School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS)

Programme Requirements and Regulations


CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES


Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are pegged at Level 7 and Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas Level 8 of the Fiji Qualifications Framework.

VOCATIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES

CERTIFICATE OF JUSTICE

The Certificate of Justice will provide students with a basic understanding of how the legal systems in their countries operate and the role played by courts within the legal system. Students will develop their knowledge of key areas of law, including criminal law and procedure and civil law and develop skills in professionalism and decision-making. It is particularly useful for people who are employed as, or wish to pursue, employment as a lay adjudicator or court administrator. It is a pre-degree level course and is set to level IV of the Fiji Qualifications Framework.

Special Admission Requirements:

Completion of Year 10/Form 4 plus a minimum of two years relevant work experience. Applications must be supported by a written recommendation from the Chief Justice or Registrar of the relevant Pacific Island Country. This recommendation must certify that the applicant has adequate levels of English expression to undertake a course in English.

Programme Requirements: The Certificate of Justice consists of 4 courses.

Courses: COJ01, COJ02, COJ03, COJ04.

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES

CERTIFICATE IN POLICING

Special Admission Requirements

This introductory programme is designed for serving and potential police officers, and for those interested in understanding and contributing to the function of police in a civil society.

To be admitted to the Certificate under the mature age criteria, a person shall be judged on training qualifications including police recruit training, successful completion of other in-service and professional development programmes, years of service, and recommendation/support from the studentís respective Commissioner of Police. In addition, mature age students would normally have at least ten years service in a variety of areas in policing including experience as a police supervisor/manager or equivalent.

Programme Requirements: The Certificate in Policing consists of 6 courses.

Courses: UU100, UU114, PP101, PP201; plus 2 other 100 level courses.

CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY WORK

Programme Requirements The Certificate in Social and Community Work consists of 6 courses.

Courses: UU100, UU114, SW100, SW101, SO100; plus one 100 level course.


DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES


DIPLOMA OF JUSTICE

Special Admission Requirements:

Completion of Certificate of Justice or equivalent.

The Diploma is designed to provide a second year of study for students who have successfully completed the courses in the one-year Certificate of Justice. The courses in the Certificate of Justice will be credited to the Diploma.

Programme Requirements: The Diploma of Justice consists of 3 courses.

Courses: DOJ01, DOJ02, LW110. DOJ01 Professionalism and Communication in Court Practice and DOJ02 Judicial Administration are each weighted at one-half the workload of a degree-level course. The Diploma also includes one LLB course, LW110 Law and Society, which is weighted as the equivalent of two diploma-level courses.

DIPLOMA IN LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE & HUMAN RIGHTS

Programme Requirements: The Diploma in Leadership, Governance & Human Rights consists of twelve courses.

Courses: DG100, DG101, DG102, UU114, UU100, UU200, DG200, DG201, DG202, UU204, DG301 and DG302.

DIPLOMA IN POLICE MANAGEMENT

This programme is an intermediate level programme in policing and police management developed for serving and potential police officers, and for others interested in understanding and making a contribution to policing in a civil society. To be admitted to the diploma under the mature age criteria, a person shall be judged on training qualifications including police recruit training, successful completion of other in-service and professional development programmes, years of service, and recommendation/support from the student’s respective Commissioner of Police. In addition, mature age students would normally have at least 10 years service in a variety of areas in policing including experience as a police supervisor/manager or equivalent.

Programme Requirements: The Diploma in Police Management consists of 12 courses.

Courses: UU100, UU114, PP101, SO100, MG101, PP201, PP202, plus five degree level courses.

DIPLOMA IN PROSECUTIONS

Special Admission Requirements

Candidates who have completed a USP Certificate in Law or equivalent shall also be eligible for entry to the Diploma in Prosecutions programme.

Programme Requirements: The Diploma in Prosecutions consists of 12 courses.

Courses: UU100, UU114, LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113, LW205, LW206, LW308, LW309, LW393, LW334 or other courses with the approval of the Head of Discipline or nominee.

DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY WORK

Programme Requirements: The Diploma in Social and Community Work consists of 12 courses.

