Legal degrees 101: What you need to know about studying law in 2023

As Matrics consider their study options for next year, many are drawn to the idea of pursuing a legal career, based on how it’s portrayed in popular culture including movies, television and most recently, the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial. Others might be put off by these representations of the legal field, feeling that they don’t have the stomach for so much rough and tumble, especially if they are introverts.


But the legal field is extremely varied and have streams that will appeal to many people, regardless of their personality, and with infinitely more career possibilities than just trial law in court, an education expert says.


“Studying law opens many doors across the economy, as there is not one area of our lives that is not regulated by rules such as, for example, road rules, company rules, building laws, and so forth,” says Bronwyn Le Ann Batchelor, Head of Faculty: Law at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider.  “Additionally, there are various options in terms of qualifications in the legal field, which provides entry into various careers,” she says.

These include, for example:

 

  • BCom in Law - General management, legal advisor, corporate governance.
  • BA in Law - Legal advising, paralegal, alternate dispute resolution practitioner, mediator, corporate communications practitioner, legal researcher, court reporter, legal writer, online content manager, criminologist.
  • LLB - Career options in both the public or private sector. You can start your own practice, work for a small organisation (for profit or even an NGO) or even a large company.

 

“When considering your career vision, it is important to find your passion and link that to the associate career which could be any of the following: an advocate, attorney, prosecutor, legal advisor at one of the Chapter 9 institutions, alternate dispute resolution, community law advising, paralegal office advisor, any form of drafting, family-law practice, general commercial mediation, legal education, legal research, and non-governmental legal advising,” Batchelor says.

 

But she warns prospective students to ensure they properly vet their institution before signing up, as an LLB is a professional qualification which means it is important to study at a credible registered institution that has complied with the legal requirements for accreditation of the qualification. The institution must also be able to demonstrate that they have met the necessary standards in order to produce work ready graduates with the necessary attributes.

 

“When selecting where to study, it is important to consider the skills needed to become a lawyer or any form of legal professional. The institution where you study should prepare you for the world of work in as many ways as possible, and some universities unfortunately have not kept up adequately with modern workplace demands. 

 

“Law is always evolving so it is important that the higher education institution you select is on the cutting edge of the most recent developments in the content and skills to be taught to their students, which translates into a work ready graduate.”

 

When considering which qualification to go for, prospective students should be sure to understand the various streams, and what these will qualify them for post-graduation.

 

“There are a few ways in which an LLB Degree can be obtained, but not all Higher Education providers offer the different stream options so this is also an important consideration,” Batchelor says.

 

She says options broadly include the following:

 

  • Straight LLB (4 years)
  • A selection of one of the streams (a 3-year BA in Law or BCom in Law) followed by an LLB Degree (which can often then be completed in 2 years). 

 

The latter stream results in two qualifications in five years. There are pros and cons to proceeding with either option, Batchelor says, adding that after completion of the BA in Law or BCom in Law students can elect to proceed with a different postgraduate qualification that is not necessarily law related.

 

“It is important to consider the criteria and requirements of both options as well as your long-term aspirations, for example if owning your own law firm is your goal, it may be beneficial to have some commercial background by doing a BCom in Law first followed by an LLB.

 

“Making the call on which stream to follow can be challenging, so if you need additional insight and support, speak to student advisors at a reputable higher education provider to help you,” Batchelor advises.

 

She says prospective students should also look beyond traditional law degrees, and see what contemporary degrees might better align with their aspirations. For instance, The IIE LLB degree offered on its IIE Varsity College and IIE MSA campuses has a number of elective modules which are unique and new to the legal profession, such as Integrative Law and Street Law.

 

And the good news for Matriculants who do not meet the necessary entry requirements, is that it doesn’t mean the end of the road for them if law was on their study radar, Batchelor says.

 

“You can still study law by way of completing a Higher Certificate like a Higher Certificate in Legal Studies and thereafter articulating to a Bachelor’s Degree. The Higher Certificate will also empower you to work in a legal office environment after a year of study and upon qualification.”

 

Batchelor says anyone interested in Law as a career should ensure they do as well as possible in English in high school, as language is of crucial importance in the legal field. Not only to meet admission requirements, but because of their prospects of being successful in study and work. In general, most admission requirements for law degrees entail a Bachelor’s pass and a specific marks requirement for English. Some (but not all) also have requirements for Maths, Maths Literacy or Technical Maths marks.

