Postgraduate Applications
Faculty of Law · 2027
Advance your legal knowledge. Join a dynamic research culture at UWC Law, where knowledge meets purpose and opportunity.
The Faculty of Law offers LLM/MPhil and LLD/PhD degrees in several areas of specialisation. Postgraduate teaching, supervision and research draw on the expertise of four departments: Criminal Justice and Procedure, Mercantile and Labour Law, Private Law, and Public Law and Jurisprudence.
The Faculty's research and postgraduate environment is further supported by the Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights (DOI); the Centre for Legal Integration in Africa (CLIA); the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work (CENTROW), including the Social Law Project (SLP); the African Centre for Transnational Criminal Justice (ACTCJ); the Global Environmental Law Centre (GELC); the Centre for African Fintech, Innovation and Law; and the Law Clinic.
Explore the specialised Master's programmes and doctoral research areas below.
Your 5-Step Postgraduate Application Journey
Applicant Categories & Requirements
Local Postgraduate Applicants
South African applicants should prepare a certified ID copy, official academic transcript/record of results, certified degree certificate(s), a short CV and a one-page motivation. Master's and doctoral applicants should also prepare a short research intention.
Apply Online
International Postgraduate Applicants
International applicants should prepare a certified passport copy, official academic transcript/record of results, certified degree certificate(s), SAQA evaluation certificate, a short CV and a one-page motivation. Master's and doctoral applicants should also prepare a short research intention.
International Student InfoExplore Postgraduate Programmes
Select a programme below to view detailed information, modules, and application requirements.
The Faculty offers doctoral degrees in a number of areas of specialisation. These research-based degrees are listed together below, with a shared admission requirement.
- Comparative Labour Law
- Constitutional Theory
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Human Rights Protection
- Law, State and Multilevel Government
- Mercantile Law
Human Rights Protection
Advanced study in human rights protection, including land reform, housing and constitutional property law.
ExploreConstitutional Theory
Constitutional law with a strong comparative focus on constitutional theory, design and rights interpretation.
ExploreMercantile Law
Develop specialised knowledge across commercial and business law.
Explore Mercantile LawCriminal Justice
Postgraduate study in criminal law, criminal procedure and the criminal justice system.
ExploreLegal Pluralism and Family Law
Explore the interaction of legal orders in Africa and family law in plural legal systems.
ExploreLaw, State and Multilevel Government
Study law and governance across multiple levels of the state.
Explore
Admission requirements: Admission to the master's programme requires a minimum of 60% over the last two years of the LLB or equivalent degree. While the minimum admission requirement is 60%, applicants with 65% or higher will be given priority in the selection process.
PGDip in Public Law
Focused postgraduate study in public law.
PGDip in Labour Law
Advanced professional study in labour law and dispute resolution.
PGDip in Tax Law
Specialist postgraduate study in taxation.
PGDip in FinTech Law & Regulation
Policy, legal and regulatory insight for financial technology.
PGDip in Environmental Law & Management
Specialist learning in environmental law and management.
PGDip in Medical Law
Focused postgraduate study in medical law.
PGDip in Transnational Criminal Justice
Focused postgraduate study in transnational criminal justice and the legal responses to serious crimes with cross-border and international dimensions.
EnquiriesTransnational Criminal Justice enquiries: admin-actcj@uwc.ac.za. Confirm the final 2027 curriculum, admission requirements and programme record before publishing.
Complete the UWC online application and submit the required supporting documents through the official application portal.
START YOUR APPLICATIONAll documents must be uploaded to: studentdocumentupload.uwc.ac.za
When can I apply?
2027 applications opened on 01 April 2026. The general closing date is 30 September 2026. Selected postgraduate programmes may close earlier, so applicants should confirm programme-specific dates before submitting.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the official UWC application portal and upload all required supporting documents.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is payable for the UWC online application.
How many programme choices may a postgraduate applicant submit?
UWC's application information currently allows postgraduate applicants a maximum of two programme choices.
Contact Information
Faculty of Law
UWC Contact Centre
+27 21 959 3900/01
Office Hours
09h00–16h00 (Mon–Fri, excl. public holidays)