Courses: UU100, UU114, SW100, SW101, PS103, UU204, UU200, SW200, SW201; plus three 100 level or 200 level courses.


BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES


BACHELOR OF ARTS

The Bachelor of Arts is a three year programme comprising twenty-four courses of which eight courses are at 100 level, eight courses are at 200 level and eight courses are at 300 level including two 100 level and two 200 level university courses.

The discipline permitted as a major for Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2021 is:

History

Courses for a Single Major: UU100, UU114, HY101, HY102; UU200, UU204; plus three 200-level HY courses; plus three 300-level HY courses.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

UU100, UU114, HY101, HY102; UU200, UU204; plus two or three 200-level HY courses; plus two or three 300-level HY courses.

Courses for a Minor: HY101, HY102; plus three from 200-level HY courses or 300-level HY courses.

Law

Courses for a Single Major: UU100, UU114; plus three of: LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113; plus UU200, UU204; plus three of: LW201, LW202, LW203, LW204, LW205, LW206; plus three 300 level LW courses.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

UU100, UU114; plus three of: LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113; plus UU200, UU204; plus three of: LW201, LW202, LW203, LW204, LW205, LW206; plus two 300 level LW courses.

Courses for a Minor: Two of: LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113; plus three 200 or 300 level LW courses.

Pacific Policing

Courses for a Single Major: UU100, UU114, PP101, SO100, MG101, UU200, UU204, PP201, PP202, PP300, PP301, PP302.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

UU100, UU114, PP101, SO100, UU200, UU204, PP201, PP202, PP300, PP301, PP302.

Courses for a Minor: PP101, SO100; plus any other two PP courses at 200 or 300 level.

Politics and International Affairs

Courses for a Single Major: PL100, PL101, UU100, UU114; PL200, PL201, PL202, PL203; plus UU200, UU204; PL300, PL302, PL305, PL307.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

PL100, PL101, UU100, UU114; plus at least two of: PL200, PL201, PL202, PL203; plus UU200, UU204; plus at least three of: PL300, PL302, PL305, PL307.

Courses for a Minor: Two 100 level PL courses; plus two 200 level PL courses.

Psychology

Courses for a Single Major: UU100, UU114, PS101, PS102, PS103, PS107, UU200, UU204, PS203, PS205, PS206, PS303, plus THREE OR MORE from remaining 300 level psychology courses.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

UU100, UU114, PS101, PS103, PS107, UU200, UU204, PS203, PS205, PS206; PS303 plus ONE OR MORE from remaining 300 level psychology courses.

Courses for a Minor: PS101, PS103 plus PS102 or PS107, TWO OR MORE from PS203, PS205, PS206.

Social Work

Special Admission Requirements:

To be admitted to a major in Social Work under the mature student admission criteria a person shall be judged on training qualifications in social work or community development, successful completion of other in-service programmes, years of service in governmental, non-governmental, voluntary and faith-based organisations, and recommendations where possible of past supervisors. In addition, mature student admission applicants shall normally have at least five years experience in social and community work including experience as a manager or supervisor or educator in a social or community work setting.

Courses for a Single Major: SW100, SW101, UU100, UU114, SO100, , PS102, PS103, SW200, SW201, UU200, UU204, SO200, SW300, SW301, SO301, SW312.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

SW100, SW101, UU100, UU114, PS102, SW200, SW201, UU200, UU204, SW300, SW301, SW312.

Courses for a Minor: SW100, SW101, SW201, plus SW200 or SW301.

Sociology

Courses for a Single Major: UU100, UU114, SO100, SO122, PS103 (or equivalent), UU200, UU204, SO200, SO201; plus at least one 200 level Sociology course selected from SO207 and SO212; SO300 and SO303; plus two 300 level Sociology courses selected from SO301, SO304 and SO311.

Courses for one major in a Double Major:

UU100, UU114, SO100, SO122, UU200, UU204, SO200, SO201; plus one other 200 level Sociology course selected from SO207 and SO212; SO300 and SO303; plus one 300 level Sociology course selected from SO301, SO304 and SO311

Courses for a Minor: SO100, SO122, SO200, SO201, SO303.

