Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is a foundational programme designed to equip students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal system, providing students with a solid understanding of South African law, legal processes, and the role of paralegals in supporting legal practitioners in various settings. The qualification is aimed at those seeking a career as a paralegal or those already working in a legal environment who wish to formalise their experience.

The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies also provides a pathway to further legal studies. Graduates may choose to pursue qualifications such as a diploma in law, criminal justice, or specialized areas of legal practice.

Minimum – 1 year of study (full time)

Maximum – 3 years of study (part time)

Students can potentially pursue a career in:

• Paralegal Secretary
• Legal Advisor to an Estate Agent
• Legal Advisor to a Manufacturer
• Judiciary

Upon successful completion of your qualification, you will receive a certificate depicting: Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at a graduation ceremony provided that your account is in order.

NB: Certificates cannot be issued to the students before a graduation ceremony.

The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies are:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Higher Certificate endorsement, or
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with Higher Certificate endorsement, or
• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC), with Higher Certificate endorsement, or
• A Senior Certificate (SC), with University Exemption or Higher Certificate endorsement, or
• Foreign School leaving Certificate that complies with minimum admission requirements for Higher Certificate study as gazetted by the Matriculation Board (SAQA will do equivalency evaluation).

Alternative admission requirements:

• Senate discretionary admission
• Mature Age (23 – 45 years of age): conditions apply*
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

*Age exemption certificates must be attained from the Matriculation Board before admission can be granted.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016. The final approval for applications in respect of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.

Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.