Virtual Campus Postgraduate – University of Pretoria

Postgraduate Studies

Faculty of Law
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Faculty of Law
Research Excellence at University of Pretoria

Research at the University of Pretoria (UP) is at the apex of the University’s long-term strategic plan, UP 2025, which is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa. Equally important is the University’s international visibility and the impact of its research and innovation on socio-economic development in South Africa and in the region. UP therefore deliberately balances its focus on research and innovation and the partnerships fostered by creating an environment that is conducive to scholarly pursuits. A wide range of research and professional areas underscores the strength of UP in research and postgraduate education, and also the areas in which UP is positioned as a research leader in Africa and internationally.

UP has been home to some of Africa’s most significant leaders in research. Each year the increasing number of National Research Foundation-rated researchers is evidence of the University’s commitment to attracting and retaining researchers of the highest distinction, as well as young researchers with the potential for research excellence.

It is through the sustained individual and collective actions of our researchers that UP continues to strengthen its identity as a leading research-intensive university in Africa.

Welcome to the Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria is the top law school in Africa and among the world’s best law schools. We have internationally recognised programmes in all our disciplines.We are home to the world-renowned Centre for Human Rights, which has a stellar record for promoting justice and equality around the world and in Africa in particular. Our expertise as a faculty is recognised at the highest levels, with some of our academics being representatives at the United Nations.

Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law

Prof Steve Cornelius

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, and thank you for considering UP.

At UP Law, we are shaping minds that shape tomorrow. As one of the leading law faculties in South Africa and Africa, and one of the top law schools globally, we prepare graduates who are ready to lead with impact, serve and make a meaningful difference in society.

Whether you choose an LLB, BCom Law or BA Law, you’ll benefit from exceptional teaching, personalised academic support and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Our strong partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the World Bank, leading universities worldwide, and prominent law firms in South Africa and across the globe, provide our students with a truly international perspective. We pride ourselves on exposing students to a diversity of viewpoints and ideas that challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives and prepare them to navigate the complex challenges facing the world today.

A legal qualification from UP opens doors across the globe. Employers value our graduates because they leave the university well equipped with the critical thinking, ethical leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through our career development initiatives and practical learning opportunities, we help our students prepare for their first job, further study or even starting their own firm or business.

Our alumni include judges serving in the International Court of Justice in the Hague, the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and High Courts, not only in South Africa but across the African continent, chairs of United Nations Commissions and UN rapporteurs, as well as government ministers and other leaders in government, business and civil society.

Our academics have played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s constitutional democracy and continue to influence legal scholarship, policy and justice across Africa and beyond.

When you join UP Law, you become part of a proud history spanning almost 120 years. You will become part of a community committed to excellence, justice, integrity and service. Here, you’ll be challenged to think critically, act ethically and develop the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact wherever your career takes you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Faculty of Law. Choose wisely. Choose UP.

Postgraduate programmes

A postgraduate qualification in law facilitates critical thought, develops legal research skills, and leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of law, of legal reasoning, of legal systems and legal institutions. It enhances specialisation in a particular field. It can boost your earning potential, change your career track and make you a more competitive force in the legal profession.

The Faculty of Law has an extensive postgraduate programme that ties in with its main research focus areas. These include: Air and Space Law; Child Law; Extractive Industries Law; Family Law; Law and Medicine; Banking Law; Consumer Protection; Insolvency, Labour and Corporate Law; Law of Contract, Social Justice, Human Rights and the right to life; Development and Trade Law; and Intellectual Property Law.

These focus areas not only establish UP’s Faculty of Law as a research leader, but the research done by our staff in these focus areas further feeds into our post-graduate student programmes.

We aim to create an enabling environment in which our postgraduate students and their supervisors can function optimally. Our supervisors provide academic guidance and mentorship to students and are key role players in the administrative efficiency of postgraduate study.

After selecting your postgraduate programme, you will need to identify a supervisor to give you academic support and help you achieve a high standard of research outputs during your postgraduate journey. At UP we place strong emphasis on academic excellence and innovation and strive to provide a supportive environment for all our postgraduate students to thrive.