BACHELOR OF LAWS

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is offered as a face-to-face four-year programme at Emalus Campus and in part at Laucala Campus, but is also offered online in flexible learning mode.

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. Pass a Senate recognised Year 13/Form 7 or equivalent examination with 60% (or equivalent) in English; or
  2. Met the mature student admission criteria; or
  3. Bachelor’s degree from USP, or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification involving at least three years full-time study from another recognised tertiary institution. (Students admitted under this clause are known as Graduate Entrants.)

Programme Requirements:

  1. The Bachelor of Laws consists of 32 courses, of which 8 are at 100 level, 8 are at 200 level and 16 are at 300 level, as listed below.
  2. Graduate entrants to the Bachelor of Laws are required to complete successfully 16 compulsory LW courses listed below, plus UU204 and eight elective LW courses.
  3. Students must successfully complete and attain a GPA of at least 2.0 in all 100 level LW courses plus UU100 and UU114 before being able to progress to any 200 level LW courses.

Courses:

Year I: UU100, UU114, LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113; plus two 100 level non Law courses

Year II: UU200, UU204, LW201, LW202, LW203, LW204, LW205, LW206

Years III-IV: LW300, LW301, LW304, LW306, LW308, LW309; plus ten other 300 level LW courses

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Laws programme have three options available to them for completing Year I of the LLB on a full-time basis:

  1. students located in Port Vila can enrol at the Emalus Campus and complete the four 100-level Law courses on-campus and the four other 100-level courses by Online (O) or Blended (B);
  2. students located in Suva can enrol at the Laucala Campus and complete the four 100-level Law courses on-campus and the four other 100-level courses on-campus or by Online (O) or Blended (B);
  3. students located elsewhere can enrol at their local USP campus and complete all 100-level courses by Online (O) or Blended (B).

COMBINED PROGRAMMES


The University offers five specific combined programmes where students can concurrently enrol for two programmes. In each combined programme, the two qualifications are awarded only when all the requirements below have been fulfilled. The programmes are:

  1. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA/LLB)

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND BACHELOR OF LAWS OR BACHELOR OF COMMERCE AND BACHELOR OF LAWS

Students who have already completed the requirements for either a BA or an LLB degree are not eligible to be admitted to the combined BA/LLB programme. Instead, BA graduates can seek admission to the LLB under the graduate admission clause, and LLB graduates can seek admission to a BA degree and apply for up to 10 credit transfers.

Similarly, students who have already completed the requirements for either a BCom or an LLB degree are not eligible to be admitted to the combined BCom/LLB programme. Instead, BCom graduates can seek admission to the LLB under the graduate admission clause, and LLB graduates can seek admission to a BCom degree and apply for up to 10 credit transfers.

In summary, the requirements for BA/LLB and BCom/LLB are:

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. Pass a Senate recognised Year 13/Form 7 or equivalent examination with 60% (or equivalent) in English; or
  2. Met the mature student admission criteria.

Programme Requirements:

  1. Each of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor Commerce/Bachelor of Laws programmes consists of 40 courses, of which 16 courses are towards the BA or BCom component, and 24 courses are towards the LLB component.
  2. The BA or BCom component either:a) a single major structure:
    1. has to the BA or BCom requirements for a single major in one of the allowed disciplines; and
    2. includes elective courses from those allowed for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce degree to make up the total of 16 courses for the BA or BCom component; or

    b) a double major structure

    1. has conforming to the BA or BCom double major requirements for majors in each of two of the allowed disciplines; and
    2. includes elective courses from those allowed for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce degree to make up the total of 16 courses for the BA or BCom component.

    3. The LLB component consists of:

    1. 16 compulsory LW courses of the LLB; and
    2. 8 elective LW courses.

    4. Students must successfully complete and attain a GPA of at least 2.0 in all 100 level LW courses plus UU100 and UU114 before being able to progress to any 200 level LW courses.

Courses for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce:

Students must select courses from the disciplines in the above degrees fulfilling the requirements for either a single major or a double major plus sufficient elective courses to make up a total of 16.

Courses for the Bachelor of Laws:

Core: LW110, LW111, LW112, LW113, LW201, LW202, LW203, LW204, LW205, LW206, LW300, LW301, LW304, LW306, LW308, LW309.

