)
The
learner has to select one of the following modules:
Labour
law in the Public Sector and in Local Government (LLMA877) or Occupation
Safety Law (LLMA878)
LLM
in Environmental Law
Why
study a Masters in Environmental Law and Governance?
Prior
to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 the
environment was considered to be a >white elitist concern> which did not
merit comprehensive protection and enforcement in terms of the legal
framework. With the inclusion of the environmental right, by virtue of
section 24 in the Constitution, the situation changed dramatically. The
sustainable governance of environmental matters by both the public and
private sector became of the utmost importance. Moreover, the
introduction of environmental management inspectors under the National
Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 made industry more aware of
their responsibilities in terms of environmental legislation, and also
placed an obligation on government officials and managers to rethink
their duties in terms of the environment. This degree was developed to
provide students the opportunity to study the complexities, as well as
the integrated and cross-cutting nature of environmental law and
governance.
Since
1996 parliament has promulgated an array of environmental laws, placing
obligations on government, individuals and the private sector on various
matters relating to the environment. The complex governance structure
that developed, necessitate a new knowledge and skills within the legal
and environmental management sector. The LLM/MPhil in Environmental Law
and Governance was introduced to address this need.
This
exciting post-graduate programme is one of the few in South Africa that
comprehensively covers a broad spectrum of environmental law, governance
and related modules. It is the only one that explicitly also focuses on
the issue of governance in the context of environmental law.
How
will a degree in Environmental Law and Governance assist me?
The LLM
degree focuses on national, international and regional environmental
issues and provides students the opportunity to structure the Master's
programme according to their specific needs.
All
students must complete a module in South African Environmental and
Planning Law and must write a dissertation on a specific topic of his or
her own choice. Students in the LLM programme are free to choose three
electives focusing on international and regional environmental law or
students could tailor their studies to focus on South African specific
issues whether from a private or public perspective.
Students in the M Phil programme must also complete a compulsory module
in Environmental Management that is presented by the School of
Environmental Science.
The LLM/MPhil
has a practical application focus. The module South African
Environmental and Planning Law is for example structured to address the
life cycle of projects following a cradle to grave approach.
Why
must I study this degree?
This
programme is a must for those interested in the highly interesting,
fast-developing, and dynamic field of environmental law. It is suited,
not only for full time students, but particularly also for part time
students and individuals in practice.
What
makes this course further unique is that, unlike the other LLM
programmes of the Faculty of Law, students without a legal background
and qualification are eligible to enrol for the M. Phil, instead of the
LLM.
The
contents
The
programme offers a wide selection of modules including two compulsory
modules, namely, South African Environmental and Planning Law and, as
with all other LLM programmes of the Faculty of Law, Research
Methodology and a Mini-dissertation.
In
addition, students are required to choose three elective modules,
including, International Environmental Law; Regional Environmental Law;
Administrative Law; Local Government and Environmental Law; Occupational
Health and Safety Law; and from the second half of 2011, a brand new
module titled, Climate Change Law and Governance which is a first in
South Africa!
The
presenters
The
lecturers in the LLM Environmental Law and Governance are a mix of
highly qualified and renowned academics and expert practitioners. Dr.
Susan Bouillon lecturers the Land Use and Planning Law part of the South
African Environmental Law module with Proff. Willemien du Plessis and
Louis Kotz>. Dr Bouillon has a doctorate degree in Planning Law and has
her own private Planning Law Consultation firm. Proff. Du Plessis and
Kotze are widely-published and recognised authorities on, among other,
South African environmental law and governance.
Mr
Andrew Gilder and Dr. Marie Parramon from Imbewu Sustainability
Specialists are responsible for the Climate Law module with Prof. An>l
du Plessis. They have vast theoretical knowledge and practical
experience in climate change law.
International Environmental Law is lectured by Prof. Werner Scholtz
whose is a leading expert on International Environmental Law and African
Regional Environmental Law
Mr Niel
Lubbe lectures Regional Environmental Law with Prof Scholtz. Mr. Niel
Lubbe is one of the few specialists in regional Transboundary
Biodiversity Protection law in South Africa.
Administrative law is taught by Ms Rolien Roos, who has extensive
practical and academic knowledge of the field of administrative law and
is currently completing her doctoral studies in this field.
Local
Government Environmental Law is lectured by Prof. Anel du Plessis who is
now recognised as one of the leading authorities on this issue in South
Africa.
Prof.
Piet Myburgh lectures the Occupational Health and Safety module. He has
his own private consultation firm where he specialises in Labour Law and
Occupational, Health and Safety law, especially within the mining sector
Feedback from our Alumni
Most of
our students either work or found work in the environmental law sector
and indicate that their LLM studies assisted them tremendously in the
work they are doing.
