Corporate law is a specialisation entered after qualifying in law rather than a separate undergraduate degree. You complete an LLB, then specialise through postgraduate study, through the modules you choose, or through the practice area you enter after admission.
There is no separate entry requirement for corporate law at undergraduate level. The requirements are those of the LLB, and specialisation happens later.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
The route into corporate law involves the following.
- A bachelor pass and admission to an LLB
- Commercial and company law modules within the LLB, chosen where the faculty allows
- Practical vocational training and admission, governed by the Legal Practice Council
- Postgraduate specialisation, such as an LLM in commercial or corporate law, where you choose it
- Experience in a commercial practice, which is where specialisation actually develops
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The LLB is the foundation. Within it, modules in company law, commercial law, tax and competition law build towards corporate practice, and the choices you make there matter more than any label.
A BCom Law or a commerce background is genuinely useful preparation for corporate practice, since the work involves financial statements, transactions and commercial structures.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
At school level there are no prescribed subjects, though Mathematics keeps the BCom Law route open and is useful preparation for the commercial content.
English at a high level is required across all law routes, and precision in drafting is the core skill in corporate practice specifically.
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
Large commercial firms recruit for articles competitively and early, frequently in your penultimate year of study. If corporate practice is the goal, plan for that timeline rather than applying after graduating.
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
Is there a corporate law degree?
Not at undergraduate level. You complete an LLB and specialise through module choices, postgraduate study or practice area.
Is a commerce background useful?
Yes. Corporate work involves financial statements, transactions and commercial structures, so commerce preparation genuinely helps.
When do I apply for articles?
Large commercial firms recruit competitively and early, frequently in your penultimate year of study.
Do I need an LLM?
Not required. Specialisation develops through practice, though an LLM in commercial or corporate law can support it.
Confirm LLB entry requirements with each faculty and admission requirements with the Legal Practice Council. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.