Rules for the Degree Doctor of laws (LLD)

LLD obtained by writing a thesis

The degree is awarded on the strength of a thesis that is examined by an internal and two external examiners.  The thesis may be on any topic which falls within the faculty’s research focus namely law, justice and sustainability.  There must be sufficient expertise on the topic available in the faculty to provide effective study guidance.

The student must, within 9 months from registration submit a research proposal to the Post Graduate Programme committee for approval. After approval of the research proposal the student must pass an oral exam to determine whether he/she  is ready to to proceed with the writing of the thesis.

Duration (minimum and maximum duration)

The study period extends over a period of at least two years. A student must meet all the requirements for the LLD degree within four years after registration. Should insufficient progress not be made the studies may be terminated.

Admission requirements

To gain admission to the LLD, a student must have obtained an LLM degree from this university or from another South African university or must have the status of such a master’s degree granted such status may be on request by the Senate. The Director Postgraduate programmes may also insist that the student submit adequate proof of his/her research capabilities before adrmitted to the program.  As a guideline a student must have obtained an average of 65% for his/her LLM studies, as well as for the dissertation.

With application for admission the student must submit a two (2) page research proposal to enable the Faculty to determine if sufficient expertise is available, to provide guidance and to appoint a promoter.

An evaluation certificate as issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must be submitted if a previous qualification was obtained in a foreign country.

The research methodology seminar in February is compulsary and must the assessment be passed.

The LLD programme is incorporated in the focus area by means of the requirement that all new research proposals must indicate the manner in which the proposed thesis will contribute to the theme "Law, Justice and Sustainability".

Doctoral research is undertaken under the guidance of the senior researchers involved in the focus area. It is not unusual for researchers to serve as assistants or co-promoters of doctoral studies undertaken in other faculties .

 Application for Admission

There are a limited number of International bursaries available for foreign students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the NWU. The bursaries are awarded on academic merit. Students who wish to apply for an LLM bursary must have obtained a sub minimum of 60% in the final year of his/her undergraduate studies including his/her dissertation. Students who wish to apply for an LLD bursary must have obtained a sub minimum of 65% for their LLM, including the dissertation in the case of an LLM through course work. The amount of the bursaries will assist students but will not be sufficient to cover all their expenses. The application must be done electronically. Queries can be directed to mrs Vorster at clarina.vorster@nwu.ac.za

Application for the NWU bursary must be done seperately.

International students - An evaluation certificate as issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) must be submitted if a previous qualification was obtained in a foreign country. For futher informatlion go to https://dfqeas.saqa.co.za/dfqeas/user/home

Because of various requests the closing date has been post phoned to 30 November 2016.
Please apply as soon as possible.