Programme Type : Full Time

Fees : Fees

Faculty : Law and Para-Legal studies

Entry requirements : Candidates must have obtained at least four (4) Credits at BGCSE (or equivalent) including a pass in English language.

Department : Law

Programme Duration : 2 Years

RATIONALE

 The primary objective of the programme is to meet the need for adequately trained and competent paralegals for Botswana. Lawyers are required, not just to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Administration of Justice, but to provide critical professional input in the broader commerce and industry sector. There is a need for a cadre of people with more than an elementary legal training to service the needs of the wider economy. The programme may be adapted for other regional countries as the need is identified. 

The specific programme objectives are to provide learners with: 

• The basic concepts of law. 
• A thorough understanding of Botswana’s legal system. 
• Relevant knowledge of all court procedures. 
• Skills to enable them to read and understand court decisions. 
• Adequate grounding to enable them to pursue more advanced legal studies.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 

The Diploma in Law is ideal for those who want to venture in the following careers: 

• Court Managers 
• Court Clerks 
• Court Interpreters 
• Court Reporters 
• Consultants 
• Legal Assistants 
• Legal Executives 
• Paralegals 
• Adjudicators/Court Assessors 
• Court Administrators 
• Research Assistant 
• Personal Assistant 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

• Candidates must have obtained at least four (4) Credits at BGCSE (or equivalent) including a pass in English language. OR

• Candidates must have completed a relevant 12 months Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) recognised and accredited Certificate Programme. OR

• Special Entry: Candidates who do not have minimum academic qualifications stated above but have a minimum of three years relevant work experience will be considered. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used as an instrument for further assessment of mature-age entry candidates. 

Note: All pre-service applicants must successfully complete the BA ISAGO six month Foundation/Access/ Bridging Courses. 

PROGRAMME DURATION 

The Diploma programmes runs over a period of 24 months for full- time learners (four semesters in twenty four-months, consisting of six months each) and thirty months for part-time learners. Learners will be required to undertake work learning attachment/ research project within the last semester before completion of the programme.