How Long Does LLB Take to Study at UNISA?

So you want to become a lawyer in South Africa? That’s awesome! One of the most popular ways to get your law degree is through UNISA (University of South Africa). But before you sign up, you probably want to know how long this journey will take.

The short answer: The LLB degree at UNISA takes 4 years if you study full-time. But here’s the thing – at UNISA, most students take longer because they study part-time while working.

Let me break down everything you need to know about studying law at UNISA.

What Exactly Is an LLB Degree?

LLB stands for “Bachelor of Laws” (the letters come from Latin: Legum Baccalaureus). This is the degree you need if you want to become an attorney or advocate in South Africa.

Think of it as your ticket into the legal world. Without it, you can’t practice law professionally.

The Official Duration of LLB at UNISA

UNISA structures their LLB program like this:

Why Does It Often Take Longer?

Here’s the honest truth that nobody really tells you upfront:

1. UNISA is a distance learning university

You study from home. There are no physical classes to attend. This sounds great, but it means you need serious self-discipline. Many students find this harder than expected.

2. Most students work while studying

Because UNISA allows flexibility, many people choose to work full-time and study on the side. This means taking fewer modules each semester, which stretches out the degree.

3. Law is tough

Let’s be real – law subjects aren’t easy. Many students fail a module or two along the way. When you fail, you need to repeat that module, adding more time to your studies.

4. Module availability

Some modules are only offered once a year. If you miss one or fail it, you might wait a whole year before you can try again.

How Many Modules Do You Need to Complete?

The UNISA LLB degree requires you to pass 26 modules in total.

These modules are spread across four levels:

• First-year level modules – The basics
• Second-year level modules – Building your foundation
• Third-year level modules – Getting into the heavy stuff
• Fourth-year level modules – Advanced law topics

What Subjects Will You Study?

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Contract Law
• Family Law
• Property Law
• Law of Evidence
• Civil Procedure
• Legal Practice

You’ll also take some non-law modules in your first year, like English and general academic skills.

How Many Modules Can You Take Per Year?

UNISA has rules about how many modules you can register for:

• Maximum per year: Usually 12 modules (but this depends on your academic record)
• Recommended for working students: 4-6 modules per year
• Minimum to keep studying: At least 3 modules per year

If you want to finish in 4 years, you’d need to pass about 6-7 modules each year. That’s doable if you’re studying full-time, but challenging if you’re working.

Can You Speed Up Your LLB at UNISA?

Yes, technically you can. But should you? That depends on your situation.

Ways to possibly finish faster:

Take more modules per semester

If you’re not working, you could register for more modules. But be careful – taking too many at once often leads to failing some, which defeats the purpose.

Study during both semesters

UNISA has two main semesters. Make sure you’re registered for both to maximize your progress.

Don’t fail modules

This sounds obvious, but it’s the biggest time-saver. Put in the work the first time around. Repeating modules costs time and money.

What Affects How Long Your LLB Will Take?

Let me walk you through the main factors:

Your Starting Point

Did you finish Grade 12? What subjects did you take? Your educational background affects which modules you can register for immediately.

Some students need to complete additional access modules before they can start the actual LLB curriculum.

Your Work Situation

• Not working: You can focus on studies and potentially finish in 4 years
• Working part-time: Expect 5-6 years
• Working full-time: Plan for 6-8 years

Your Study Habits

Be honest with yourself. Are you good at:

• Managing your time?
• Studying without someone checking on you?
• Reading lots of heavy textbooks?
• Meeting deadlines?

If you struggle with these things, UNISA will be hard, and you might take longer.

Your Financial Situation

Each module costs money. If you can only afford a few modules at a time, your degree will naturally take longer.

UNISA LLB Fees – What Does It Cost?

Since you’re probably wondering about money too, here’s a rough idea:

These numbers change each year, so always check UNISA’s official website for current fees.

The good news? Because you’re spreading the degree over several years, you’re also spreading the costs. This makes it more affordable than paying full university fees upfront.

What Happens After You Get Your LLB?

Getting your LLB is just the first step. Here’s what comes next if you want to actually practice law:

To Become an Attorney:

1. Complete your LLB ✓
2. Do 2 years of practical vocational training (articles/community service)
3. Write and pass the admission exam
4. Get admitted by the High Court

To Become an Advocate:

1. Complete your LLB ✓
2. Complete pupilage (training with a senior advocate)
3. Write and pass the Bar exam
4. Get admitted by the High Court

So even after your 4+ years of studying, you’ve got more training ahead. Plan for that.

Is UNISA a Good Choice for LLB?

Let’s look at the pros and cons:

The Good Stuff:

• Flexibility – Study when and where it suits you
• Affordability – Cheaper than most full-time universities
• Work while studying – Earn money and get experience at the same time
• Recognized degree – UNISA’s LLB is fully accredited
• No relocation needed – Stay in your hometown

The Hard Parts:

• Self-motivation required – Nobody will push you
• Limited support – No daily face-to-face help from lecturers
• Takes longer – Most students don’t finish in 4 years
• Isolation – You miss out on campus life and study groups
• High dropout rate – Many students quit before finishing

Tips to Actually Finish Your LLB at UNISA

Here’s some real advice from students who made it through:

1. Make a realistic plan

Map out which modules you’ll take each semester for the entire degree. Put it on your wall. Stick to it.

2. Join study groups

UNISA has online forums and WhatsApp groups for students. Find your people. They’ll help you when you’re stuck and keep you motivated.

3. Use all available resources

UNISA provides:

• Tutorial letters
• Online lectures
• Previous exam papers
• Library resources

Use all of them. They’re included in your fees.

4. Start studying early

Don’t wait until the week before exams. Law modules have lots of reading. Start from day one.

5. Attend any workshops offered

UNISA sometimes offers face-to-face sessions. Go to them. The extra help is worth it.

6. Budget for your studies

Make sure you can afford all your modules and books. Nothing derails your timeline like having to skip a semester because of money problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finish LLB at UNISA in 3 years?

No, the minimum is 4 years. UNISA won’t let you take enough modules to finish faster than that.

Is UNISA LLB harder than at other universities?

The content is similar, but studying alone is harder for most people. The material itself is equally challenging.

Can I transfer my LLB credits from another university?

Yes, UNISA accepts some credits from other institutions. Contact their admissions office to find out what can be transferred.

What marks do I need to pass modules?

You generally need 50% to pass a module at UNISA.

Can I study LLB at UNISA straight after matric?

Yes, if you meet the admission requirements. You need a National Senior Certificate with certain subject combinations and marks.

The Bottom Line

The LLB at UNISA officially takes 4 years, but most students finish in 5-8 years depending on whether they work while studying and how many modules they take at a time.

It’s a challenging path that requires dedication, good time management, and persistence. But if you put in the work, you’ll walk away with a respected law degree that can open doors to a rewarding career.

The question isn’t really “how long does it take?” – it’s “how committed are you to making it happen?”

If you’re serious about becoming a lawyer and need the flexibility to work while studying, UNISA’s LLB could be the right fit for you. Just go in with realistic expectations about the timeline and workload.

Ready to start? Head to UNISA’s official website and check the admission requirements. Applications usually open around August each year for the following academic year.

Good luck with your law journey!