ASSOCIATE DEGREE PARALEGAL STUDIES (PALS)
PREU POLYTECH
ACADEMIC YEAR
2024-2026
Online Programmes Delivery Department (OPDD)
Programme Manager: Mrs. Colleen Robinson-Hunte
Email: [email protected]
Orientation is the first step to achieving academic and personal success at the UWI Open Campus. It supports you by assisting with your transition to the online environment. It will equip you with the needed navigational skills to function successfully online and provide pertinent information about the available services, go to persons and responsibilities as an online student. It is imperative that you attend the online sessions offered by the Online Programmes Delivery Department (OPDD) as well as any sessions offered by the Pre-University.
The ASC Paralegal Studies (PALS) is designed to provide a sound academic foundation and exposure to legal practice and procedure in Caribbean Jurisdictions to enable paralegals to function effectively in contemporary law offices. Students build skills in areas such as law office management and information technology. The ASc in Paralegal Studies programme is delivered online, with some face-to-face components.
The ASc. in Paralegal Studies provides normal matriculation for the Bachelors of Law Degree (LLB) at the University of the West Indies.
The ASc in Paralegal Studies operates under a semester system.
- Semester 1 and 2 each, have thirteen (13) weeks of instruction plus an assessment period.
- Summer session has seven (7) weeks of instruction plus the assessment period.
Requirements for an Award: To be eligible for the award of the Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies a student must successfully complete the equivalent of sixty (60) credits distributed as follows:
- Six (6) Compulsory General Education Courses (18 credits)
- Thirteen (14) compulsory Core Courses (42 credits)
Duration of the programme: Students must complete the programme in a maximum of 8 semesters or two years. Each course is 39 contact hours.
Assessment Methods: The work of students will be assessed and evaluated on a continuous basis through assignments, class-work, tests and quizzes. Assessment requirements are noted in the course outline of each course with clear guidelines, due dates and the weighting for each assessment task.
Prerequisites for Matriculation into the Associate Degree programme:
- Mathematics Requirements: minimum Mathematics requirement is a pass at CSEC or the equivalent. Candidates who do not meet this requirement must successfully complete an approved remedial Mathematics course.
- English Language Requirements: The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is used to assess whether applicants to the ASc possess a satisfactory level of writing and reading proficiency in English for university academic purposes. ELPT, ACRS0003, or equivalent is a prerequisite for FOUN1001: English for Academic Purposes.
- Technology Requirement: Students will need to have access to a computer with Internet access.
Leave of Absence (LOA): If you are unable to take a course, you need to inform your Pre-U tutor or Pre -U Coordinator
Plagiarism: Is a form of cheating, and is a very serious offence. Please refer to the notes in the Student Handbooks.
| The ASc Paralegal Studies (PALS) Programme Prerequisites for Matriculation | |||
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | SEMESTER | PREREQUISITES & TIPS |
| Year 1. Semester 1 (2024/25) | |||
| MGMT1000 | Introduction to Computers (Info Lit & IT) | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| FOUN1101 | Caribbean Civilization | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| MATH0900 | Mathematics | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| SOCI1002 | Introduction to Sociology | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| *ACRS0003 | Communication and use of English | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| SPAN0900 | Introductory Spanish | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| Semester 2 (2024/25) | |||
| FOUN1001 | English for Academic Purposes | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| ENGL0901 | Business Communication | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1900 | Intro to Carib Legal Systems & Methods | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1901 | Law Office Management | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1902 | Intro to Legal Research and Writing | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| Summer (2024/25) | |||
| FOUN1101 | Caribbean Civilization | Summer | |
| Year 2. Semester 1 (2025/26) | |||
| LAW1911 | The Law of Associations | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1903 | Civil Practice & Procedures 1 | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1906 | Introduction to Criminal Law | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1907 | Introduction to Contract Law | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1909 | Introduction to Property Law & Practice | 1 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| The ASc Paralegal Studies (PALS) Programme Prerequisites for Matriculation | |||
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | SEMESTER | PREREQUISITES & TIPS |
| Semester 2 (2025/26) | |||
| LAW1908 | Introduction to Tort Law | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1904 | Civil Practices and Procedures II | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1910 | Intro. to Constitutional & Administrative Law | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1905 | Criminal Practices and Procedures | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination |
| LAW1912 | Intro. to Administration of Trusts & Estates | 2 | Assessment: Continuous 100%, No Final Examination. |
PLEASE NOTE THAT:
FOUN1101: Students who do not have Grade I in CXC/CSEC English or the ELPT will be required to do ACRS 0003 Communication and use of English and do FOUN 1101 in the Summer semester instead.
ACRS0003: Only to be taken by students who do not have a grade 1 in CSEC English, or have not passed the ELPT, or who do not have an approved equivalent.