Elective: Eight other 300 level LW courses.


POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES


Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are pegged at Level 7 and Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas Level 8 of the Fiji Qualifications Framework.

INFORMATION RESEARCH SKILLS

All students registering in Postgraduate programmes are required, in their first semester of studies, to complete 14.5 hours of Information Research Skills conducted by the Library.

Postgraduate Certificate in Border Security

The Postgraduate Certificate in Border Security is specifically intended to meet the tertiary training needs of immigration and other law enforcement professionals engaged in securing Pacific Island Countries borders. The programme consists of two courses, which will prepare participants to think critically about theoretical and practical aspects applicable to the field of border security and development.

Admission Requirements:

The general admission requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate are:

  1. Hold a university degree or equivalent; or
  2. Hold a university diploma and at least three years of experience in a security related field; or
  3. Have met mature student admission criteria with exceptional professional experience and achievements in the field

Programme Requirements:

The programme will comprise two compulsory courses as follows:

  1. PP404: Border Management and the Security Context
  2. PP406: Border Security Intelligence and the International Security Environment

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DIPLOMACY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy & International Affairs provides a core grounding in diplomacy and international affairs. It also provides a staircase into the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & International Affairs and the Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs.

Admission Requirements:

The admission requirement for the Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy & International Affairs is a Bachelors degree from a recognised tertiary institute with a GPA of at least 3.0, or equivalent.

Programme Requirements: The Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy & International Affairs consists of two courses.

Courses: Two of: PL409, PL410, EC416 and PL400.

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GENDER STUDIES

The Postgraduate Certificate in Gender Studies consists of 2 courses. It is a part-time programme (2 semesters), which explores gender as a factor of inquiry for research, policy and practice. This programme is 100% coursework requiring students to engage in critical thinking and apply gender analysis to the analysis of diverse socio-economic and development issues.

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. Hold a Bachelor degree from USP or a recognised tertiary institution with GPA of at least 3.0 or equivalent; or
  2. Hold a university diploma with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 0, and at least three years of experience in relevant industry; or
  3. Have met mature student admission criteria with exceptional relevant professional experience and achievements.

Programme Requirements:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Gender Studies consists of two courses:

Courses: GN400, GN401

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ARTS

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts is offered in the following majors: Gender Studies, History, Psychology, Social Policy & Administration, and Sociology.

The general admission requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma are:

  1. A USP bachelor’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the 200- and 300-level courses of the relevant discipline;
  2. A tertiary qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to clause (a);
  3. A professional qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to clause (a);
  4. In exceptional cases, demonstrated experience or achievement deemed by Senate or its delegate to be sufficient; or
  5. Have met the mature student admission criteria.

Notwithstanding the provisions set out above, Senate or its delegate may require applicants to demonstrate their suitability for admission by carrying out such work and/or sitting for such examinations as it may determine. A 400 level course taken as a qualifying course for the Postgraduate Diploma may become part of a future postgraduate programme.

Gender Studies

Special Admission Requirement:

Admission Requirement

  1. a USP bachelor’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the 200- and 300-level relevant courses; or
  2. completion of PG Certificate in Gender Studies with a GPA of at least 3.0 or above;
  3. a tertiary qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to clause (a);
  4. a professional qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to clause (a):
  5. in exceptional cases, demonstrated relevant experience or achievement deemed by Senate or its delegate to be sufficient.

The Gender Studies major of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts consists of four courses.

Courses: AL400, GN400, GN401 and GN402

History

The History major of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts consists of four courses.

Courses: AL400 plus three 400-level HY courses.

Psychology

The Psychology major of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) consists of four courses:

Courses: PS407, PS408, AL400 and PS402.

Social Policy & Administration

The Social Policy & Administration major of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts consists of four courses and will be of particular interest to qualified and experienced professionals from social work, social welfare, community development, education, health-care and related professions and to recent graduates wishing to pursue a career in these professions.

Courses: SO415, SO408, SO409, AL400.

Sociology

The Sociology major of the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts consists of four courses.

Special Admission Requirements:

Applicants without a substantive sociology background may be considered for admission, but may be required to undertake extra reading.

