CONTENTS


1 The LLM programmes at Stellenbosch
2 Combined degree programme (Labour Law) and registration of some modules elsewhere
3 Completion of degree
4 Module selection: some limitations
5 Duration of the programme
6 First meeting
7 Medium of instruction
8 Method of instruction
9 Examinations
10 Admission requirements
11 Admission procedure
12 Fees (approximately)
13 Financial assistance
14 Submission of study project: information and instructions
15 Accommodation

Relevant Links:

 

Schedule A: Timetable for 2003
Note: Contact numbers of Faculty of Law:
LLM-co-ordinator: Carin Visser tel: +27 (0) 21 808 3780
e-mail: cv@sun.ac.za fax: +27 (0)21 886 6235
Faculty Secretary: Daniel Solomons tel: +27 (0) 21 808 4850
e-mail: dps@sun.ac.za

1. The LLM Programmes at Stellenbosch

1.1 The University of Stellenbosch offers three LLM programmes by course work, namely a general LLM, a LLM in International Trade and a LLM in Human Rights.

1.2 The curriculum for the general LLM by course work is not formally organised on a departmental basis, and there is no uniform set of prescribed courses. Students are instead invited to compile a curriculum from courses offered by the Faculty. Selections must meet the formal degree requirements and are subject to approval by the Faculty Board. The timetable also restricts the options available to the student. This is inevitable. The timetable, while leaving room for interdisciplinary choices, permits student specialisation by the selection of modules within the broad areas of either Private, Mercantile or Public Law. A study project must be completed. See further paragraph 15 below.

1.3 The LLM in International Trade Law comprises the two modules, International Business Transactions A and B (Department of Mercantile Law) combined with International Commercial Arbitration (Department of Mercantile Law) and one of the following two semester courses: Fiscal Implications of International Trade (Department of Mercantile Law) or Public Law Aspects of International Trade (Department of Public Law). A study project must be completed. See further paragraph 15 below.

1.4 The LLM in Human Rights Law requires students to successfully complete four modules and submit a study project. The programme comprises Comparative Human Rights Law as a compulsory module, combined with a choice of three of the following modules: Employment Equity or Labour Law under the Constitution; Advanced Family Law; Comparative Constitutionalism; Transitional Justice, Constitutional Rights and Criminal Justice (UWC), International Criminal Law and International Protection of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (UCT). Participants must submit a study project on a topic related to the protection of human rights. See further paragraph 15 below.

1.5 The timetable for 2003 is set out in schedule A to this prospectus. Seminars are usually presented after normal working hours to accommodate part-time students.

1.6 With exception of the LLM in International Trade Law and the LLM in Human Rights, under university regulations, the degree certificate will not reflect any chosen field of specialisation. However, a certificate issued by the Faculty of Law will afford formal recognition of modules followed.

1.7 The LLM by course work is not a correspondence course. Class attendance at Stellenbosch is required. However, a LLM by course work and which focuses on International Trade Law, is offered by distance education. See paragraph 16 below.

2. Combined degree programmes (Labour Law) and registration of some subjects elsewhere

2.1 The Universities of Stellenbosch, Cape Town (UCT) and the Western Cape (UWC) offer a combined LLM degree in Labour Law. Students registering for the LLM degree at Stellenbosch will be permitted to enrol as students in two modules in Labour Law at UCT or UWC (or in one course at each of these universities) in addition to the two modules in Labour Law offered at Stellenbosch. Students registering for the LLM degree in Labour law at UCT or UWC will similarly be permitted to enrol for the Stellenbosch modules in Labour Law.

2.2 In addition to the combined degree in Labour Law, students registering for a LLM degree at Stellenbosch may be allowed to enrol - subject to the approval of the respective Faculty Boards and subject to paragraph 3.2 below - for a maximum of two approved modules from the LLM programme at UCT or UWC. The practical legal training course will not be accredited as a LLM module at Stellenbosch.

2.3 Students registered at UCT or UWC may, with approval of the respective Faculty Boards, follow a maximum of two modules offered by Stellenbosch for purposes of meeting the requirements of the university at which they are registered.

Students who decide to enrol for modules at UCT and/or UWC, should note that registration at those universities would also be required. For details contact Mrs J Oakley at UCT tel +27 (0)21 650 2997 or e-mail: oakley@law.uct.ac.za or Mrs E Witten at UWC tel: +27 (0) 21 959 3291 or e-mail: ewitten@uwc.ac.za.

3. Completion of Degree

3.1 A student will be awarded the LLM degree after

(a) the successful completion of prescribed curricula in four modules; and
(b) the acceptance of a study project, prepared under supervision, of 10 000 to 15 000 words on a topic approved by the Faculty Board.

3.2 Students will be required to complete and submit their study projects at the university where they are registered for degree purposes. See paragraph 15 below for further details.

4. Module selection: some limitations

4.1 The availability, presentation and structure of courses in a given year may be affected by the absence of faculty members on leave.

4.2 A minimum enrolment of five students is required for a module to be presented. For the module Comparative Constitutionalism a minimum enrolment of 10 students is required.

4.3 The timetable as set out in schedule A also restricts the available options.

5. Duration of the Programme

5.1 Full-time students are required to satisfy the prescribed requirements within one academic year consisting of two semesters of 14 weeks each. Two modules must be followed in each semester, and students will be examined on a semester basis.

5.2 The Faculty Board may allow students to spread their studies over a period of two years. Such students will be required to follow at least one module per semester. In such a case class fees will depend on the number of modules followed in a given semester.

5.3 Full-time and part-time students may elect to commence their studies at the beginning of the first or second semester.

5.4 Students are, as a rule, not permitted to register for more than two courses per semester.

6. First Meeting

All students are required to attend the first meeting at the beginning of the academic year. This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 5 February at 18:00 at the Ou Hoofgebou. The purpose and details of this meeting are set out in a further notice, which can be obtained from Carin Visser (cv@sun.ac.za). A separate informal meeting will be arranged for students who only commence their studies in the second semester.

7. Medium of Instruction

English. However, assignments, study projects and examinations may be written in Afrikaans or English.

8. Method of instruction

8.1 Modules will be presented by means of seminar sessions based on prescribed material. Active student participation is required.

8.2 There will be one session of 2 hours in each module per week, or as otherwise arranged with students (e.g., one 4-hour session every second week).

9. Examinations

9.1 Formal examinations will be conducted in all modules. The study project will be evaluated by a supervisor in conjunction with an internal or external examiner.

9.2 Written examinations may be supplemented by oral examinations.

10. Admission Requirements

A prerequisite for admission to the LLM programme is a LLB degree or another bachelor’s degree in law that has been accepted by the Senate for this purpose or an equivalent overseas qualification.

11. Admission Procedure

11.1 By written application to the Faculty Officer, Faculty of Law, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602. South African students must apply before 15 January of the year of registration and foreign students before 30 September of the year before registration. However, late applications will also be considered.

11.2 Applications for registration for the second semester have to be submitted by 15 July in the case of South African students and 30 April in the case of foreign students. However, here late applications will also be considered.

11.3 Application Form:

http://admin.sun.ac.za/Student/Admissions/forms/Intro_applypostgrad.html (English)
http://www.sun.ac.za/admissions/forms/aansoekvorm_na.htm (Afrikaans)

12. Fees (approximately)

12.1 Although the fees for 2003 have not yet been finalised, it will amount to approximately R3 250 per module and R1 000 for the study project. Fees for the full complement of modules may accordingly amount to R14 000 (R3 250 x 4 = R13 000 + R1 000).

12.2 Students from abroad are also required to pay an international student levy. Please contact the International Office at interoff@sun.ac.za in this regard.

12.3 The onus is on the student to establish the fees prior to registration. Students should note that student fees might be amended annually. This will affect students who decide to complete the LLM programme in two years instead of one, as well as students who enrol in the LLM programme during the second semester, thereby straddling two academic years.

13. Financial Assistance

Consult Part 2 of the Yearbook of the University of Stellenbosch.

14. Submission of study project: Information and Instructions

14.1 A student will be awarded the LLM degree after successful completion of prescribed curricula in four modules and the acceptance of a study project, prepared under supervision, of 10 000 to 15 000 words (excluding footnotes).

14.2 The study project must be on a topic approved by the Faculty Board. Students are requested to take the initiative and make their own suggestions. The chosen topic need not necessarily be linked to one of the modules offered in the LLM programme. However, see paragraph 1.4 above. Further written information concerning the study project, can be obtained from Carin Visser (tel 021 808 3780 e-mail: cv@sun.ac.za).

15. Accommodation

15.1 Registration for the LLM-degree does not mean that a student automatically qualifies for accommodation in one of the official residences of the University. The Law Faculty is not responsible for arranging accommodation.

15.2 Students from outside South Africa must contact:
Ms Petronella Gous, International Office, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 SOUTH AFRICA. Tel. no: +27 (0)21 808 4628; Fax no: +27 (0)21 808 3799; E-mail: interoff@sun.ac.za.

15.3 South African students seeking accommodation must contact:
Mrs S Blanché (for men’s residences) at tel no: (021) 808 4546 and fax no: (021) 808 3822.
Mrs SM Gürgen (for ladies’ residences) at tel no: (021) 808 4907 and fax no: (021) 808 3822.

SCHEDULE A

LLM Timetable

FIRST SEMESTER Subject to Confirmation

SECOND SEMESTER Subject to Confirmation

 

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