Introduction
B. Iur. with endorsement Occupational Risk Law
The University of the Free State (UFS) has approved the Faculty of Law’s new B.Iur. in Occupational Risk Law degree programme for delivery from 2011.
The new programme is the consequence of an earlier agreement between the faculty and its partner, IRCA Global. The UFS officially launched its partnership with IRCA Global in 2008, an international risk management solution provider in the areas of safety, health, environment and quality. As part of the agreement the UFS would offer short learning programmes, a diploma and a degree in Risk Management. Both parties will co-operate in the establishment of a unit within the Faculty of Law, responsible for these qualifications.
(IRCA Global is a South African company in the international ‘Risk Control’ and ‘SHEQ’ environments with affiliations in Africa, Australia, India, Eastern Europe, South America).
The partner has, in the interim, marketed the programme, resulting in hundreds of potential students awaiting the launch thereof. The faculty is geared to present the programme on e-learning towards expansion of e-learning programmes. New modules will be presented with the assistance of IRCA’s trained and experienced facilitators.
The programme is open and students can register for the first semester 2011 (Study code 3324, Programme code M3000).
Enquiries
| Mrs Cronette Nel |
Mr Hennie Erasmus |
| E-Learning |
E- Learning |
| Office No: CRS212E |
Office No: CRS212E |
| Faculty of Law |
Faculty of Law |
| University of the Free State |
University of the Free State |
| Tel: +27 (0)51 401 2433 |
Tel: +27 (0)51 401 3532 |
| Email: nelc1@ufs.ac.za |
Email: erasmusjhp@ufs.ac.za |
More Information
The programme is designed to develop and qualify professionals, knowledgeable in the field of occupational risk law as prescribed by South African legislation and international best practices. The underlying values of the programme ensure that graduates meet their responsibilities and liabilities towards the employers, employees and society, through demonstrating the ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team or group in complying with prescribed legislation and international codes and standards. It further presents a qualification based on a well-researched foundation of relevant legal principles combined with safety, health, environmental and quality risk management principles relevant to employers and employees in a specialised industry.
As this is the first programme of its kind presented in South Africa, the UFS is on the forefront by providing a unique qualification addressing employers’ and employees’ specific needs while maintaining collaboration with industry.
The proposed B.Iur. (Occupational Risk Law) is proficiently developed by experts within the parameters of international comparability, on a research-based identification of occupational demands and requirements, aligned with national priorities in the field of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Assurance.
By introducing this programme, significant progress will be made towards achieving the nationally stated objective of legal safety, health and environmental quality assurance in the workplace and within the broader community. The programme also encompasses the values and standards prescribed by the Institute of Safety Managers and accordingly represents progression in regulating the professional and ethical standards in the field of legal safety, health and environmental quality management.
With the introduction of this programme, the UFS not only creates a unique opportunity for stakeholders and learners to add meaningful value to their careers, but also creates opportunities for candidates to make a meaningful impact on the industry and the community in terms of acquiring a most applicable qualification type. The B. Iur. (Occupational Risk Law) therefore constitutes a significant contribution to the industry where it matters most, addressing the demand of growing job opportunities in the field of legal safety, health and environmental quality compliance.
The UFS has the expertise, capacity, capability and infrastructure to deliver the programme in terms of all its academic demands. This is substantiated by the fact that the UFS has been involved in offering programmes (covering the whole spectrum, including doctoral degrees) in the field of Law for more than 100 years.
Modules
The programme consists of fundamental modules of the LL.B., B.Iur. as well as short learning programmes in the Faculty of Law, as well as specifically developed core modules in occupational risk law. The proposed B.Iur. in Occupational Risk Law enables successful candidates to enroll for applicable Postgraduate Diplomas or a cognate Honours Degree. Obtaining one of these qualifications provides the platform to articulate to Master's Degree. Horizontal articulation possibilities exist with the accredited Baccalaureus of Law (LL.B.) which is presented by several institutions in the country.
The Faculty of Law will use its partnership with IRCA to appoint practising specialists as part time lecturers to lecture several occupational risk law components of the programme and to develop a new specialist component within the faculty.
The faculty can now in co-operation with IRCA vest itself into an exclusive niche area, similar to what has happened with financial planning law. IRCA is already involved in international training programmes, and co-operation with them can contribute largely to the internationalisation of the faculty. The scope of their international involvement can be seen in the fact that they have affiliates/sister companies in Africa, South America, Eastern Europe, Australia and India.
Short Learning Programmes
Short learning programmes in the partnership have been presented since 2009;
- Intermediate programme in Industrial Legal Risk
- Introductory programme in Industrial Legal Risk
- Introductory programme in Safety & Health Legal Risk Administration
About IRCA
IRCA Global began its operations in South Africa in 1993. Its team comprises 3 staff members, with Carel Labuschagne as the founder member. Over the years, the IRCA operations have grown tremendously and they now have over 300 staff members and footprints around the globe.
In the diverse modern international industry, the pressure for businesses to survive has resulted in a focus shift towards effective Risk Management Practices.
IRCA Global is an international Risk Management Solution Provider in the areas of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality. IRCA assists clients in addressing the avoidance of loss in a cost-effective and practical manner, allowing them to manage their operational activities in the best interests of all stakeholders, including the company, the employees, the community and the environment.
Contact
Gerda du Toit
Programme Director
Department Mercantile Law
Faculty of Law
University of the Free State
Tel: +27 (0)51 401 3670
Email: DuToitG@ufs.ac.za |