- Faculty websites: the UCT Law Faculty has two main websites and three departmental websites, all packed with useful information and links. The site you are on is mostly (but not only) applicable to LLB students, so if you're a postgraduate student looking for info but can't find it here, you might find answers on the School for Advanced Legal Studies website at www.sals.uct.ac.za. These sites have loads of useful information, tips, and contact details. Each of our three departments have their own web presence, as well as each of our 13 research units. Don’t forget, though – if you can’t find the information, ask someone!
- Got questions? There is help and support available to you – just ask! UCT Law runs the #LawCares initiative, where you can send any question to lawcares@uct.ac.za. You can also approach your applicable Law Students Council, or your mentor (for first-year LLB students), or the Faculty Office (4th Floor, Kramer Building) – that’s just for starters! We are here to assist.
- Student Councils: As a Law LLB student at UCT, you have a Law Students Council elected to represent you and your interests. As a postgraduate student (PG Dip, LLM, MPhil and PhD) you have the Postgraduate Law Students Council to look after you and your concerns. If there are law activities you would like to get involved in or if you have concerns you feel are not being addressed, speak to your representatives.
- The main UCT website: UCT has a whole section of its site dedicated to student services. Take your time, browse around, check for opportunities and deadlines, and stay informed!
- Studying at university: You really should read Studying at university - a guide for first-year students - an awesome guide to being a first-year student at UCT.
- Your student email account: UCT students are assigned an official UCT student email address - and it is your job to ensure that you keep checking for communications, to ensure you don’t miss vital information.
- Building your skills at Law School: There are numerous skills-development opportunities through workshops which provide both academic and non-academic support, covering topics like writing skills, stress and financial management, and exam preparation. Once registered, students will be able to refer to the online learning system, Vula, for more information about these workshops, and to access further resources.
- Asking questions: Asking questions - and making the most of the opportunities and resources available to you as a UCT student - are habits that will stand you in good stead throughout your student years. Find out what resources are available – and USE them! And if you don’t know, ASK SOMEONE! You won’t be the only one who needs answers!
- In Case of Emergency: UCT has a range of emergency hotlines including the following:
- UCT Student Careline : 0800 24 25 26 or SMS 31393
- Campus Protection Services 24-hour hotline : 021 650 2222/ 3
- Sexual Assault 24-hour hotline : 072 393 7824
- There are many other key contact numbers available to students for general health & safety.
But that's not all!
- The Dean of the UCT Faculty of Law is Professor Danwood Chirwa.
- The Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Studies is Associate Professor Jameelah Omar
- The Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies is Associate Professor Kelley Moult
- The Head of Departments are
- Private Law | Professor Francois du Toit
- Public Law | Associate Professor Cathy Powell
- Commercial Law | Professor Michelle Louw
- For first-year students doing your LLB, you will be in class with a range of students at different levels of study. Some of your courses will be with students who have already completed their undergraduate degree in Humanities or Commerce, who are Graduate LLB students doing their law courses. Make the most of having older, more experienced students in your class – ask them questions, get their advice!
- There are two law clinics associated with the UCT Law Faculty, where Law students are able to do their community service. There is the UCT Law Clinic and the Refugee Rights Clinic, situated on 3rd Floor, Kramer Law Building. These clinics, both registered law practices, provide an invaluable service to people needing legal advice.
- The UCT Faculty of Law is the oldest Law school in South Africa, and turned 165 years old on 16 April 2024.
- UCT’s Law students run their own magazine, Altum Sonatur, which has been awarded UCT’s Student Leadership award for best student media a number of times. The magazine is published a few times a year. Keep your eyes open through the year – you will see issues available around the Kramer Building (and they will make a call for the magazine's committee and for content - so you can get involved). There are many other law student societies to get involved in, so don't be shy (check at this link). Participating in non-academic law school activities really will enrich your student experience immeasurably.
- UCT standard class times are as follows:
1 08:00 - 08:45 Meridian 13:00 - 13:45
2 09:00 - 09:45 6 14:00 - 14:45
3 10:00 - 10:45 7 15:00 - 15:45
4 11:00 - 11:45 8 16:00 - 16:45
5 12:00 - 12:45 9 17:00 - 17:45