 

“When evaluating where you want to study law, be sure to find a higher education institution that is responsive to change – change in content as well as format of learning. Enquire about recent additions and change to curricula, and new ways of working. If the registrar’s or student support office can’t or won’t respond to these questions, keep looking. You don’t want to qualify with an outdated, purely academic qualification only to find you are not able to function in the real world.

 

“Also, ensure that the institution focuses strongly on work-integrated learning – the golden thread that must be woven throughout the curriculum to ensure graduates have the necessary skills to enter the industry competently and confidently.”

ADvTECH Updates

January 27, 2026
Practical early childhood development advice for schools and parents
By Tamara Thomas January 21, 2026
Rosebank International University College (RIUC), the groundbreaking institution launched last year by Africa’s leading private education provider, the ADvTECH Group, today proudly welcomed its inaugural cohort of students. Hundreds of exceptional first-time students, carefully selected from an overwhelming pool of more than one thousand highly competitive applications, have now officially commenced their transformative academic journey at RIUC . This select cohort now embarks on an unparalleled opportunity – one that will equip them with the advanced skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and innovative mindset essential to meet the evolving demands of the global workforce in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond. Dr Linda Meyer, President of Rosebank International University College, and MD at The IIE’s Rosebank College and Waterfall School of Business (WSB), said: “Today marks an historic step as we welcome our pioneering inaugural cohort.” “Backed by ADvTECH’s pan-African vision, our accreditations, global partnerships, and GETFund support, RIUC is delivering inclusive, innovative education that prepares students for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond, while rooting excellence in African leadership.” “As they step onto the modern campus in Accra for the start of the 2026 academic year, these pioneering students are not only beginning their higher education, but also contributing to a significant milestone in Ghana’s tertiary landscape.” “They are positioned to become future leaders, innovators, and global professionals who will drive meaningful progress both locally and internationally,” she added. RIUC offers accredited programmes across its faculties, including high-demand qualifications such as: Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management Bachelor of Hospitality Management Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development Bachelor of Information Technology in Business Systems Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Retail Entrepreneurship RIUC is truly positioned as a hub for global learning, boasting partnerships with: Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Capsicum Culinary Studio (endorsing culinary programs with global industry ties) Association of African Universities Golden Key International Honour Society (global network for high-achieving scholars) ADvTECH and Rosebank College South Africa “Our new students can look forward to international exchange programmes, immersive study abroad opportunities, and access to globally recognized qualifications,” Dr Meyer says.  With limited remaining space, prospective students for 2026 and beyond are encouraged to register immediately—online at www.riuc.edu.gh/application—registration or by visiting the campus.
January 21, 2026
Pinnacle College Kyalami is a school intentionally designed for their community, one in which adaptability, digital fluency and human skills matter as much as academic knowledge. Its educational model blends strong academic foundations with innovation, personalisation and holistic development to prepare learners for futures that are still unfolding. A defining feature of the school is the purposeful integration of technology into everyday learning . Classrooms are equipped with modern digital tools that support interactive, blended and inquiry-based learning. From Grade 0, students are introduced to coding, robotics and computational thinking , helping them develop problem-solving skills, logical reasoning and creative confidence with technology, not as an add-on, but as part of the learning culture. In Grades 4 to 6, mathematics is supported by ADvLEARN , an AI-enhanced approach to learning that enables teachers to track learner progress with greater precision and tailor targeted support or extension to individual needs. This is further strengthened by the school’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) framework, ensuring that each learner’s academic, emotional and developmental needs are understood and supported in a structured, intentional way. Pinnacle College Kyalami also offers a boarding environment for up to 100 learners , providing a secure, nurturing and structured setting that extends learning beyond the classroom. Boarding supports independence, leadership and social development, while offering families a balanced blend of care, routine and opportunity. The campus itself is designed as a “playground for the future” , a space where curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is natural and learning is active. Through project-based work, interdisciplinary thinking and experiential opportunities, learners are supported to engage deeply, think critically and apply knowledge meaningfully.  Together, these elements create a learning environment that is not only academically sound, but future-focused by design, developing learners who are confident, capable, adaptable and ready to thrive in a world of constant change. Pinnacle Colleges, a member of the ADvTECH Schools Division, is a leading provider of future-focused education from early learning through to high school. Guided by our promise of Focus for Success, we combine academic excellence with innovation to provide structured pathways and modern learning environments. Our mission is to be the leading school brand for students pursuing tertiary education. By integrating data-informed teaching and technology-enhanced learning, we partner with parents to nurture confident, values-driven young people. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to personal growth, Pinnacle Colleges prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
