Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies in Commercial Practice

The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies in Commercial Practice is a specialised programme designed to build a solid understanding of commercial law and its application in a commercial environment. Students learn how to handle legal documentation, assist with compliance, support contract management, and understand the legal aspects of commercial operations. This programme focuses on the legal principles governing commerce, preparing graduates for roles in corporate legal departments, law firms, and organisations involved in commercial transactions and operations.

The programme provides a foundation for further studies in law and commerce. Graduates may progress to qualifications such as diplomas in law and commercial law.

Minimum – 1 year of study

Maximum – 3 years of study

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 in Commercial Practice 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 (The Matriculation Board 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 certificate 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.

Study materials are supplied in digital format only.