Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice

Assessment Strategy C (ASC): Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as quizzes, will count fifty percent (50%) – twenty five percent (25%) each – towards the overall mark. A summative assessment in the form of a final exam (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark.
Due Performance (DP): This module is not weighted nor credit-bearing. However, the minimum hours required in continuous professional and career development must be completed before progressing to the next year of study or certification. It is vital that students in degree programmes develop greater breadth of understanding of interrelated disciplines and practices as mimicked in the world of work, and therefore participation in opportunities provided in this module is compulsory. A summative assessment in the form of reflective essay is required. Assessment Strategy 1 (AS1): The formative assessment 1 (FA1), formative assessment 2 (FA2), formative assessment 3 (FA3) and summative assessment 1 (SA1), all in the form of practical assessments, will each count twenty five percent (25%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 2 (AS2): The formative assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, will count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark. The summative assessment in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%).
Assessment Strategy 3 (AS3): The formative assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, will count forty percent (40%) towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 4 (AS4): Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments or tests, will count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.
Assessment Strategy 5 (AS5): Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments or tests, will count thirty percent (30%) – fifteen percent (15%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count sixty percent (60%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 6 (AS6): Formative Assessments (FA1 & FA2), which may take the form of assignments, research essays or tests will count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative Assessments (SA1 & SA2), which may take the form of capstone projects, tasks, presentations, written or oral exams, or a research proposal will count sixty percent (60%) – thirty percent (30%) each – towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy IS (ASIS): An integrated summative assessment 1 (SA1) in the form of a final examination will count 100% towards the overall mark.
Assessment Strategy W (ASW): Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments, will count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a practicum, will count forty percent (40%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count twenty percent (20%) towards the overall mark.

Based on the credits and notional hours of this qualification, the minimum duration is two (2) semesters over a period of one (1) year, and the maximum duration is three (3) years.

On completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:

• Utilise technology to communicate and conduct legal research on behalf of a legal practitioner.
• Provide rudimentary forms of legal advice and assistance to persons in conflict with the regulation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the law, civil and criminal procedures to a specific problemwithin the South African legal framework.
• Apply other tools in resolving disputes rather than resorting to court-based litigation.
• Perform administrative functions in a legal office environment, guide and refer internal andexternal clients in a paralegal context.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with all clients.

A minimum requirement for admission into the higher certificate is a:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
• National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
• Prior to 2009, Senior Certificate with English as one of the subjects passed.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, students will receive a Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice (SAQA ID 118171), NQF (HEQSF) Level 5 (minimum Credits 138) from Boston.