Constitutional Theory
A specialised Master's pathway with a strong Comparative Constitutional Law focus, examining constitutional theory, design, rights interpretation and constitutionalism across jurisdictions.
About the Programme
The programme combines constitutional theory with a distinctly comparative methodology, giving particular attention to constitutional design and operation in Africa while engaging major comparative jurisdictions.
Programme Information
Constitutional Theory provides advanced Master's-level study with a strong Comparative Constitutional Law focus. The specialist content builds on UWC's established Comparative Constitutional Law offering and goes beyond South African constitutional law by introducing students to comparative methodology, constitutional design and the operation of constitutional systems across jurisdictions.
The programme considers the notion of a constitution, constitutional interpretation, the possibilities and limits of constitutions, institutional arrangements, models of rights protection, constitutional review, constitutional reform, deliberative democracy and the rule of law. Major comparative jurisdictions include the United States, Canada, India, Germany and South Africa, with particular attention to African case studies and constitutional design choices.
Comparative methodology, constitutional systems and different models of constitutional design and operation.
The relationship between constitutional law, political institutions and constitutional theory.
Comparative approaches to the interpretation and protection of constitutional rights.
The role of constitutional design in managing plural, divided and post-conflict societies.
The source brochure presents two study patterns for the specialised Master's programme:
- Four modules with a research paper; or
- Two modules with a mini-thesis.
The programme is designed as a one-year Master's programme. The final 2027 mode and module availability should be confirmed when the 2027 curriculum is published.
The programme is relevant to students from South Africa, elsewhere in Africa and internationally who are interested in public law, constitutionalism, human rights, international relations and interdisciplinary constitutional studies. Its comparative focus is especially useful for students interested in careers that cross national boundaries, constitutional reform or constitution-making processes.
The brochure states that applicants to the LLM/MPhil in Comparative Constitutional Law should have completed undergraduate legal studies before enrolling. Candidates with an honours degree in a relevant social-science field, such as political science or international relations, may also be considered. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced research.
Applications must be submitted through the University's online application system by the applicable deadline.
Programme Actions & Enquiries
Use the links below for application, programme and postgraduate admission information.
