Choosing to study law through an LLB programme is an important decision that affects both your education and your career. Before you apply, it is important to understand how the degree is organised and which LLB modules you will study. Each module helps you build specific knowledge and practical skills. When you know what to expect, you can plan your studies better and choose elective subjects that support your career goals.
For students and working professionals in South Africa and across Africa, it is important to clearly understand what the programme includes. An LLB is not just about reading textbooks. It also involves conducting research, writing legal arguments, considering ethical issues, and applying the law to real-life situations.
In this article, we explore the core modules in an LLB degree, elective modules & specialisations, how they prepare you for different legal careers, and more.
Table of Contents
What Is An LLB Degree?
An LLB – Bachelor of Laws degree is an NQF Level 8 qualification that provides formal legal training and prepares students for legal practice or related careers in South Africa. The degree is usually four years, carries 485 credit points, and includes compulsory core subjects & electives. South African educational institutions use a similar core curriculum but may offer different electives and delivery methods.
The programme focuses on legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, and professional ethics that lawyers must apply in courts and transactions. It is available in different study modes. For example, the Bachelor of Laws programme offered by Regenesys Law School is available in contact & online study modes.
Read more on What Is A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree? – 2026 Guide.
Core LLB Modules You Will Study
Most LLB programmes include a set of compulsory modules that form the backbone of legal training. This includes common modules such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Law of Contract, Law of Delicts (tort), Property Law, and Legal Skills.
These subjects build the essential knowledge base and legal reasoning skills that will be used across all legal careers. A clear understanding of these modules helps when you prepare for admission exams and practical training.
Find below the importance of each core LLB module:
- Constitutional Law: Shows how the constitution shapes South African law and rights.
- Criminal Law: Teaches culpability, defences, and criminal procedure.
- Contract Law: Deals with agreements, formation, and remedies.
- Delicts (Tort): Covers civil wrongs and compensation rules.
- Property Law: Explains ownership, transfer, and security rights.
Read more on An Overview of the Core Subjects in a Bachelor of Laws Programme.
Elective Modules & Specialisations
Electives let you explore specialised areas of law and begin to shape a career path. Electives commonly cover Commercial Law, Labour Law, Family Law, Human Rights, Environment Law, and Business Law.
Choosing elective subjects early can help you gain knowledge that employers look for in specific roles, such as corporate lawyer, labour law specialist, or public interest lawyer. Many elective modules include case studies or projects that allow you to apply what you learn in practical situations.
Read more on Exploring Law Subjects: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your LLB?
How LLB Modules Prepare You For Different Legal Careers?
The LLB programme modules help you build both legal knowledge and practical workplace skills needed for different legal careers. Core LLB degree modules teach you to analyse legal problems and think logically, which is important for court work. Elective subjects help you prepare for areas such as corporate law, labour law, or family law.
Legal skills modules teach you how to do research, write legal documents, and present arguments clearly. These skills are important for trainee roles at law firms or in-house legal teams. Projects and assessments are designed to reflect real legal tasks, so you gain useful experience before you start working.
Here is how core modules link to job roles:
- Litigation and advocacy roles require strong Criminal Law & Civil Procedure skills.
- In-house and compliance roles favour Contract Law and Business Law electives.
- Public interest & policy roles benefit from Constitutional Law & Human Rights electives.
- Labour relations and union advice require modules in Labour Law.
- Property and conveyancing work depends on Property Law and related modules.
Read more on Complete LLB Guide: Study Modes, Subjects, Salary & More.
Is An LLB Degree Worth It Based On The Modules Offered?
The value of an LLB degree depends on how well the modules teach legal thinking and practical skills you can use in work. A balanced mix of core and elective modules, including assessed practical tasks, will make the qualification more work-ready. Choosing electives that align with your preferred law specialisation will make your studies more purposeful.
Graduates who combine strong module results with internships, clinics or moot court experience are typically more competitive when applying for trainee positions. The LLB – Bachelor of Laws programme by Regenesys Law School emphasises ethics, practical case studies and AI modules to make graduates job-ready for legal roles.
Read more on LLB applications Open for 2026 Applications.
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Conclusion
Understanding the LLB modules you will learn helps you choose the right pathway and make study choices that support your career goals. The LLB programme combines core subjects with electives so you gain both broad legal knowledge and area-specific skills.
If you are exploring law studies in South Africa, the LLB – Bachelor of Laws programme by Regenesys Law School can help you develop the practical skills needed for legal practice. It also includes AI modules at no additional cost to support a future-ready career in the legal field.
Visit the Regenesys Education website and check out the programme page for a clear idea of the core modules, electives and more.
Contact us to speak with a career adviser and plan your law career path.
FAQs
How many modules are in LLB?
Many LLB programmes in South Africa usually include around 40 modules. Check with the specific educational institution to confirm the exact number of modules in the programme.
What is the most important subject in LLB?
Constitutional Law is often seen as very important because it forms the basis of rights, governance, and many legal principles taught in other modules.
What are the easiest law modules?
Law modules with practical workshops or formative assessments are often seen by students as more straightforward.
What are the hardest LLB modules?
Students generally find Evidence, Civil Procedure and some advanced public or commercial law modules demanding due to heavy case law and technical rules.
How many modules are there for the LLB first year?
LLB first-year modules in South Africa are generally 8 to 10 in number.
