INTRODUCTION

  • These Regulations shall be read together with the General Academic Regulations for the Undergraduate Degree Programmes, herein referred to as the General Regulations.
  • These regulations are in respect of the Diploma in Paralegal Studies offered by the Faculty of law.
  • The Diploma in Paralegal Studies will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the Programme and passed examination in accordance with the General Regulations.

OBJECTIVES

The programme aims to:

  • Improve access to justice by training a pool of paralegals with requisite skills and knowledge in paralegal work.
  • Enhance efficiency in the justice delivery system through specialised training for courts Help-Desk personnel, Government departments and civil society practitioners.
  • Provide basic legal knowledge to other professionals who have an interest in the law.
  • Identify contemporary issues and apply research skills to solve problems in their specialized fields.
  • Consolidate and formalize paralegal education training in Zimbabwe as a basis for further legal education.

CAREER  PROSPECTS

The Diploma in Paralegal Studies offers employment opportunities for paralegals in Civil Society Organizations offering legal aid; law firms; Court Help-Desks and other Government departments.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have passed at least five “O” level subjects including English Language and Mathematics OR holds a qualification accepted by the University as equivalent to the foregoing. Relevant professional qualification(s) and/or experience will also be considered.

DURATION

The duration of the Diploma in Paralegal Studies is eighteen (18) months offered on a block release basis.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

  • All modules in the Diploma in Paralegal Studies are compulsory.
  • All modules carry the same credits with the exception of the research project.

ASSESSMENT

  • Final assessment shall be continuous assessment and written examinations.
  • Continuous assessment shall constitute 40% of the final assessment.
  • Written examination shall constitute 60% of the final assessment.
  • In order to pass a module, a student should obtain at least 50% of continuous assessment and written examinations combined.