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 proceed with the writing of the thesis.
Duration (minimum and maximum duration
- For full-time students, the study period is at minimum one year and the maximum duration of study is four years.
- For part-time students it is minimum one year and the maximum duration of study is five years.
- If a student has not completed the study within the maximum duration of studies allowed, the student may be terminated
Admission requirements
- To gain admission to the LLD, a student must have obtained an LLM degree from this University or another South African university or a foreign university or must have the status of such a Masters degree granted, on request, by the senate.
- 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.
- Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 65% average for the LLM degree as well as for the mini-dissertation/dissertation (research report) to be admitted to the LLD programme.
- Students must furnish a concept note (a four-page mini proposal) submitted with the application form as proof of his/her research skills before the applicant receives permission to register.
- Students are strongly encouraged to interact with a potential promoter prior to the application process.
Future requirements
- Research doctoral degree students must (in consultation with his/her supervisor) submit the research proposals for a thesis six months after the final date of registration for doctoral degrees (31 October) in their first year of registration.
- A student is required to successfully complete a research discussion six months after the approval of the research proposal
- Allocation of supervisors or promoters
Students applying for a doctoral programme must consult with possible promoters simultaneously with the application process, before registration. The Faculty Board may, in exceptional circumstances, approve the appointment of a co- or assistant promoter, on the grounds of relevant technical expertise.
Curricula of Doctor of Laws (LLD) - Enquiries: Law-Postgrad-Enquiries@nwu.ac.za
Qualification code |
Module code |
Specialisation (with) |
Campus |
Credits |
6CA R01 |
LVCL 971 |
Constitutional Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R02 |
CPLM 971 |
Criminal and Procedural Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R03 |
LVFL 971 |
Formal Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R04 |
LVIA 971 |
International Aspects of Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R05 |
LVLP 971 |
Legal Profession |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R06 |
MCLM 971 |
Mercantile Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R07 |
LVPE 971 |
Perspectives on Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R08 |
PVLM 971 |
Private and Customary Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R09 |
LVPR 971 |
Private Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R10 |
PPLM 971 |
Public Law and Legal Philosophy |
MC/PC |
360 |
6CA R11 |
LVTB 971 |
Trade and Business Law |
MC/PC |
360 |
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