By Tamara Thomas January 20, 2026
Choosing a public university or private higher education institution is one of the most important decisions prospective students will ever make, and also one of the hardest. While hundreds of thousands of students have already been accepted into further study for 2026, many others still have to make the call before the official start of the academic year. For these students, and senior high students who will have to consider their next steps in coming months and years, it is important to look beyond the brochure, an education expert says. “For some, choosing a higher education institution is about a taking the first independent step. For others, it’s about returning to study after years in the workplace, fitting lectures around meetings, assignments around family life, and ambition around reality,” says Nadia Landman, Head of Academic Quality Management Systems at ADvTECH’s Independent Institute of Education. Landman notes that while open days help, and polished brochures showcasing impressive campuses reassure, prospective students should attempt to gain a good understanding of what everyday life will actually look like once the semester starts. WHEN REALITY HITS AND STUDENT SUPPORT BECOMES CRUCIAL The real test of an institution rarely happens in week one. It happens a few weeks in, when deadlines stack up, confidence dips, work pressures increase, and life doesn’t politely pause for assignments. “Every institution talks about student support,” says Landman, “but what matters is whether that support is visible and accessible when students begin to struggle, not only when they’ve already failed.” For parents, that may mean asking how an institution identifies first-year students who are falling behind and what support is then made available. For adult learners, it means asking different but equally practical questions: Who do I contact when work deadlines clash with assessments? How accessible are lecturers outside of office hours? Are sessions recorded and made available should I miss a lecture? Institutions that understand student reality, across ages and stages, can explain clearly how they support learners before pressure becomes a crisis. WHO IS ACTUALLY DOING THE TEACHING? Behind every qualification is a lecturer, or a team of lecturers, responsible for turning content into learning. Qualifications and experience matter. But so does engagement, responsiveness, and an understanding of who is sitting on the other side of the desk or screen. “Adult learners bring professional experience, practical questions, and limited time. Parents want reassurance that lecturers are not only knowledgeable, but attentive and accountable. Strong institutions support their lecturers to teach well, and they take student feedback seriously,” says Landman. WORKING WITH REAL-WORLD REALITIES Few people still believe that a qualification alone guarantees a career. Parents worry about employability and adult students worry about relevance. Both are asking the same underlying question: Will this programme help me adapt to a changing world? “Curricula should not be static documents. They should evolve with industry, technology, and society. Institutions committed to quality review their programmes regularly, involve industry voices, provide work integrated learning opportunities, and assess students in ways that reflect real-world complexity, not just academic theory,” says Landman. “The aim is capability, not just completion.” WHY QUALITY AND GOVERNANCE MATTER Accreditation, assessment moderation, and academic integrity may sound bureaucratic, but they quietly protect the value of the qualification, and the effort invested in earning it. “Quality systems aren’t about red tape,” says Landman. “They exist to ensure fairness, credibility, and consistency, whether you’re studying full-time straight out of school or part-time while working.” Institutions that take quality seriously are open about how these systems work and why they matter. One of the clearest signals is the quality of service of an institution. How quickly are emails answered? Are queries met with empathy or deflection? Is communication clear, honest, and respectful of people’s time? Over time, these everyday interactions reveal whether an institution is designed around systems, or around students with real lives. “Higher education is not a transaction. It’s a commitment – of time, energy, and belief in a better future. Parents may not walk the journey for their children. Adult learners may not have the luxury of starting over if things go wrong. In both cases, the choice of institution matters deeply,” Landman says. “When looking at your options, understand that the strongest institutions are not defined by the loudest claims. They are defined by their willingness to answer difficult questions openly, thoughtfully, and without hesitation. And it is in asking those questions, early, calmly, and with intention, that both parents and adult learners move beyond the brochure and towards a decision that truly supports success.” Note: Recent developments in national higher education policy are helping to bring greater clarity for prospective South African students. The Department of Higher Education and Training’s policy on the recognition of institutional types is designed to ensure that different kinds of higher education institutions are clearly defined, appropriately regulated, and transparent about what they are established to offer. For students and families navigating an increasingly complex higher education landscape, this clarity will support more informed decision-making, helping them choose institutions that are aligned with their academic goals, life circumstances, and preferred mode of study, rather than relying on assumptions or labels. Policy implementation can only proceed once regulations are published.
By Tamara Thomas January 14, 2026
