Law & Human Resources
Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice
Study the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice with Boston City Campus.
This Higher Certificate introduces you to South Africa’s legal system and shows you how legal offices, government departments and community law centres operate. You gain a working understanding of civil and criminal procedures, legal documentation and the administrative processes that support attorneys, advocates and legal advisors.
When you study with Boston, you develop practical skills used in real legal environments. You learn how to draft and manage legal documents, prepare files for hearings, assist with case administration and communicate with clients in a professional and ethical way.
You also learn how to interpret basic legislation, recognise human rights issues and identify matters that must be escalated to qualified legal practitioners. This prepares you for entry level roles in legal administration, compliance support, community legal services and related legal pathways.
The qualification also provides a route into further study through a Boston Diploma or Degree for those who want to progress into broader legal, governance or regulatory careers.
Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice
Time to Complete
1 Year (min) - 3 Years (max)
Study Options
Full-time or Part-time
Credits
140
NQF Level
5
SAQA ID
118171
Field of Study
Entry Requirements
National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English passed with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate study; or prior to 2009, Senior Certificate with English as one of the modules passed.
Alternatively, a post school qualification may also be considered, for example, an FET/National Certificate, NQF (OQSF) Level 4, minimum Credits 120.
This programme is offered by Boston City Campus in the distance mode of education with support provided at Learner Support Centres. Apply to register at any Boston City Campus Learner Support Centre nationwide.
All modules are compulsory and must be passed.
Possible employment opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Paralegal/Paralegal Administrator
- Legal/Litigation Secretary
- Administrative Assistant
- Community-based Advice Officer Mediator
- Conveyancing Clerk
- Recoveries/Liabilities Negotiator
Did you know that Boston does not work on a points system
Although your subjects may be considered, Boston does not use a point system for entry.
Your endorsement says it all.
Your endorsement says it all.
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Various How You’ll Be Assessed (ASC, AS4 and AS2) are used throughout the modules in the programme. For example, AS2 is predominately applied in this programme and consists of a Formative Assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, which 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%).
No supplementary assessment is provided for FA1. A maximum of one (1) additional supplementary assessment opportunity is provided for SA1, which will be charged for. An overall mark of fifty percent (50%) is required to pass a module. Please consult the Fact Sheet and Student Rulebook for additional, detailed programme information.
On completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:
- Utilise technology to communicate and conduct legal research within a paralegal practice
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the law, civil and criminal procedures within the South African legal framework
- Demonstrate knowledge of the law to provide rudimentary forms of legal advice and assitance within a paralegal practice
- Apply alternative mechanisms for resolving disputes as an option to court-based litigation
- Perform administrative functions in a legal office environment, guide and refer internal and external clients in a paralegal context
- Demonstrate ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with clients
BOSTON UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
On successful completion the Learner will be issued a Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice, NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 118171, minimum 140 credits from Boston City Campus.