Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice
Paralegal Practice encompasses the essential role of legal professionals who work alongside lawyers to provide crucial support in the legal field. Paralegals assist with research, document preparation, case management, and client communication.
This qualification prepares you with the essential competencies required for paralegal practice in a professional context. You will acquire foundational knowledge, theory, and skills necessary for tasks such as providing administrative assistance in completing official documentation, understanding key legal concepts, and engaging with the community by providing guidance and education on Human Rights. Moreover, you will develop an understanding of when to refer matters requiring ethical conduct to other legal practitioners within the Judicial System.
Additionally, this qualification provides a pathway for further academic endeavours, enabling you to progress towards a Boston Diploma or Degree with the possibility of advanced placement through the institution’s credit accumulation and transfer process.
HCert (Paralegal Practice)
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Time to Complete: |
1 year (minimum) - 3 years (maximum) |
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Study Options: |
Full-time or Part-time |
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Credits: |
140 |
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NQF Level: |
5 |
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SAQA ID: |
118171 |
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
Your endorsement says it all.
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Various Assessment Strategies (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.