Law

Lawyers
Judge Pillay

Being a lawyer is one of the most interesting and diverse careers available today. Law graduates can work in a number of different fields, from car insurance to criminal prosecution. However, studying law is not particularly easy and not everyone is cut out for it.

In order to be a lawyer, you need to have a certain type of personality. Those who are able to think in a way that lets them see both sides of an issue so that they can form a strong argument are well suited to being lawyers. Lawyers also need to have good people skills, strong language skills and the ability to negotiate. Having these skills also allows law students to work for companies as legal advisors or in government. They can also work in higher education as lecturers or for research companies.

Studying Law

The three major universities in the Western Cape (UCT, UWC and Stellenbosch) all offer law degrees. The entrance criteria for a 4-year, full-time Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) for 2009 for each university is as follows:

1. University of Cape Town:

Admission criteria for students holding the National Senior Certificate:

  • Level 4 in English
  • A pass in Mathematics or Level 5 in Mathematical Literacy

 Admission criteria for students holding the Senior Certificate:

  • At least a D symbol in English HG (1st language) or
  • C symbol in English HG (2nd language)
  • Pass in Mathematics recommended

For more information,  download the prospectus for admission criteria or visit the website

2. University of the Western Cape:

  • A full exemption with an A,B or C aggregate
  • Level 4 (50%) in English (home or first additional language)
  • Level 3 (40%) in another language (home or first additional language)
  • Level 3 (40%) in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
  • Level 3 (40%) in three other subjects other than Life Orientation

Admission criteria for UWC

3. Stellenbosch University:

  • 6 NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation). At least 4 of these have to be from the list of subjects for university admission
  • A total average mark of 60%-69% (level 5)
  • An average mark of 40% (level 3) in Mathematics 
  •  An average mark of 60%-69% (level 5) in Afrikaans or English
  • An average of at least 50% for the admission tests for Stellenbosch

Note: Students also have to participate in the university's selection procedure.

 For more information on course requirements, visit the universities' law faculty pages.

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