Courses: AL400, SO401 and two of, SO415, SO408, SO409.

Postgraduate Diploma in Border Security

The Postgraduate Diploma in Border Security is a professional qualification specifically intended for immigration and other law enforcement personnel engaged in securing Pacific Island Countries borders. It consists of four courses which will examine practical and theoretical dimensions of border security and the challenging nature of border security in PIC contexts.

Admission requirements:

  1. Completion of the postgraduate certificate in Border Security; or
  2. Hold a university degree or equivalent; or
  3. Hold a university diploma and at least three years of experience in a security related field; or
  4. Have met mature student admission criteria with exceptional professional experience and achievements in the field

Programme Requirements:

The programme will comprise four compulsory courses as follows:

  1. PP404: Border Management and the Security Context
  2. PP405: Ethical Issues in Leadership and Command
  3. PP406: Border Security Intelligence and the International Security Environment
  4. PP407: International Cooperation, Partnerships and the Border Security Context

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LAW

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law consists of four courses.

Special Admission Requirements:

An LLB or equivalent degree with a GPA of 3.5 or better; or a USP LLB with a GPA of 3.0 or better and either LA326/LW390 passed with a grade of B+ or better; or professional or research experience deemed to be equivalent to such a grade.

Programme Requirements: The Postgraduate Diploma in Law consists of four courses:

Courses: LW400, AL400; plus two 400 level LW courses.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies is an interdisciplinary postgraduate programme that produces graduates able to assume creative leadership roles in shaping sustainable societies. The postgraduate diploma critically analyses ideas about governance, civil society, urbanisation, regionalism, and global institutions, and explores their relationships with development.

In addition the postgraduate diploma teaches students essential research skills needed for later MA and PhD theses or for more general work related research activities.

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted in the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies a full-time candidate shall have a Bachelors degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a GPA of at least 3.0. Consideration will be given to professional experience and related training.

Programme Requirements:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies consists of four courses.

Courses: DG410, DG421, plus two 400 level Development Studies courses chosen from the following: DG400, DG407, DG413, DG415, DG416, DG417, DG422 and GN401. DG400 is recommended for students wishing to proceed to Master of Arts in Development Studies.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DIPLOMACY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Affairs offers a more comprehensive understanding of international relations and diplomacy. It provides an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of global and regional developments. It also provides a staircase into the Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs.

Admission Requirements:

The admission requirement for the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Affairs is a Bachelors degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a GPA of at least 3.0, or equivalent. (Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy & International Affairs graduates have to achieve a GPA of 3.0 to enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & International Affairs).

Programme Requirements: The Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & International Affairs consists of four courses.

Courses: Four of PL409, PL410, EC416 and PL400.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN GOVERNANCE

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted in the Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, a full time candidate must have a Bachelors degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates with GPAs above 2.5 may be considered in exceptional cases. Factors relevant to considering applications may include professional experience and related training.

Special Programme Requirements: The Postgraduate Diploma in Governance consists of four courses.

Courses: DG400, DG404; plus two 400 level Governance related course chosen from the following: DG403, DG 406, DG407 and DG411.


PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES & DIPLOMAS


PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN LEGAL PRACTICE

The Professional Diploma in Legal Practice is an intensive programme designed to prepare students for entry into legal practice in one or more of the jurisdictions of the member countries of the University. It is open to any graduate who has successfully passed a programme of legal studies that covered a range of knowledge and skills sufficient to enable students to commence an intensive professional legal practice programme.

Special Admission Requirements:

i) Passed a programme of legal studies deemed by the university to be sufficient to enable the graduate to commence an intensive professional legal practice training programme.

