A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is the required educational qualification to become an attorney or an advocate. The LLB degree is designed to give students an extensive knowledge of the law to be able to offer legal services competently and efficiently.
This type of law degree is a four-year one, with the final year being equivalent to honours. This programme provides the most straightforward path to becoming a lawyer, as it is a pure law degree.
In this article, we will answer the question ‘What is a Bachelor of Laws?’ by exploring its structure and duration. We will also discuss the curriculum, career opportunities, and admission requirements for the Bachelor of Laws.
What is a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree?
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate degree that serves as the foundational qualification for legal practitioners. Initially offered as a doctorate by medieval universities, the LLB has evolved over centuries to become the standard law degree in many countries. This degree has adapted to meet the changing needs of the legal profession and society.
Today, the LLB degree is globally recognised and is considered an essential qualification for those aiming to enter the legal field. While the LLB is the standard title in many countries, there are equivalents like Juris Doctor (J.D.) in the United States.
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Structure and Duration of the Programme
The LLB degree is designed to give students an extensive knowledge of the law. Hence, it typically takes three to four years of full-time study. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills to ensure that graduates are well-equipped for a career in law. The curriculum covers essential core subjects and elective courses. Moreover, the programme often includes practical components like internships, moot courts, and legal clinics to give students hands-on experience.
Differences Between LLB and Other Law Degrees (JD, LLM)
To get a clear picture of what the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) entails, it’s helpful to compare it with other law degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD) and the Master of Laws (LLM). The table below highlights the difference between aspects of each degree, thus helping you understand what is a Bachelor of Laws:
|
Aspect |
LLB (Bachelor of Laws) |
JD (Juris Doctor) |
LLM (Master of Laws) |
|
Typical Duration |
3-4 years |
3 years |
1 year |
|
Global Recognition |
Offered in most countries |
Predominantly used in the US |
Recognised worldwide, often used for specialisation |
|
Level of Study |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
Postgraduate |
Bachelor of Laws Curriculum: Overview
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme offers an extensive legal education, covering essential legal principles with specialised topics. It typically includes a mix of core subjects that explore essential areas of law and elective courses that allow students to explore specific interests or areas of specialisation. This well-structured curriculum defines the question, ‘What is a Bachelor of Laws?’. Here’s an overview of the key subjects covered in LLB curriculum:
Core Modules:
Typically, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) covers the following core modules through its 4-year duration. However, these modules can vary between institutions as per their curriculum. Here are the core modules:
- Constitutional Law
- Family Law
- Law of Contract
- International Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Criminal Law
- Labour Law
- Administrative Law
- Introduction to Tax Law
- Law of Evidence
- Law of Property
Learn More About The Core Subjects in a Bachelor of Laws Programme
Electives:
With electives, you will get the opportunity to specialise in a specific area of interest, gaining a broader understanding of your field of study. The following are the key electives you may explore, though the specific options can vary between institutions:
- Business Management
- Financial Accounting
- Accounting for Legal Practice
- Cyber Law
- Environmental Law
- Insurance Law
- International Business Law
- Medical Law
Read More On Exploring Electives in a Bachelor of Laws Programme
Which is better – a BCom or an LLB degree?
It’s not a case of doing one or the other. If you have completed a three-year BCom or BA you can still become a lawyer provided you complete an additional two-year LLB. The time you spent on your initial degree will not have been wasted if it gives you a good background in business, or an industry on which you wish to focus as a specialist legal practitioner.
However, the LLB degree is a prerequisite to join professional bodies such as the Law Society or Bar Council. According to the Law Society of South Africa, you qualify to be admitted as a legal practitioner once you have satisfied all the requirements for the LLB degree at any university. This involves a course of study of not less than four years, or a course of study of not less than five years if the LLB degree is preceded by a bachelor’s degree other than an LLB.
After obtaining an LLB degree you will be eligible to apply for a postgraduate qualification – a Master of Laws (LLM) degree – which can open up pathways to further develop skills and expertise in the field of law.
Why you should study for a law degree
The study of law equips one with the capacity to confront complex matters, assess and comprehend human reasoning, and evaluate situations with rational acuity. Good lawyers emerge from their studies able to communicate well – essential to convey sound arguments in court – as well as able to absorb a great deal of information and distil the essence of it.
Bachelor of Laws career opportunities
LLB graduates have a variety of careers available to them.
Some will involve further study, typically in the form of bar exams in order to be licensed to practice professionally. Bachelor of Laws career opportunities include becoming lawyers, magistrates, judges, paralegals, legal consultants, state attorneys, prosecutors, or professors of law.
Each of these law career paths offers its own unique challenges and rewards.
What are the Bachelor of Laws Requirements?
To apply for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, you need a Matric with a Bachelor pass or NQF level 4 equivalent qualification. You may also need to complete certain prerequisite or preparatory courses, like English and mathematics, to be fully prepared for legal studies.
Typically, the application process involves filling out an application form, submitting your academic transcripts, and possibly providing letters of recommendation or a personal statement. However, to boost your chances of being accepted, carefully review the specific requirements and deadlines for each programme and consider seeking advice to navigate the application process effectively.
What skills are required for an LLB degree
Mastery of written and verbal communication are key skills for a successful lawyer, so it is essential that you develop strong communication skills. This will not only create opportunities for you but will also help you present your ideas and arguments to good effect in legal and business settings.
The ability to research is another vital skill for legal practitioners. As you are likely to be researching and investigating case facts, preparing legal papers, and offering advice to clients on complex matters, you need strong research abilities as well as analytical skills to interpret, sift, and present information.
Where can you study for a Bachelor of Laws?
The quality of your LLB degree is important, so make sure that the school you sign up with is accredited. And the better the school you attend, the better your peer network is likely to be – an important consideration for your future.
Regenesys Business School has launched a law school that offers an accredited Bachelor of Laws. This law degree will enable graduates to practice in a variety of legal disciplines, in addition to being eligible to enter the legal profession as an admitted attorney or advocate once they pass the relevant professional examinations.
Conclusion
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is a key qualification for anyone starting a career in law. It offers a strong foundation in legal principles, combining important theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a well-organised curriculum. This degree prepares you for traditional legal careers like Attorney, Advocate, or Judge while also opening up opportunities in other areas such as the corporate sector, NGOs, and academia. Moreover, it helps you succeed in your career and pursue further specialisations. We hope our article provided you with a clear understanding of the question, ‘What is a Bachelor of Laws?
Join Regenesys Law School’s Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme to build a solid foundation and acquire the expertise essential for succeeding in the legal profession. Apply now!
What is a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree? – FAQs
What is a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree?
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is an undergraduate degree that provides foundational legal education. It’s essential for entering the legal profession and is recognised globally.
What is the duration and structure of the LLB programme?
The LLB typically takes three to four years to complete. It includes core modules and electives, along with practical components like internships and moot courts.
How does the LLB compare to other law degrees like JD and LLM?
The LLB is an undergraduate degree, while the JD is a postgraduate degree used mainly in the US, and the LLM is a postgraduate degree for specialisation.
What core modules are included in the Regenesys Law School LLB curriculum?
Core modules include Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Family Law. The curriculum blends theory with practical skills, helping learners to excel in their law careers.
What career opportunities are available with an LLB degree?
An LLB opens doors to job roles like Attorney, Advocate, and Judge, as well as roles in corporate sectors, NGOs, and academia. It also provides a foundation for further studies.
