NCQF Level 5
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is an NCQF Level 5 programme accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority.
Accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority.
About this programme
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to cultivate diverse skills and knowledge that enable the learner to be conversant with, among others, trial preparation, civil procedure, criminal procedure and the role of the courts.
Exit outcomes
- Apply fundamental knowledge and understanding of law to a specific problem within the Botswana legal context.
- Apply appropriate technology to conduct legal research on behalf of a legal or paralegal practitioner.
- Communicate with internal and external clients in a paralegal or legal workplace.
- Guide and refer clients in a paralegal context.
- Assist in solving problems in a paralegal context, working in a team and individually.
- Provide administrative and organisational support in an office environment.
- Exercise ethical conduct, values and professionalism when dealing with internal and external clients.
Programme structure
Year 1 — Semester 1
- PLS101Introduction to Law
- PLS102Introduction to Family Law
- PLS103Constitutional Law in Botswana
- PLS104Communication & Research Skills
- PLS105Introduction to Paralegal Studies
Year 1 — Semester 2
- PLS106Introduction to Criminal Law & Procedure
- PLS107Introduction to Civil Procedure & Practice
- PLS108Introduction to Delict
- PLS109Introduction to Employment Law
- PLS110Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Entry requirements
Direct entry
- A Junior Certificate (JC) with a pass in English, or BGCSE / IGCSE / HIGCSE or equivalent.
Mature entry
For mature-age entry, an admissions panel will consider an application to pursue the qualification. In determining the application, the panel takes into account all qualifications, the age of the applicant and the candidate's motivation for applying. This will include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), in which work experience plays an important role.
Fees
| Registration fee (non-refundable) | P150.00 |
| Tuition fee | P10,000.00 |
| Examination fee | P2,000.00 |
| Total | P12,000.00 |
Payment options
- Option 1: 40% deposit (P4,800.00), then 10 monthly payments × P720.00
- Option 2: Deposit P2,000.00; P5,000.00 per semester; 5 monthly payments × P1,000.00