What is a Paralegal Qualification?
Paralegal Qualification is an undergraduate qualification that offers multi-disciplinary knowledge about the South African legal system. Due to its short duration, it is a preferred qualification for those who wish to work within the legal framework but do not want to become a practising lawyer.
Those without a formal education who work at law firms or with attorneys might also seek a Paralegal Qualification to bring credibility to their role. It offers a foundational understanding of legal principles and ethical Paralegal practices required during legal proceedings.
In South Africa, individuals who complete a Paralegal Qualification are eligible to support attorneys with legal research, documentation, and client mediation.
At Regenesys Law School, Paralegal Qualification is an NQF Level 5 qualification and takes 2 years to complete. It is registered under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Paralegal Qualification is a unique undergraduate qualification since it is offered online. This helps to make it accessible to a large number of learners who wish to balance education with their other commitments.
Why is Paralegal Study Important in South Africa?
Each country has a unique legal system influenced by its history, culture, and government structure. South Africa follows a mixed legal system and draws influences from Roman-Dutch Civil Law, British Common Law, customary law, and religious personal law. To be considered for legal positions in South Africa, it is imperative to have a deep understanding of South African laws and constitutional rights.
South Africa’s legal system relies on paralegals' knowledge and expertise to help clients understand terminology and assist with other legal and administrative matters. Paralegals also support attorneys, assist law firms with research, and prepare cases. As the workload for law firms in South Africa increases, they are continually seeking skilled graduates who have completed paralegal studies.
Paralegal practitioners are formally recognised in South Africa, which offers credibility to the role and establishes them as contributors to the legal system. Recognition ensures that those employed in theparalegal practicemaintain professional standards, adhere to ethical guidelines, and comply with South African law.
Paralegal Qualification Overview – Structure, Curriculum, and Duration
The Regenesys Law School offers a 2-year Paralegal Qualification that prepares students to navigate South Africa's legal framework. In addition to providing theoretical knowledge, the qualification also provides the scope for students to gain practical skills.
The curriculum covers various fields of law, helping students develop an overall strong legal foundation and practical skills. This helps to develop graduates who can efficiently conduct legal research, draft documents, and analyse cases.
Students will earn 330 credit points through 10 core modules covering various aspects of the law. This prepares students to explore opportunities under various legal specialisations.
The table below lists the modules that students will complete during the 2-year qualification.
|
Modules
|
Credits
|
|
Fundamentals of Law
|
30
|
|
Basic Theory on Wills and Estates
|
40
|
|
Introduction to Labour Law
|
45
|
|
Basic Theory on Dispute Resolutions
|
45
|
|
Legal Writing
|
35
|
|
Basic Criminal Law and Procedure
|
25
|
|
Basic Civil Law and Procedure
|
20
|
|
Fundamentals of Customer Law, Common Law, and Paralegal
|
40
|
|
Law of Evidence
|
35
|
|
Introduction to Property Law and Conveyancing
|
15
|
Paralegal Qualification Eligibility Requirements
The Regenesys Paralegal Qualification is open to students who have completed their matric exams and those who have been working within the legal sector. This offers students the opportunity to earn a formal qualification in law.
Listed below are the Regenesys Paralegal Qualification requirements for admission:
- NQF level 4 Qualification (OR)
- 3 years of experience within the legal sector
Paralegal Qualification Admission Process
The Regenesys Paralegal Qualification provides students with up-to-date knowledge and relevant skills to navigate the South African legal system.
If you fulfil the admission criteria, the next step is understanding the application procedure. The simple process at Regenesys makes it quick and easy for students to apply to the Paralegal Qualification and begin classes.
These are the steps students should follow to submit their application:
- Visit the Regenesys website
- Navigate to the Paralegal Qualification page
- Check the Paralegal Qualification requirements
- Complete the application form
- Finish the documentation process
- Pay the application fee
- Start enrolment
Paralegal Qualification Fees
At Regenesys, we believe in providing quality education at an affordable price. This helps to make higher education accessible to a larger number of qualified South Africans who can contribute to the nation's growth and economic development.
The Regenesys Paralegal Qualification is a QCTO-accredited 2-year undergraduate qualification that prepares students to work as paralegal practitioners. Students who enrol for this online qualification are required to complete 330 credits during the course of their studies to be awarded an NQF Level 5 qualification.
The Paralegal Qualification fees at Regenesys are affordable, and students have the option to make the payments in instalments. Additionally, Regenesys Education partners with renowned financial aid providers to help cover the cost of higher education. This makes it possible for students to gain a professional qualification without any financial barriers.
What Skills Will I Gain from the Paralegal Qualification?
Completing the Paralegal Qualification prepares graduates for a career in South Africa's legal space. The Regenesys Paralegal Qualification provides an understanding of various aspects of law and equips students with practical skills that are required for the workplace.
Some skills that students develop from a Paralegal programme include:
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Documentation
- Negotiation and Mediation
Paralegal Qualification Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Paralegal Qualification have a diverse range of opportunities available to them. Depending on their interest, they can choose to begin their Paralegal jobs with a specialised attorney. Alternatively, they can seek employment with corporate law departments, NGOs, and government institutes.
Students who complete the Paralegal Qualification can explore employment as a Paralegal Practitioner. They can seek employment with specialised attorneys, private law firms, government institutions, or NGOs.
Why Enrol for the Regenesys Paralegal Qualification?
The Regenesys Paralegal Qualification is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the legal industry. By combining legal theory with practical training, this qualification moulds graduates who are prepared to meet the demands of the profession.
The industry-aligned curriculum keeps students up to date with real-world legal practices, while experienced faculty bring valuable insights from the field, creating a valuable learning experience.
Our commitment to affordable education, accessibility and our legacy of academic excellence make Regenesys Education a commendable choice for Paralegal Qualification in South Africa. Graduates leave with the confidence, skills, and credentials to pursue a rewarding Paralegal career.
Some reasons to choose Regenesys Education include:
- QCTO- Accredited Qualification
- Registered by SAQA
- 25+ years of experience
- 500,000+ Alumni in 180 Countries
- Financial Assistance
- Holistic Learning Approach
- Curriculum Integrated with Practical Learning
- Flexible Study Formats
