University of Namibia School of Law

Introduction to the School of Law

The University of Namibia (UNAM) School of Law has established itself as a premier institution for legal education since its establishment in 1992. Located in the capital city, Windhoek, the School of Law is committed to producing well-rounded legal professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary for the successful practice of law in Namibia and beyond.

As one of the founding faculties of the University of Namibia, the School of Law has developed a reputation for academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to social justice. The School strives to maintain a balance between theoretical legal education and practical skills development, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable about legal principles but also capable of applying them effectively in real-world situations.

The School of Law's curriculum is designed to reflect both the Namibian legal system and broader regional and international legal frameworks. This comprehensive approach prepares students for diverse career opportunities within Namibia's legal profession, across the SADC region, and internationally.

Programs Offered in 2022

The School of Law offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of aspiring legal professionals:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Four-Year Program: This comprehensive undergraduate degree provides students with foundational knowledge across all major areas of law. The LLB program is designed to meet the requirements for admission to the legal profession in Namibia.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Five-Year Program: Offered to students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for the four-year program, this extended option includes foundational courses in the first year before entering the standard LLB curriculum.
• Diploma in Law: A three-year program providing legal education to those seeking foundational legal knowledge, particularly beneficial for paralegals, court clerks, and other legal support professionals.
• Certificate in Law: Shorter programs focusing on specific areas of legal practice, designed for professionals seeking specialized legal knowledge relevant to their fields.
• Master of Laws (LLM): Postgraduate specialization in various fields including Human Rights Law, Commercial Law, Environmental Law, and International Law.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Law: Research-based doctoral program for those pursuing advanced academic and research careers in law.

Specialized Program Tracks

In 2022, the School of Law introduced specialized tracks within the LLB program, allowing students to focus their electives in areas such as:

• Human Rights and Constitutional Law
• Commercial and Corporate Law
• International Trade and Investment Law
• Environmental and Natural Resources Law
• Family Law and Gender Justice
• Criminal Justice and Criminology

Admission Requirements for 2022

Mature Age Entry

Applications from candidates 25 years or older who do not meet the standard admission requirements will be considered based on:

• At least three years of relevant work experience
• Satisfactory performance in the Mature Age Entry examinations
• Personal interview with the admissions committee

Course Structure and Curriculum

The LLB program at the University of Namibia School of Law follows a structured progression designed to build a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and their applications:

First Year

Course	Credits	Description
Introduction to Law	16	Fundamental concepts of law, legal systems, and legal reasoning
Constitutional Law I	16	Introduction to constitutional principles, Namibian constitutional framework
Customary Law	16	Principles and application of customary law in Namibia
Contract Law I	16	Formation and elements of contracts
Criminal Law I	16	Fundamental principles of criminal responsibility

Second Year

Course	Credits	Description
Constitutional Law II	16	Human rights, judicial review, constitutional enforcement
Contract Law II	16	Contract terms, remedies, vitiating factors
Criminal Law II	16	Specific criminal offenses and defenses
Law of Property I	16	Introduction to property concepts, ownership, possession
Law of Delict	16	Civil wrongs and compensation principles

Third Year

Course	Credits	Description
Law of Property II	16	Real rights, land registration, mortgages
Law of Succession	16	Wills, intestate succession, estate administration
Family Law	16	Marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption
Commercial Law	16	Business entities, partnerships, corporate law
Administrative Law	16	Administrative justice, control of administrative power

Fourth Year

Course	Credits	Description
Civil Procedure	16	Court processes, jurisdiction, pleadings
Criminal Procedure	16	Criminal court processes, investigation, trial
Law of Evidence	16	Rules governing admission of evidence
Professional Ethics	16	Ethical standards for legal practice
Elective Courses	16	Specialized topics chosen by students

Faculty Information

The School of Law boasts a distinguished faculty comprising experienced legal academics, practitioners, and researchers who bring diverse expertise to the classroom and research initiatives. Faculty members hold qualifications from leading institutions in Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond, combining international perspectives with deep knowledge of the Namibian legal system.

