Diploma in Paralegal Studies Dpls

The Diploma in Paralegal Studies (DPLS) at Midlands State University is offered by the Faculty of Law. The programme develops skills and knowledge for paralegal work. Students study modules including Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Information Technology and Communication Skills, Introduction to the Zimbabwean Legal System, Constitutional Foundations, and Legal Research and Writing, followed by modules such as Civil and Criminal Law Procedures, Child Rights, Family Law, Wills, and Domestic Violence, Counselling Practice, and Disability Rights.

All modules are compulsory, and assessment includes continuous assessment and written examinations, with continuous assessment counting for 40% and written examinations counting for 60%. The final assessment requires at least 50% in the combined continuous assessment and written examinations. The programme duration is eighteen (18) months and is offered on a block release basis, with a Research Project carrying additional credits. Career prospects include employment opportunities for paralegals in Civil Society Organizations offering legal aid, law firms, Court Help-Desks, and other Government departments.

Modules

• DPLS 101 Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• DPLS 102 Information Technology and Communication Skills
• DPLS 103 Introduction to the Zimbabwean Legal System
• DPLS 104 Constitutional Foundations
• DPLS 105 Legal Research and Writing
• DPLS 106 Civil and Criminal Law Procedures
• DPLS 107 Child Rights
• DPLS 108 Family Law, Wills, and Domestic Violence
• DPLS 109 Counselling Practice
• DPLS 110 Disability Rights
• DPLS 201 Paralegal Clinical and Practical Skills
• DPLS 202 Office Management and Accounting Practice

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have passed at least five “O” level subjects including English Language and Mathematics OR holds a qualification accepted by the University as equivalent to the foregoing. Relevant professional qualification(s) and/or experience will also be considered.

• Paralegals in Civil Society Organizations offering legal aid
• Law firms
• Court Help-Desks
• Other Government departments