Programme Requirements:

The Professional Diploma in Legal Practice consists of:

  1. Attendance at the Laucala Campus for at least 90% of the core hours and, for online students, participation in at least 90% of the prescribed activities; and
  2. A period of supervised practice with an organisation approved by the University; and
  3. Completion of eight courses:
    1. Performance in each of the modules shall be acknowledged by the awarding of the following grades:’Pas’ meaning ‘Pass or Competent’
      ‘IP’ meaning ‘In Progress’
      ‘Fail’ meaning ‘Fail or Not Competent’
    2. A provisional grade of IP (meaning ëIn progressí) shall be awarded where a student is given an extension of time by the Academic Standards and Quality Committee to complete any work on which assessment for the course is based. Any extension of time may only be up to the last day of lectures of the following semester specified in the University Handbook and Calendar. The provisional grade of IP shall be replaced by an appropriate grade based on the work submitted by a student by the end of the extended period. Where a student has been given a Fail grade, the maximum number of attempts allowed for the programme is two, which consists a first attempt followed by a second attempt if the first is not successful. The decision to permit a third attempt at the programme shall rest with the Chair of the Academic Standards and Quality Committee.
    3. There are no final examinations for the programme. The performance of students shall be assessed entirely by coursework, which shall include oral presentations, written presentations, logs and portfolios of work, file management, attendance and general conduct. The written and oral presentations may include work that has been prepared and work conducted under examination conditions.

Courses: LWD01, LWD02, LWD03, LWD04, LWD05, LWD06, LWD07, LWD08.

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING

The Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting is a two-semester programme designed for the novice as well as for the seasoned drafter to acquire knowledge in the art and science of legislative drafting. The aim of the programme is to introduce the participants in a progressive manner to the legislative drafting process. Emphasis will be laid on the syntax and training will involve the linking of sentences into meaningful units. The training will involve the drafting of statutes and regulations including amendments and penal provisions. The students will acquire skills through ‘hands-on’ practice.

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. Have obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) of The University of the South Pacific, or
  2. Have obtained from some other recognised tertiary institution a qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to the requirements set out in a), or
  3. Have obtained a professional qualification deemed by Senate or its delegate to be equivalent to the requirements set out in a) above, or
  4. In exceptional cases, have demonstrated experience or achievement Senate or its delegate deems sufficient.

Programme Requirements:

  1. The Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting consists of seven courses.
  2. The programme of study is a distance tuition programme of study extending over a period of not less than two semesters.
  3. There are no final examinations for the programme. The performance of students shall be assessed entirely by coursework, which shall include written assignments and a drafting workshop. The assignments contribute 60% and the drafting workshop contributes 40% of the total assessment for the programme.
  4. In order to be eligible to receive the Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting, a student must prove his or her competency in each and every element of each of the courses.
  5. Performance in each of the courses shall be acknowledged by the awarding of the following grades:

‘Pass’ meaning ‘Pass or Competent’

‘IP’ meaning ‘In Progress’

‘Fail’ meaning ‘Fail or Not Competen’í

A provisional grade of IP (meaning ëIn progressí) shall be awarded where a student is given an extension of time by the Academic Programmes Committee to complete any work on which assessment for the course is based. Any extension of time may only be up to the last day of lectures of the following semester specified in The University Handbook and Calendar. The provisional grade of IP shall be replaced by an appropriate grade based on the work submitted by a student by the end of the extended period. Where a student has been given a Fail grade, the maximum number of attempts allowed for the programme is two, comprising a first attempt followed by a second attempt if not successful. The decision to permit a third attempt at the programme shall rest with the Chair of the Academic Programmes Committee.

Courses: LWD11, LWD12, LWD13, LWD14, LWD15, LWD16, LWD17.


MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES


MASTER OF ARTS

The Master of Arts is offered in the following majors: History, Psychology, Social Policy, and Sociology.

History

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis.

Psychology

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis or two postgraduate courses plus a Supervised Research Project.

Social Policy

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis or two postgraduate courses plus a Supervised Research Project.

Sociology

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis or two postgraduate courses plus a Supervised Research Project.

MASTER OF ARTS IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis (DG700) or following the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies, two 400 level courses chosen from DG400, DG407, DG413, DG415, DG416, DG417, DG422 and GN401, plus a Supervised Research Project (DG600).

MASTER OF ARTS IN DIPLOMACY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs builds on the foundational courses in the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Affairs by adding an opportunity to undertake a research essay on diplomacy and international affairs on a topic of particular interest to the student. This programme also provides research skills and advanced writing skills. In addition, Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs students also have the opportunity to follow an interest in a particular academic stream by clustering their electives in particular disciplines or subject areas such as Law, Environment, Economics or Development Studies.