Notable Faculty Areas of Expertise

• Constitutional Law and Human Rights
• Commercial and Corporate Law
• Criminal Justice
• International Law and Regional Integration
• Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
• Customary Law and Legal Pluralism
• Gender Law and Women's Rights
• Natural Resources and Mining Law

The faculty engages in cutting-edge research that addresses both theoretical and practical legal issues, with particular emphasis on challenges facing Namibia and the broader African continent. Faculty members regularly contribute to national policy development, law reform initiatives, and international legal discourse.

Campus Facilities and Resources

The School of Law provides students with access to world-class facilities designed to support learning and research:

Law Library

The dedicated law library houses an extensive collection of legal texts, law reports, journals, and electronic resources. Special collections focus on Namibian law, African legal systems, and international law. The library provides access to major legal databases including Juta Law, LexisNexis, and HeinOnline, enabling comprehensive legal research.

Moot Court Facilities

The School maintains two fully equipped moot courtrooms where students practice oral advocacy, simulate trials, and participate in moot court competitions. These facilities replicate court settings, providing students with authentic practical experience.

Computer Labs

Modern computer laboratories with specialized legal research software allow students to develop essential legal technology skills. All computers are connected to high-speed internet with access to online legal databases.

E-Learning Environment

The School utilizes the University's e-learning platform to supplement face-to-face instruction, providing students with access to course materials, recorded lectures, discussion forums, and online assessments.

Student Life and Opportunities

The University of Namibia School of Law offers a vibrant student experience with numerous opportunities for academic and personal development:

Student Organizations

• Law Students' Society: Coordinates academic and social activities for law students
• Moot Court Society: Prepares students for moot court competitions
• Human Rights Club: Promotes awareness of human rights issues
• Environmental Law Society: Focuses on environmental protection through legal advocacy

Moot Court Competitions

The School has an impressive track record in national and international moot court competitions. Students regularly participate in competitions such as the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, and various Southern African regional competitions, consistently achieving commendable results.

Clinical Legal Education

Through the Law Clinic program, final-year students gain practical experience by providing legal services to indigent clients under faculty supervision. This program enables students to apply classroom knowledge to real cases while serving the community.

Internship and Externship Programs

The School maintains relationships with law firms, courts, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to facilitate internship placements for students. These placements provide invaluable practical experience and professional networking opportunities.

Guest Lectures and Seminars

Regular guest lectures by distinguished legal practitioners, judges, and academics expose students to diverse perspectives and current developments in various fields of law. The School also organizes seminars on emerging legal issues affecting Namibia and the region.

Application Process and Deadlines for 2022

Application Requirements

All applications must be accompanied by:

• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
• Certified copy of ID or passport
• Passport-size photograph
• Application fee receipt (N$150 for Namibian citizens, N$450 for international applicants)
• Proof of English proficiency for international applicants from non-English speaking countries

Application Methods

Applications can be submitted:

• Online through the University of Namibia application portal
• By post to the Admissions Office, University of Namibia
• In person at the Admissions Office on the main campus

Selection Process

All applications meeting the minimum academic requirements are considered based on academic merit, aptitude test results, and available capacity. Candidates may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process. Successful applicants will receive written notification of their admission status.

Fees and Financial Assistance

Tuition Fees for 2022

Program	Namibian Students (N$ per year)	International Students (N$ per year)
LLB (4-year program)	18,500	35,200
LLB (5-year program)	18,500	35,200
Diploma in Law	14,300	28,600
Certificate in Law	10,950	21,900
Master of Laws	32,850	65,700
PhD in Law	45,100	90,200

Career Prospects

Graduates of the University of Namibia School of Law enjoy diverse career opportunities in various sectors:

• Legal Practice: As attorneys, advocates, and legal consultants in private practice or corporate settings
• Judiciary: As magistrates, prosecutors, and judicial officers
• Government Service: In various government ministries, departments, and agencies
• International Organizations: In regional and international bodies including SADC, AU, and UN agencies
• Academia: As law lecturers and researchers in universities
• Non-governmental Organizations: In human rights, development, and legal advocacy organizations
• Business Sector: As legal advisors, compliance officers, and managers in various industries
• Entrepreneurship: Establishing law firms, legal consultancies, and related businesses