Law Bridging Programs At UJ For Low APS Students (2025)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers a Paralegal Bridging Programme designed for individuals interested in entering the legal field but who may not meet the standard Admission Point Score (APS) requirements for direct entry into law degree programs.

Programme Overview:

Purpose: This course provides a general outline of the South African legal system, covering areas such as Criminal Law, Family Law, Business Law, Civil Law, and the application of English in legal contexts. It aims to prepare students for the Diploma in Paralegal Studies and offers insight into the broader legal system.
Duration: The programme is conducted over two days.
Medium of Facilitation: Online.
Admission Requirements: Applicants need a National Senior Certificate endorsed for Certificate or Higher Certificate studies.
Application Period: Applications open on 31 August 2024 and close on 20 February 2025.
Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway.
Contact Information: For more details, you can reach out to Gertrude Pakkies at 011 559 3739

Upon successful completion of this bridging programme, students may gain access to the Diploma in Paralegal Studies, providing a pathway into the legal profession.

For more information and to apply, please visit UJ’s official course page

Additionally, UJ offers other bridging courses in various fields, such as Accounting and Financial Management, which may be of interest to students seeking alternative pathways into their chosen fields of study.

Please note that programme details, including application dates and admission requirements, are subject to change. It’s advisable to consult UJ’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most current information

Career Opportunities For Studying Law Programs At UJ

Studying law at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) provides graduates with a broad range of career opportunities in both traditional and emerging fields of law. Here are some potential career paths:

1. Legal Practice

Attorney: Represent clients in legal matters, provide advice, and draft legal documents.
Advocate: Specialize in courtroom advocacy and litigation.
Corporate Lawyer: Provide legal advice to businesses, focusing on corporate governance, mergers, and compliance.

2. Public Sector

Prosecutor: Represent the state in criminal cases.
Magistrate or Judge: Preside over court cases and ensure justice is served.
Legal Advisor for Government: Offer legal counsel to government departments or agencies.

3. Academia and Research

Lecturer or Professor: Teach law at universities or colleges.
Legal Researcher: Conduct research on legal policies, law reform, or case precedents.

4. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Mediator: Facilitate negotiations between parties to resolve disputes amicably.
Arbitrator: Resolve disputes outside of courts through legally binding decisions.

5. Corporate and Business Sector

Legal Compliance Officer: Ensure organizations comply with laws and regulations.
Contracts Manager: Draft and oversee contractual agreements.
Risk and Governance Specialist: Advise companies on risk management and governance frameworks.

6. Human Rights and Advocacy

Human Rights Lawyer: Work with NGOs, international organizations, or advocacy groups to defend human rights.
Policy Advisor: Influence public policies in areas like gender equality, environmental law, or social justice.

7. Intellectual Property and Technology

IP Lawyer: Protect intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Cyberlaw Specialist: Focus on legal issues in technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

8. Specialized Legal Fields

Environmental Lawyer: Address legal issues related to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Labour Lawyer: Represent employees or employers in workplace disputes.
Tax Consultant: Provide advice on tax laws and regulations.

9. International Opportunities

International Lawyer: Work with international organizations like the UN or multinational corporations.
Diplomatic Legal Advisor: Advise on international treaties, trade agreements, or diplomatic matters.

10. Entrepreneurship

Legal Consultant: Offer independent legal advice to clients or businesses.
Law Firm Founder: Start and manage your own legal practice.

Conclusion

UJ’s Faculty of Law offers robust academic programs, internships, and networking opportunities to prepare students for these roles. Their strong focus on practical and theoretical learning equips graduates to excel in diverse legal career.