University of the Western Cape law school is regarded as one of the most prestigious law faculties in South Africa and across Africa. In 1979, the UWC Law school became independent after separating from the former faculty of Commerce and Law.
Since then, the law faculty has churned out a successful number of alumni who have built careers in private, public practice and several other sectors.
UWC law faculty ranking
University of the Western Cape law school ranks 9th on the list of best law schools in South Africa 2023 as compiled by SCIMAGO Institutions Rankings. It also placed 15th in Africa and 671st in the World on the SCIMAGO rankings.
Is UWC a good University for law?
Yes, UWC law school is a good law school considering factors such as years since establishment, ranking in SA, Africa and the world. Also, the University of the Western Cape law school has qualified faculty staff to handle the various areas of law.
UWC faculty of law requirements
There are several routes of entry into the UWC law faculty for their LLB program. The requirements for each route of entry are as listed below:
1. Four Year LLB
Minimum requirements for applicants who matriculated from 2008. Applicants have to either meet requirements (a) or (b).
(a) The National Senior Certificate for bachelor’s degree study plus a score of no less than 37 points calculated according to the university’s approved points system, as well as the following specific program requirements:
- Level 4 (50-59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language)
- Level 3 (40-49%) in another language (Home or First Additional Language)
- Level 3 (40-49%) in Mathematics or level 5 (60-69%) in Mathematical Literacy
(b) A qualification or level of competence which the Senate of the University has deemed to be equivalent to the requirements stipulated (a) above.
NB: The selection criteria for LLB Four Year streams as follows.
- UWC APS points score,
- Performance in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; and
- Performance in English
2. Five Year LLB
Minimum requirements for applicants who matriculated from 2008. Applicants have to either meet requirements (a) or (b).
(a) The National Senior Certificate for bachelor’s degree study plus a score of no less than 37 points calculated according to the university’s approved points system, as well as the following specific program requirements:
- Level 4 (50-59%) in English (home or first additional language)
- Level 3 (40-49%) in another language (Home or First Additional Language)
- Level 3 (40-49%) in Mathematics or level 5 (60-69%) in Mathematical Literacy
(b) A qualification or level of competence which the Senate of the University has deemed to be equivalent to the requirements stipulated (a) above.
NB: The selection criteria for this route of entry (Five-year stream) is:
- UWC APS points score,
- Performance in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; and
- Performance in English
3. Two Year LLB
Applicants must possess Bachelor of Arts degree (BA law) or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom law) degree which meets the following requirements:
(a1) BA (Law) – The National Senior Certificate for bachelor’s degree study plus a score of no less than 37 points calculated according to the University’s approved points system.
(a2) BCom (Law)The National Senior Certificate for bachelor’s degree study with 4 subjects at a rating of 4, with a score of no fewer than 30 points calculated according to the University’s approved points system, as well as the following specific subject requirements:
In addition, the following specific subject requirements must be met:
- Level 4 (50-59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language);
- Level 3 (40-49%) in Additional Language (Home or First Additional Language); and
- Level 3 (40- 49%) in Mathematics or level 5 (60-69%) in Mathematical Literacy OR
(b) A qualification or level of competence which the Senate of the University has deemed to be equivalent to the requirements stipulated in (a) above.
NB: The selection criteria is based on your performance in Bachelors degree.
4. Three Year LLB
Applicants must be holders of bachelor’s degree without legal subjects. The selection criteria are based on your performance in Bachelor’s degree.
How long is LLB at UWC?
The length of time it takes you to complete your LLB at UWC law school depends on your route of entry.
(i) Students entering with a National Senior Certificate for bachelor’s degree study – 4 Years
(ii) Students entering with bachelor’s degree without legal subjects – 3 Years
(iii) Students entering with BA law or BCom law – 2 Years
What subjects do you need to study law at UWC?
English, Home or additional language and Mathematics are the subjects you need to study law at UWC law school. The selection criteria are as follows:
UWC law faculty tuition fees
Law school is not cheap. Students admitted to the law faculty of UWC in 2022 paid a tuition fee of R14 830.
How do I contact the faculty of law at UWC?
For further information, direct your enquiries to email: lawundergradenq@uwc.ac.za. You may also contact a specific staff member relevant to your query directly.
- Administrator
Tel: 021 959 3291
Email: amrhoda@uwc.ac.za - Administrative Assistant
Tel: 021 959 3617
Email: tmorekure@uwc.ac.za - Faculty Officer
Tel: 021 959 3486
Email: rvalentine@uwc.ac.za
Conclusion
The University of the Western Cape law faculty is well suited to provide you the needed tuition to help you achieve your dream of becoming a lawyer. It should definitely be on the list of law schools in South Africa to consider.
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