Choosing a supervisor plays a crucial role in empowering students to become independent thinkers, skilled researchers and influential contributors in their chosen fields. Supervisors also play a pivotal role in helping students shape their research topics, refine methodologies and navigate the complex landscape of academia.

During your postgraduate studies, you have the chance to work closely with your supervisors, receiving personalised attention and guidance. This close relationship allows for constructive feedback, brainstorming sessions and the development of critical thinking skills.

If you are considering postgraduate studies at UP, rest assured that you will be embarking on an exciting journey of intellectual exploration, personal growth and professional development. By choosing UP you will have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional supervisors, collaborate with exceptional peers and make a lasting impact in your chosen discipline.

Find a suitable supervisor for your chosen area of research here

Institutes, Centres and Units

In line with its mission of pursuing recognition and excellence in its core functions of research, teaching and learning, as well as integrating engagement with society and communities, UP consolidates many of its research, teaching and engagement activities in 100 institutes, centres and units in the faculties.

A significant number of South African Research Chairs (funded by the South African Research Chairs Initiative), as well as research chairs funded by industry, are housed in these institutes, centres and units. Research themes spanning expertise across departments or faculties are often also based in these institutes, centres and units.

The Faculty of Law at UP houses a number of Centres, Institutes, Clinics, Research Chairs & Units:

Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria
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Funding Opportunities

As a postgraduate student or prospective student at UP, there are a number of research resources available to you to identify suitable research funding opportunities. Apart from the University, many companies and institutions offer scholarships and bursaries for postgraduate studies. The University manages a number of financial funds on behalf of institutions who provide such funding. Applications for financial assistance, bursaries or funding must be submitted concurrently while you apply for admittance to your postgraduate programme. Funding is subject to approval and availability.

Gomolemo Sibeko

Dinendri Pillay

Postgraduate Accommodation

More about Accommodation

If you are looking for that special place you can call your home away from home, then a residence at the University of Pretoria (UP) is just the place for you. With us, you will find an environment that is conducive to working and studying hard.

Click here to learn more about our accommodation application process.

Jakaranda Residence

Protea Mbalenhle Residence

Tuksdorp

Xayata Residence

Enrolment

HOW to apply

Application

We're delighted that you're interested in studying with us.

Apply Now

Hatfield

Cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street
Hatfield
Pretoria
South Africa
www.up.ac.za
012 420 5241 / 012 420 5039

Any further questions?

Our Course Enquiries team are ready to hear from you. You can get in touch in the following ways:

info@up.ac.za

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Programme Directors: Alex Caige and Jodell Kirsten Tantij

09:00	About the University of Pretoria
09:05	Introduction of the Executive and Deans
	Prof Carolina Koornhof Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives
09:09	Introduction to the University of Pretoria
	Prof Tawana Kupe Vice-Chancellor and Principal University of Pretoria
09:19	TuksSport
09:22	UP Culture
09:24	Life in a TuksRes
09:28	Student Representative Council
	Ms Thuto Mashila SRC President
09:30	Teaching and Learning at the University of Pretoria
	Prof Loretta Feris Vice-Principal: Academic
09:33	Bursary draw announcements
09:34	Virtual Campus demonstration
09:38	Hamper winners announcements
09:40	Embrace THE UP WAY
	Faculty Information Sessions
10:00	Health Sciences \| Law \| Education
11:00	Natural and Agricultural Sciences \| Humanities \| Theology and Religion
12:00	Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology \| Economic and Management Sciences \| Veterinary Science

Main session: 09:00 – 09:35
Welcome and introduction:
Prof Themba Mosia The Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Research and postgraduate overview:
Prof Sunil Maharaj Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and PG Education
Current postgraduate students share their experience of UP services, support, and funding opportunities.
Postgraduate funding overview
Postgraduate international student support
Closing
Faculty Sessions: 09:35 – 10:20
Faculties share information on their postgraduate offering and faculty requirements. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Faculty of Education Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Faculty of Health Sciences Faculty of Humanities Faculty of Law Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Theology and Religion Faculty of Veterinary Science Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Live chat functionality available: 10:20 – 14:00

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Law
Research Excellence at University of Pretoria