Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Procedure (Professional LLM) Course Requirements at NWU

Master's Degree Law & Legal Studies

The Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Procedure (Professional LLM) is a master's Degree offered by NWU for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum one year; must be completed within two years of registration (extensions possible at the discretion of the Director: Postgraduate Programmes) to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.

Minimum Admission Requirements to study Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Procedure (Professional LLM) at NWU

An LLB degree (or equivalent four-year legal degree) with an average of 60% in the final year, plus a sub-minimum of 60% for the research project where applicable. Foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate.

About this course

This professional-track LLM covers criminal law, criminal procedure, the law of evidence and corruption combating. Instead of a mini-dissertation, students complete a practice-oriented research project such as a case study, heads of argument, application for leave to appeal, or legal opinion. It targets practitioners who want advanced criminal-law expertise with a practical, litigation-oriented output rather than an academic dissertation.

Course intelligence for Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Procedure (Professional LLM)

Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.

Not on the scarce-skills list

Job market outlook

Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law and Procedure (Professional LLM) doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.

Unlikely to be NSFAS-funded

NSFAS funding

NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Master's Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.

More accessible

Admission chances

NWU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.

These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with NWU and NSFAS.

Applications for 2027 studies: Open: 1 June 2026

Closing date still to be announced by NWU.

Duration: Minimum one year; must be completed within two years of registration (extensions possible at the discretion of the Director: Postgraduate Programmes)
NQF Level: 9

Apply via North-West University

Latest Prospectus