UP Law Curriculum Transformation Workshop: Crafting the Future of LLB Education

Posted on November 25, 2024

The Faculty of Law convened in anticipation of the end of a four-year journey to develop a new LLB curriculum. Professor Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, kicked off the workshop by commenting on the significant foundation that had already been completed. "This is the culmination of about four years of work," she said, highlighting the joint efforts that incorporated lessons from universities such as the University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University. Internal departmental consultations and external exchanges with alumni and industry partners enhanced the process, ensuring that the proposed curriculum bridges the gap between academia and legal practice.

Professor Charles Maimela, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, provided an overview of the meticulous and inclusive journey. "This is the final workshop," he announced. "We had to ensure this process carried the voices of all stakeholders." The faculty played an important part in developing the terms of reference and providing feedback, and the Council on Higher Education (CHE) provided advice throughout the process. He divided the curriculum transformation into two phases: Phase 1 includes faculty board and senate approvals, while Phase 2, which focuses on module re-curriculation, will necessitate resources and support from educational consultants and instructional designers.

The workshop proceeded to a detailed discussion of the proposed curriculum structure. For Year 1, important changes included a review of module codes and naming rules for all modules by the Department of Enrollment and Student Administration (DESA), which will be directed by the Faculty of Law's Head of Student Administration.

Criminal Law (PBL211 and PBL221) was repositioned earlier in the program in Year 2, and it was suggested that courses such as Legal Practice incorporate Ethics more prominently. The new "Law and Society" module was regarded as a significant contribution.

In Year 3, Property Law replaced Law of Things, indicating a shift in vocabulary. Renaming modules such as Business Structures and Intellectual Property Law was placed for further departmental debate. Year-long modules such as BIR were designed to increase understanding.

Module modifications in Year 4 were guided by a focus on simplifying credits and responding to student and industry feedback. Key recommendations included boosting credits for the Essay & Seminar module and introducing Practical Law, which directly addressed professional concerns.

Professor Schoeman concluded the workshop by thanking the academic staff for their participation. "We have more thinking to do," she said, "but I'm proud of how far we've come. This curriculum is yours, and its success is dependent on your devotion." The workshop concluded with a sense of success and a determination to move the transformation ahead.

- Author Palesa Mbonde

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2025. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences