A BA Law is a three-year humanities degree combining law modules with subjects such as languages, politics and social sciences. It requires a bachelor pass and generally the same entry requirements as the LLB at the same institution.
At the University of Johannesburg, for example, BA Law requires a minimum APS of 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, with English at level 5 and an additional language at level 4, which is identical to its LLB requirement.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since it is a degree
- English at the level the faculty requires, commonly level 5
- An additional language at the level required
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, with the latter often accepted at a higher APS
- The institution APS for the humanities faculty
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The BA Law runs three years at NQF level 7. It is designed for students who want a broad humanities education alongside legal grounding, and it lays a foundation for further law study.
Unlike BCom Law, the BA Law route is more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy, generally at the cost of a higher overall APS. That makes it the accessible route into law study for applicants without Mathematics.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Language subjects carry more weight here than in most degrees, since the humanities modules and the law content are both reading and writing intensive.
Mathematics is generally not required, which is the practical difference from BCom Law. Where Mathematical Literacy is accepted, expect a higher APS requirement to compensate.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- Academic transcripts, if you are applying with prior tertiary study
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
If you want to practise law and did not take Mathematics, BA Law followed by a shortened LLB is the most common route. See UJ law requirements for how one faculty structures this.
Practising as an attorney or advocate requires steps beyond the degree, including practical vocational training and admission by the court. Those requirements are set by the Legal Practice Council rather than by the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study BA Law with Mathematical Literacy?
Commonly yes, often at a higher APS than would be required with Mathematics. This is the practical difference from BCom Law.
Does a BA Law let me practise?
No. It lays a foundation for further law study. Practising requires an LLB followed by the Legal Practice Council requirements.
How long does it take to reach the LLB this way?
The three-year BA Law followed by a shortened LLB takes longer overall than the four-year LLB entered directly.
What subjects do I combine it with?
Languages, politics, philosophy and social sciences are common combinations, chosen at registration.
Confirm the APS and subject requirements with each humanities faculty. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.