Admission Requirements:

The admission requirement for the Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs is a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy & International Affairs with a GPA of 3.0 or above, or equivalent qualification.

Programme Requirements: The Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs consists of eight courses including five core and three elective courses.

Core Courses: PL409, PL410, PL411, EC416 and PL400.

Electives: The electives for the Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Affairs include the following: DG421, DG422, LW430, LW452, LW453, LW455, LW473, LW495A, MS441 and PL402.

MASTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. An LLB or equivalent degree with a GPA of 3.5 or better or a USP LLB with a GPA of 3.0 or better and either LA326/LW390 passed with a grade of B+ or better, or professional or research experience deemed to be equivalent to such a grade in LA326/LW390; or
  2. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Law with a GPA of 3.5 or better and evidence of professional or research experience in areas of environmental law, environmental science or environmental planning; or
  3. In exceptional cases candidates must demonstrate that they have the experience or achievement relevant to the MEL programme, which Senate or its delegate deems sufficient for undertaking the programme.

Programme Requirements:

  1. The MEL Programme by coursework consists of six 400 level LW courses: LW452; plus three 400 level LW courses selected from the following: LW450, LW451, LW453, LW455, LW456 or another environmental law course; plus two 400 level courses offered by USP and approved by the Head of School.
  2. The MEL Programme by coursework consists of four 400 level LW courses and a supervised research project: LW452; plus three 400 level LW courses selected from the following: LW450, LW451, LLW453, LW455, LW456 or another environmental law course; plus a Supervised Research Project.

MASTER OF ARTS IN GOVERNANCE

The Masters programme in Governance may be completed in three ways, subject to approval:

  1. MA thesis (DG700, thesis only) an option reserved for applicants fitting two circumstances: they have completed the degree of bachelor at The University of the South Pacific with at least a 4.0 cumulative GPA in courses at 200 and 300 level of the relevant discipline; or they have successfully completed Postgraduate Diploma in Governance with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
  2. Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, students successfully complete two additional postgraduate courses chosen from DG403, DG406, DG407, DG411, DG415, DG417, PL400, PL402, PL410, MG451 and MG453, plus a Supervised Research Project (DG600).
  3. The Master of Arts in Governance by course work consists of eight courses. Following successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, students must complete four additional courses: One of DG403, DG406, DG407, DG411, plus one of: PL400, PL409 or PL410, plus two elective courses from DG406, DG407, DG411, DG415, DG417, MG451 and MG453.

MASTER OF ARTS IN POLITICS/INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Master’s programme consists of a thesis or two postgraduate courses chosen from PL400, PL402, PL410, DG404, DG406, DG407, DG410 plus a Supervised Research Project.

MASTER OF LAWS

Special Admission Requirements:

  1. LLM by coursework or by coursework and Supervised Research Project: an LLB or equivalent degree with a GPA of 3.5 or better or a USP LLB with a GPA of 3.0 or better and either LA326/LW390 passed with a grade of B+ or better, or professional or research experience deemed to be equivalent to such a grade in LA326/LW390; or
  2. LLM by thesis only: an LLB degree or equivalent with a GPA of 3.5 or better or can provide evidence of professional or research experience deemed to be equivalent to such a GPA.
  3. In exceptional cases, the University may consider applications from persons who can demonstrate that they have the experience or achievement relevant to the LLM programme that Senate or its delegate deems to be sufficient for the student to pursue at a satisfactory level.

Programme Requirements:

  1. The LLM Programme by coursework consists of either:i. six courses: LW400, AL400; plus two 400-level LW courses; plus two 400 level courses offered by USP and approved by the Head of School; or
    ii. four courses: LW400, AL400; plus two 400 level LW courses; plus a Supervised Research Project.
  2. For an LLM by thesis only; a supervised thesis.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY


USP offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in most disciplines taught at postgraduate level at USP. Students interested in progressing from a master’s programme to doctoral studies are advised to contact the relevant Head of Academic Unit. The Admission and Programme Regulations governing the Doctor of Philosophy are listed on page 80 of this publication.

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