Masters in Advanced Criminal Justice

Thank-you for your interest in applying for a Masters in Advanced Criminal Justice.  This letter contains important information about the application process.  Please complete all the application steps.

If you are applying for Full Research Masters

  • A full research Masters comprises one-year full time study (or two years part time study) during which you will complete a thesis of 50 000 words under the supervision of a criminal law expert.
  • Before you apply you must have a workable topic and a draft concept note. It is   recommended that you contact a potential supervisor to approve your topic before applying.  Queries can be directed to Mrs Robynne Louw
  • Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.
  • Full research Masters students qualify for one-year fee remission (full-time registration only).

If you are applying for Coursework Masters

  • A coursework Masters comprises of the following modules. Advanced Criminal Law, Criminal Process, International Criminal Law, Sentencing and Research Methodology. In addition, you will need to complete a 15 000-word (20 000?) mini-thesis.
  • The LLM in Advanced Criminal Law is offered part-time (over 2 years).
  • Students are required to register for a total of four modules. Two modules are presented each year, one per semester. The breakdown of modules is as follows:

ModuleSemester / Year
Advanced Criminal LawFirst semester (alternates with International Criminal Law)
Research Methodology (compulsory)First semester
CriminologySecond semester
Criminal ProcessSecond semester (alternates with sentencing)
DissertationFirst semester and year two

  • Lectures will be held in block session over a week. The dates will be determined in the beginning of the semester.
  • Acceptance into the programme is limited and is dependent on enrolment targets.
  • Applications windows are advertised on the School of Law website. Applications will open in June and close 31st October. Late applications may be accepted with our discretion, and you are encouraged to contact us to ascertain space on the program.
  • Coursework Masters students do not qualify for fee remission.

Application Steps

  • Ensure you have made an online application here. Attach all required documents.
  • Email the PG administrator (Ms Mshengu for research OR Ms Louw for coursework). Attach all required documents. To process your application, we require the following documents:
    • Confirmation you have applied online.
    • Your academic transcript (uploaded online). Please email a copy of your LLB final transcript (degree complete) or relevant qualification as soon as it is available.
    • A 1-page personal motivation explaining why labour law is your first choice.
    • Curriculum vitae.
    • A recent example of your writing. E.g. a research assignment or essay from your undergraduate degree.
    • A concept note (only full research).
    • Proof of application fee – this is relevant as many students use an incorrect reference for the deposit which then reflects as fees outstanding, which is not credited to the student number.
  • The post-graduate administrator will “process” your application and send it to the programme co-ordinator for review. It is vitally important that you attach all the required documentation when applying online.
  • Full research Masters applications will be considered by the Post-Graduate research masters selection committee.
  • If your application is successful you will receive an invitation to register from the PG administrator.

Contact Details

program co-ordinator

Prof Aifheli Tshivhase

Email: TshivhaseA@ukzn.ac.za

Post-graduate administrator for full Research Masters

Ms Gina Mshengu

Email: MshenguG@ukzn.ac.za

Post-graduate administrator for Coursework Masters

Ms Robynne Louw

Email: LouwR@ukzn.ac.za

post-graduate administrator for thesis examination

Mr Pradeep Ramsewak

Email: ramsewakp@ukzn.ac.za

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