A degree in law has long been considered a prestigious and fulfilling career, not only in South Africa but all over the world. Besides its prestige, for many, it is more than just a job, but an opportunity to make a difference in society, defend justice and influence outcomes that gives law its appeal.
If you’re considering a career in the legal profession, there are many diverse specialisations that offer potentially high earnings as well as invaluable flexibility.
Do you know how many years it takes to study law in South Africa?
In this article, we break down the time for you.
Why the LLB Degree?
In particular, an LLB is a popular choice for law degrees because it offers an excellent foundation in law and can open doors to various legal professions, including becoming an attorney, advocate, or legal advisor, while also equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills applicable across industries.
If you're wondering where to study law in South Africa, several universities have established reputations for providing excellent legal education.
What to Expect in an LLB Degree
One of the first questions a guidance counsellor will often hear is ‘“how many years to study law”?’
In South Africa, earning an LLB typically takes four years of full-time study. During this time, the focus is on core subjects like Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Contract Law. You can also expect a combination of theoretical and practical learning, with lectures, assignments, and group discussions forming the bulk of your academic work. In the later years, you’ll have the option of engaging in more specialised areas, such as Labour Law, Environmental Law, and International Law.
In addition, there is an exciting phase of practical training that happens through internships or moot court participation.
After completing the degree, you’ll also need to complete a period of vocational training commonly known as articles. During this time, you will need to work as a candidate attorney under the supervision of a practising attorney to gain practical experience in legal work. There is also an option to shorten your articles by completing certain practical legal training courses.
After completing articles and passing the board exams, you can be admitted as an attorney.
If this sounds daunting, let’s return to the first step - choosing the right university, with the right law courses.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) - Leading with Excellence
Widely regarded as one of the best law schools in South Africa, the University of Cape Town offers an internationally recognised law degree and is also consistently ranked as the top university on the continent. In fact, its law faculty has been known to play a pivotal role in its prestige. There is no doubt that UCT law students have access to world-class academics and cutting-edge legal research centres.
In terms of its law courses, UCT covers everything from constitutional law and corporate law to international trade and environmental law which gives students the opportunity to specialise in their areas of interest. In addition, the university provides numerous extracurricular activities, such as legal clinics and mooting competitions, which can help students apply their theory to real-world cases. If you want to know where to study law in South Africa, UCT is a clear contender.
2. Stellenbosch University – Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Stellenbosch University is another top South African institution that offers a robust law programme.
Known for its beautiful campus, university town vibe and strong academic tradition, Stellenbosch also excels in legal education and boasts a law faculty renowned for producing some of the most prominent legal minds in South Africa.
Courses are diverse and include modules in private, public and international law which allows students to gain a thorough understanding of both local and international legal systems. Furthermore, Stellenbosch's close ties with the legal fraternity ensure that students have the opportunity to engage in only the best internships and practical work, which greatly improves their employability upon graduation.
3. University of Pretoria - A Powerhouse of Legal Education
The University of Pretoria (UP) is another option that is consistently ranked amongst the best law schools in South Africa. If you’re looking to do an LLB degree, UP offers a dynamic and innovative programme that is renowned for its focus on research and academic excellence. Most notably, the university is home to the Centre for Human Rights, one of the leading institutions in Africa for the progress and protection of human rights.
UP offers a wide range of law courses that cater to the diverse needs of its students, including human rights law, criminal law, and commercial law. This versatility, combined with the faculty's emphasis on practical legal training, ensures that you would be well-prepared for the legal profession.
4. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) - Pioneering Legal Education
When discussing where to study law in South Africa or how many years it takes to study law, the University of the Witwatersrand, or Wits, is a name that frequently comes up.
Wits offers one of the most well-respected LLB degree programmes in the country. The Faculty of Law at Wits is known for its strong focus on legal research, policy development, and advocacy.
Students can choose from a variety of courses, including property law, intellectual property, and environmental law. In addition, the faculty's commitment to social justice and its collaboration with global institutions make it an ideal choice if you are aspiring to make an impact in both local and international law.
5. University of Johannesburg (UJ) - A Modern Approach to Law
If you’re looking for a more modern and practical approach to your legal education and want to study in Gauteng, then the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a good choice. Well regarded for its innovative teaching methods, UJ combines traditional academic learning with hands on experience. In particular, UJ’s law school is strong in commercial law, with a focus on preparing students for careers in business law and corporate governance.
With its top facilities and a strong emphasis on legal research, UJ offers a comprehensive legal education that covers everything from civil law to labour law and equips students with the skills they need to navigate the ever-changing legal landscape.
6. Rhodes University - A Focus on Social Justice
As you can tell, while there are many excellent universities with reputable legal faculties in South Africa, much of your decision will depend on their locations and their area of focus. If you are passionate about social justice, then a look at Rhodes University, which is situated in the Eastern Cape, is a must.
Known for its small class sizes and close student-faculty relationships, Rhodes offers a more intimate learning environment than some of the larger universities. Here, you will be encouraged to engage in community work and participate in legal aid clinics.
This will not only help you to gain practical experience but also to understand the role of law in advancing human rights and social equity.
How Many Years Does It Take to Study Law in South Africa?
Back to that common question: “how many years to study law?”
It’s worth reiterating that, the standard LLB degree typically takes four years to complete for undergraduates. If you already have an undergraduate degree, the LLB can be completed in two years.
In addition, many universities also offer postgraduate options, such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or even a PhD in law, for those looking to specialise further.
The length of study can vary depending on the type of law degree you pursue and whether you choose to study part-time or full-time.
While the time commitment might seem long, the in-depth level of knowledge you gain will ensure that you are well-equipped for the demands of one of the most well-respected professions!
Choosing the Best Law School for You
When shortlisting the best law schools in South Africa, it’s essential to consider more than just reputation. Factors such as location, specialisation, and campus culture should also influence your decision.
While the universities listed above are widely regarded as the best law schools in South Africa, it’s important to choose the one that is well aligned with your personal and professional goals.
Ultimately, the legal profession is both both challenging and rewarding and studying law in South Africa offers you the opportunity to make a real impact. Whether you’re drawn to the tradition of UCT or Stellenbosch, the research focus of UP or Wits, or the innovative approach at UJ, South Africa’s top law schools will provide you with the foundation you need to succeed.
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