--- title: "Subject FAQ" id: "27988" type: "page" slug: "subject-faq" published_at: "2026-04-29T09:59:31+00:00" modified_at: "2026-05-06T07:33:02+00:00" url: "https://uat.boston.ac.za/subject-faq/" markdown_url: "https://uat.boston.ac.za/subject-faq.md" excerpt: "Fully Accredited Law Studies Law & Legal Studies FAQs The Law field of study offers a diverse range of qualifications," --- #### Fully Accredited Law Studies ## Law & Legal Studies FAQs The Law field of study offers a diverse range of qualifications, from the professional LLB and BCom Law degrees to Paralegal studies. This overview provides clear answers for students researching law entry routes, NQF levels, and legal career pathways in South Africa. [Explore Programmes](#) [Download Prospectus](#) #### NQF Levels 5-8 Full Progression #### SAQA Approved Fully Accredited #### Online Study Flexible Options #### Multiple Paths Law & Commerce ## Law Studies: Quick Summary The field of Law provides structured academic pathways from NQF Level 5 to NQF Level 8. It includes the professional Bachelor of Laws (LLB), the BCom in Law, and qualifications in paralegal practice. This field prepares students for admission as attorneys or advocates, as well as corporate roles in compliance, governance and labour relations. ### Core Legal Entities ## LLB #### Degree Bachelor of Laws. The professional undergraduate degree required for legal practice pathways in South Africa. ## NQF Level 8 #### Standard National Qualifications Framework Level 8. A professional degree level equivalent to honours-level academic weighting. ## LPC #### Regulator Legal Practice Council. The national statutory body regulating legal practitioners. ## SAQA #### Authority South African Qualifications Authority. The body that oversees the National Qualifications Framework and registers national qualifications. ### Qualifications and Core Degrees The field of Law offers programmes across Law and Paralegal Practice Key qualifications include: - **Professional Degrees** Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - **Undergraduate Degrees** Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) - **Higher Certificates** Paralegal Practice - **Short Learning Programmes** Skills courses for paralegal and conveyancing secretaries ### What does LLB stand for? LLB stands for Legum Baccalaureus, which is Latin for Bachelor of Laws. The double L represents the plural form of the word “laws” in Latin. ### What is the NQF level of an LLB in South Africa? The LLB is an NQF Level 8 qualification in South Africa. Level 8 indicates a professional degree comparable in academic weighting to an honours qualification and allows access to LLM postgraduate studies. ### How many years does an LLB take? Most students complete the LLB in four years full-time. Part-time study may take longer depending on module load. ### How many credits does an LLB have? While the national minimum is 480 credits, the Boston LLB consists of 540 credits. This credit structure provides a comprehensive foundation in substantive and procedural law. ### How many years does it take to study criminal, corporate, or family law? These are not separate undergraduate degrees. All students complete the standard four-year LLB first. Specialisation happens later during practice or postgraduate study. ### Entry requirements and pathways ### Who can study LLB in South Africa? Anyone who meets admission requirements, typically including, but not limited to, a National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s pass. ### Do I need Pure Maths or History to study law? No. Pure Mathematics and History are not required subjects. Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted, and Boston City Campus does not have a mathematics requirement to study the LLB or BCom Law. ### How many APS points do you need to study law? Traditional public universities often require an APS of roughly 28 to 39. Boston City Campus does not work on a point system; we focus on the NSC Bachelor’s pass and English proficiency. ### Can I study LLB without a Bachelor’s pass? Not directly. A Higher Certificate may provide a recognised bridging pathway. ### Can I study LLB after a Higher Certificate? Yes, if you meet progression requirements after completing the certificate. However, this is at the discretion of the institution you are applying to for LLB admission. ### Can I study LLB after a Diploma? Often yes, depending on institutional policies and credit recognition. ### **Which is better LLB, BA Law or BCom Law?** The best option depends on career goals. - **LLB is required for legal practice.** - **BCom Law suits corporate and compliance careers.** - **BA Law combines legal study with humanities.** #### LLB vs BCom Law BCom Law - **NQF Level 8** - **Duration four years** Required if you want to practice as an attorney or advocate. BCom Law - **NQF Level 7** - **Duration three years** Ideal for some careers in compliance, governance, taxation, and corporate law environments. ### Short Courses and Alternative Study Fields ### Short Courses and Alternative Study Fields Yes. Short Learning Programmes include: Paralegal programme Conveyancing Secretary programme Executive Secretary Legal programme These programmes focus on practical workplace skills. ### What is the difference between a Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice and the Paralegal Short Course? The Higher Certificate is an NQF Level 5 qualification that allows progression to degree studies. Short courses focus on practical workplace skills and do not carry academic credit. ### Studying Law Online ### Can LLB be done online in South Africa? Yes. Boston City Campus offers a structured online learning model, with support. ### Can I study law while working? Yes. Many students study part-time while working by spreading modules over a longer period. ### Professional Admission Roadmap and Careers ### How do I become an attorney after LLB? 1. Complete the LLB 2. Complete Practical Vocational 3. Training (articles) 4. Pass competency assessments 5. Apply for admission to the High Court of South Africa ### How do I become an advocate after LLB? 1. Complete the LLB 2. Complete pupillage 3. Pass Bar examinations 4. Apply for admission ### How do you become a judge in South Africa? - Judges are appointed later in a legal career after significant experience as attorneys or advocates. - Appointments are made by the President based on recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission. ### What are the Big 5 law firms in South Africa? - ENSafrica - Bowmans - Webber Wentzel - Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr - Werksmans Attorneys ### Which field of law is most in demand? - Commercial law - Cyber law - Compliance and governance - Labour law ### Law Careers Outlook - **Attorney** Client representation, litigation and advisory work. - **Advocate** Specialist courtroom advocacy and legal opinions. - **Compliance officer** Corporate governance and regulatory compliance. - **Legal advisor** Corporate policy, contracts and regulatory interpretation. ## Salary Questions #### **How much do Candidate Attorneys (CAs) and Pupils earn in South Africa?** Salaries for those completing their Practical Vocational Training (PVT) vary significantly based on the firm’s size, location, and specialisation. However, as of **LPC Notice 2683 of 2024**, there are now legally mandated minimum remunerations. #### ***1. The Legal Minimums (LPC Gazette)*** The following minimum monthly stipends are legally required for any CA or Pupil: | Category | Area | Minimum Per Month | Minimum Per Annum | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Candidate Attorney | Rural | R6,000 | R72,000 | | Candidate Attorney | Urban | R8,000 | R96,000 | | Pupil (Advocate) | National | R8,000 | R96,000 | **Note:** These figures represent the *floor*, not the ceiling. Most firms, especially in commercial hubs like Sandton, Cape Town, and Umhlanga, pay significantly above these rates. ### Do the highest paid lawyers work long hours? Yes. Top tier commercial law firms often require long hours and demanding workloads. ### Costs and Funding ### How much does it cost to study law in South Africa? Yes. Top tier commercial law firms often require long hours and demanding workloads. ### Will NSFAS pay for my LLB? NSFAS funds undergraduate study at public universities, not private institutions. ### Common Clarifications ### How many hours a day do law students study? Successful students often study four to six hours per day outside of lectures. ### Is law mostly memorisation? While some memorisation is required in some part of your studies, law mostly requires reasoning, interpretation, analysis, and application of principles. ### Why does LLB have a double L? The double L represents the plural Latin form for “laws”. ### Can I practice immediately after graduating? No. Professional admission steps such as articles, competency exams, and admission by the HC of SA and registration with the LPC are required. ### What is the hardest part of studying law? The volume of reading and the development of analytical legal writing. ### What is the quickest law degree to get? A BCom Law degree takes a minimum three years but does not allow legal practice. An LLB takes four years and is required to practice as an attorney or advocate. ### Do academic institution LLBs have to be registered/accredited by the LPC? No. An LLB Qualification does not need to registered with the LPC. It is an academic qualification that must be registered with SAQA & DHET. The LPC only enters the picture after you have finished your qualification and have finished articles and admitted.