Yearbooks

Programme: MPhil Disability Rights (Coursework)

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
04251026 Faculty of Law
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 200 NQF level:  09
Contact:
Prof I Grobbelaar-du Plessis
[email protected]
+27 (0)124203752
Miss IN Mgijima
[email protected]
+27 (0)124203111

Programme information

This programme is available for international students.
Closing date for applications: SA applicants – 30 November; non-SA applicants – 31 August.
The duration of the programme will be four semesters (2 years).

Admission requirements

  • At least an honours degree in an academic discipline relevant to legal aspects in South Africa or Africa as well as to the contents of the specific MPhil coursework programme OR any other qualification in an academic discipline relevant to legal aspects in South Africa or Africa as well as to the contents of the specific MPhil coursework programme that allows admission to a master’s programme at the institution where the undergraduate qualification was obtained. If the duration of that qualification is less than four years, substantial proven practical or professional experience in legal aspects in South Africa or Africa will furthermore be required, subject to the discretion of the Dean.
  • Foreign qualifications are subject to SAQA evaluation.
  • A minimum average mark of 65% with respect to the prescribed modules of the honours programme is required for admission to the MPhil coursework programmes.
  • An acceptable level of proficiency in English is required.

Other programme-specific information

This is a selection programme and only selected applicants will be admitted to the programme.
Mini-dissertation (MND 800)
An approved research proposal must be submitted before registration for the mini-dissertation.
The mini-dissertation must comprise 13 000 to 15 000 words – including footnotes but excluding the list of contents and the bibliography. It must deal with the subject content of one of the modules registered for and should reflect a multidisciplinary perspective on disability rights.
Any request for an extension of the period for the submission of the mini-dissertation may only be granted by the Dean on recommendation of the Postgraduate Committee.

Research information

The relevant head of department must recommend a supervisor and title for a mini-dissertation and these must be approved by the Postgraduate Committee. The mini-dissertation must be assessed and finalised as set out in the Faculty Board-approved LLM Policy Document of the Faculty. Mini-dissertations, where required, must be submitted in the format determined by the supervisor and approved by the Postgraduate Committee. The supervisor may likewise and subject to the approval of the Postgraduate Committee also determine the research topic and the scope of the proposed research.

Pass with distinction

For the degree to be awarded with distinction a student must obtain an average of at least 75% for all the coursework modules together, as well as a minimum of 75% for the mini-dissertation. The modules must have been written for the first time.

Minimum credits: 200

Minimum credits: 200

Core modules

  • Module content:

    In this module a multidisciplinary approach is adopted to disability law, policy and practice. The focus is on contemporary challenges in disability law, policy and practice in an African context and selected topics may include:

    1. Contemporary challenges in disability law, policy and practice in Africa
    2. Anthropology of disability in an African context
    3. Disability and intersectionality in an African context, exploring multiple identities and cumulative discrimination
    4. Disability and social change in an African context
    5. Disability rights in practice: legal capacity, supported decision-making and independent living in an African context
    6. Disability and development in Africa: Inclusive development and the sustainable development goals
    7. Disability and social policy
    8. Inclusive education law, policy and practice
    9. Mental health law, policy and practice
    10. Advocacy and access to justice in Africa

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  • Module content:

    (a) The student must submit a research proposal during his/her first year of registration for the LLM degree to the supervisor prior to commencing with the writing of the mini-dissertation.
    (b) A mini-dissertation (MND 800) of 13 000 to 15 000 words inclusive of footnotes but excluding the list of contents and the bibliography, is required. The mini-dissertation must be submitted to the supervisor not later than August of the second year of registration for the LLM programme. The mini-dissertation must deal with the subject content of one of the modules or a combination of the modules registered for by the student for his/her LLM degree. Any request for an extension of the period for submission of the mini-dissertation may only be granted by the Dean on recommendation of the LLM Committee

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  • Module content:

    Development and presentation of a research  proposal. (A research proposal must be submitted to the supervisor and accepted in the first semester of the second year of study  before the student will be allowed to register for the mini-dissertation.)

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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