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