What
are the admission requirements?
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To gain admission to the LLM In Environmental Law and
Governance, a student has to meet all the requirements set by
this university or any other South African university for the LL
B degree. A student in possession of another four year law
degree of this or another university may apply for admission to
the LL M degree.
Students who meet the requirements of a four year university
degree, but do not meet the requirements of a four year law
degree may apply to enrol into the M Phil Environmental Law and
Governance programme.
Before such a student may do so, he or she must first be able to
produce evidence that he or she successfully completed an
undergraduate module in the following subjects: These modules
may be completed at any university.
> Introduction to Law
> Law of Property
> Constitutional Law
> Administrative Law
> Environmental Law.
Before being allowed to register, a student may be required to
provide the Director of Research with sufficient written
evidence of knowledge and practical experience in the relevant
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LLM
in Comparative Child Law
The LLM
in Comparative Child Law is one of a kind. Although similar
qualifications are offered by other faculties nationally and
internationally, this one is truly unique in the sense that it is
mandatory to study for one semester each at the Potchefstroom Campus of
the NWU in South Africa and at the Justus Liebig University, Giessen,
Germany. Students are exposed therefore to the study of child and family
law from both a South African and broad African perspective on the one
hand and a German and broad European perspective on the other. In this
respect it is a true international qualification and it comes as no
surprise that students from all over the world enroll for the course.
Once in
Giessen students enrolled at Potchefstroom receive a scholarship from
the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst which is sufficient to afford
accommodation and other household necessaries. Scholarships have been
awarded by other German institutions on an ad hoc basis in the past.
This
programme aims at equipping students with sound academic knowledge and
professional skills in the field of child law. It therefore serves as an
academic qualification for careers nationally and internationally in
child law, family law, comparative law and international law. One module
comprises an internship at an institution that focuses on the practice
of child law. In this respect the field of study is aimed at bridging
the gap between academia and practice.
The
following modules are included in the programme. The P and G that appear
in brackets refer to Potchefstroom and Giessen respectively where the
respective courses are presented.
> Comparative Child Law and Family Law (P and G)
> International Family Law (P and G)
> Comparative Social Justice (P)
> International Children's Human Rights (G)
> Juvenile Criminal Justice (G)
> Internship (P or G)
> Dissertation (P or G)
In view
of the high international profile of the programme the presenters are
practitioners and academics who are recognized leading lights in their
respective fields of specialization.
Experience shows that the foreign students from Europe, Africa and Asia
become very good friends with their South African counterparts who show
them around in South Africa and vice versa, German students doing the
same for the Potchefstroom students when they are in Giessen. Lasting
friendships have developed in the process. The programmes at both
Potchefstroom and Giessen leave sufficient time for exploring the
surroundings and South Africans make use of the opportunity to travel
around in Germany and during holiday time also to other parts of Europe.
It may be noted that both faculties are not only very serious about the
academic quality of the programme, but also about the social interaction
of students. In Potchefstroom excursions are therefore made to inter
alia, the Vredefort Dome, a world heritage site, and the Pilanesberg
Game Reserve. In Germany castles and picturesque medieval towns are
visited sometimes in thick layers of snow.
Researched LLM
A
learner may also obtain a LLM by writing a dissertation on a subject of
his/her own choice within the framework of the research focus area of
the faculty: Development in the South African Constitutional State. In
this instance, a research proposal containing a problem statement must
be completed after which an oral examination (of more or less an hour)
on three subjects relating to the theme must be done. After successful
completion of this examination the learner will be allowed to proceed
with his/her dissertation. The length of the dissertation is normally
more or less 120 pages. There are several on-going projects in the
Faculty in which the learner may also participate:
Urban and rural land development
Trade and development
Environment, trade and development
Poverty, social exclusion and social rights
International children rights
Sustainable development
Modern day impact of religious family systems in South Africa
Equality.
Learners who decided to follow this route, accumulated in depth
knowledge in their field of expertise and now follow the careers of
their choice. Their skills in research and writing make them popular
both amongst practitioners and at academic institutions.
More
information
Contact
Alpha Marais (+27 18 299 1922 /alpha.marais@nwu.ac.za
Anita Stapelberg (+27 18 299 1952 /
anita.stapelberg@nwu.ac.za
Fax:
+27 18 299 1955
CONTACT
Alpha
Marais
Tel: +27 18 299 1922
E-mail:
alpha.marais@nwu.ac.za
Anita Stapelberg
Tel: +27 18 299 1952
E-mail
anita.stapelberg@nwu.ac.za
Prof Francois Venter
Dean of the Law Faculty
Potchefstroom Campus
North-West University
Private Bag X6001
Potchefstroom
2520
South Africa
Website:
http: //www.nwu.ac.za
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