The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is to afford students the opportunity to acquire quality education and skills that they will be able to implement within the legal sector.
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is to afford students the opportunity to acquire quality education and skills that they will be able to implement within the legal sector.
This programme will equip students to handle a range of legal issues and manage functional areas related to office practice management, civil and criminal litigation processes, debt collection and deceased estate management.
Additionally, the student will also be able to adequately demonstrate an understanding in successfully analysing a range of legal issues, and identifying the best remedy or solution within the realms of the legal sector.
This programme is offered through online learning. Each module is delivered over a 5 week period.
Articulation
Completion of the Higher Certificate meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to an appropriate Advanced Certificate. A Higher Certificate may also allow access to an appropriate Bachelor’s degree.
Curriculum
Office Management for Legal Practices
Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
Introduction to South African Law
Civil Litigation Process
Debt Collection Process
Wills and Estate Management
Formative Assessment 1 (Knowledge Check Quiz 1)
Formative Assessment 2 (Knowledge Check Quiz 2)
Formative Assessment 3 (Knowledge Check Quiz 3)
Formative Assessment 4 (Knowledge Check Quiz 4)
Summative Assessment (Project)
Careers
Embark on a trajectory leading to positions such as:
Legal Office Manager
Legal Officer
Paralegal Office Coordinator
Paralegal Assistant/Practitioner
Admission Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement; or
An equivalent NQF level 4 qualification with proven proficiency in English.
To be considered via RPL, applicants should be above the age of 23 years.
For further information on this alternative route, please contact a student advisor.
All applicants with an international qualification will be considered in accordance with MANCOSA‘s institutional rules.
FAQs
School leavers looking to pursue a career within the legal sector.
Legal assistants looking to upskill themselves.
A Paralegal Certificate programme includes the theoretical knowledge and procedural aspects pertaining to legal matters and that which a licensed paralegal can oversee and manage.
This will depend on your own process journey. The MANCOSA Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies takes one-year to complete.
MANCOSA offers an accredited, one-year Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies with online support.
It is possible to pursue an LLB degree after completing Paralegal Studies, depending on the
institution's admission requirements. A Higher Certificate or Diploma in Paralegal Studies
can prepare you for entry into an LLB programme, especially if you meet the academic
criteria.
Here’s what to consider:
● Admission Requirements: Each college has its own entry requirements for the LLB.
Some may require a National Senior Certificate with specific subjects or minimum
APS scores.
● Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Some institutions may consider your paralegal
qualification part of their RPL process, potentially giving you access to an LLB
programme.
● Study Pathway: Paralegal Studies won’t automatically qualify you for LLB entry, but
it provides valuable legal foundations to ease your transition into law school.
● Career Planning: Starting with Paralegal Studies can be a strategic stepping stone if
you’re building toward a long-term legal career.
You can contact the MANCOSA to check for the exact requirements.
MANCOSA offers a fully online programme for the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Each module is delivered over a 5-week period, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for
remote learners.
Students benefit from:
● Self-paced, online study that fits with work or other commitments
● A curriculum focused on legal office management, litigation procedures, debt
recovery, and estate administration
● Access to online learning tools and support resources tailored for remote students
This programme offers a solid foundation in legal administration while being accessible to
students anywhere in South Africa.
Dive into the stories of MANCOSA's finest – our graduates, sharp analytical thinkers and strategic visionaries making waves in industries at home and on the world stage.
Dr Prashina Mohangi
Mohamed Althaaf Ebrahim
Ayanda Dlamini
Marga Claassen
Thabang Patrick Malusi
Givon Christian
Start your journey & enquire about this programme now.