JSE-listed ADvTECH is celebrating another year of outstanding academic performance following the release of the 2025 IEB Matric results. Three of the group’s schools – Crawford Sandton, Crawford La Lucia, and Glenwood House were ranked in the top ten co-educational schools. Across its 103 South African schools, ADvTECH’s pass and bachelor’s pass rates for 2025 were 99,7% and 94,0% respectively, with an impressive 3 371 distinctions at an average of 2,1 per student. 16 students from the ADvTECH group were recognised for Outstanding Performance by the IEB and a further 14 for Commendable Achievement. Significantly, while the national IEB average dropped year-on-year, ADvTECH’s pass rate increased by 0.3%. “Another strong set of results was achieved by our schools in 2025. We congratulate our students and teachers for their commitment and dedication”, commented Desiree Hugo, Academic Head: ADvTECH Schools. Hugo says that the group’s performance is the result of a number of initiatives introduced over the past few years. "ADvTECH has invested significantly in AI enhanced personalised learning and teacher training, ensuring that each student achieves their full potential. With a strong analytical focus on academic data, we have been able to ensure improvement for every student. We continue to strive towards consistently superior outcomes, leading the way with global best practice in education." Hugo added that a special note of congratulation was due to The Bridge Assisted Learning School in Lonehill, whose first Matric cohort achieved an impressive 100% pass rate.  ADvTECH’s schools' brands include Crawford International, Pinnacle Colleges, Trinityhouse Schools, The Bridge Assisted Learning School, Evolve Online Schools and Abbotts Colleges.
By Tamara Thomas December 19, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY AND AN ASSOCIATE OF SUCH DIRECTOR In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Director of a Major Subsidiary of the Company and an associate of such a Director.
By Tamara Thomas December 2, 2025
Education expert outlines the 5 pillars required to support AI success in Africa
By Tamara Thomas November 28, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH”) APPOINTMENT OF LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR (“LID”) In compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are advised of the following changes to the important function of a director. Harvey Christophers (“Harvey”), currently an independent non-executive director and member of the Audit and Risk, Investment and Remuneration Committees, has been appointment as Lead Independent Director with effect from 27 November 2025. Harvey will also being taking over the role of Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee, effective 1 January 2026, following the retirement of Keith Warburton as published on SENS, 8 April 2025. 28 November 2025 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas November 26, 2025
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Prescribed Officer of the Company. 
By Tamara Thomas November 26, 2025
SIRIUS teaching and learning centre provides a blueprint for successful upskilling of educators Technological advancements in education have made continuous professional development of teachers more crucial than ever. With the rise of artificial intelligence, shifting pedagogical approaches, and increasingly diverse classroom needs, educators must be equipped not only with subject knowledge but also with the tools and strategies to foster meaningful learning experiences. Simply put, all the tech in the world won’t make a meaningful impact if teachers are not empowered to use the available tools – such as ADvLEARN and MAP, which act as teacher assistants - effectively. “Teachers are lifelong learners. Their role extends far beyond delivering content, it’s about ensuring students truly understand and engage with what they’re learning. When students struggle, effective teachers ask: What can I do differently to help them succeed? This mindset underscores the importance of ongoing professional development,” says Darren Purdon, Academic Project Manager at JSE-listed ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider. Professional development opportunities allow teachers to stay current with educational trends, refine their teaching practices, and collaborate with peers. Sharing best practices within and across schools creates a culture of growth and innovation, ultimately benefiting student outcomes, he says. “It is important to understand that great teaching can be learned. However for this to happen, institutions must create spaces where educators can access curated resources, attend workshops, and engage in meaningful dialogue about teaching and learning.” Purdon says ADvTECH’s commitment to the continuous professional development of its academics and teachers, has led to the development of SIRIUS, a unique teaching and learning centre that now forms a central part of the private education group’s employee value proposition. “While developed within ADvTECH, the approach of SIRIUS reflects a broader commitment to educational excellence. SIRIUS offers short courses, online sessions, podcasts, and curated materials designed to support teachers and lecturers in their professional journey. “And with more than 6 088 educators actively using the platform, having completed more than 13 200 courses since the centre’s launch in March, it’s clear that teachers value accessible, relevant, and practical development opportunities.” Purdon says SIRIUS also serves as a central hub for tracking professional growth, enabling educators to earn badges upon course completion and contributing to formal skills development reporting. “Its structure, offering in-person facilitation, real-time online sessions, and self-paced learning, ensures flexibility and inclusivity,” Purdon says. “Additionally, ADvTECH has ensured that the centre’s goals align with global benchmarks: fostering innovation in teaching, and using research to inform best practices. By focusing on specific areas of teaching, educators can directly impact student learning and achievement.” In a world where change is constant, investing in teacher development isn’t optional, it’s essential. Whether through institutional platforms like SIRIUS or broader collaborative efforts, empowering educators means empowering students. And that’s a future worth building, says Purdon.