Choosing a degree is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and for many students, the pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming.
But what if there was a qualification that didn’t lock you into just one path? What if your degree could open doors to the courtroom and the boardroom? Enter the BCom Law degree, which sits right at the intersection of business and legal studies.
Whether your dream is to become a corporate lawyer, a compliance specialist, a business consultant, or even an entrepreneur with legal savvy, BCom Law gives you the skills, language, and confidence to operate in high-stakes environments without boxing you into one profession.
In this post, we’ll unpack exactly what the BCom Law degree is, what it includes, why it matters, and how it can position you for incredible opportunities, whether you choose to take your next step in law, business, or somewhere in between.
What is a BCom Law degree?
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) is an undergraduate degree that blends the fields of commerce and legal studies. It offers students a multidisciplinary foundation that’s both practical and versatile.
This qualification is ideal for individuals interested in the intersection of business and law, providing insight into the legal principles that govern commercial activities.
In South Africa, the BCom Law degree is classified as an NQF Level 7 qualification, typically completed over three years of full-time study.
It equips students with core knowledge in business-related subjects such as economics, finance, accounting, and business management, alongside key legal subjects like contracts, constitutional law, labour law, and commercial law.
Is commercial law the same as BCom Law?
Though the terms are sometimes confused, Commercial Law isn’t the same as BCom Law.
- Commercial law refers to a specific branch of law that deals with commerce, trade, and sales. It’s one of the subjects you’ll likely study within a BCom Law degree.
- On the other hand, BCom Law is the full degree. A broader programme that includes several areas of law as well as commerce-focused modules. This degree is designed to open doors. At the same time, it doesn’t qualify someone to practice law as an attorney or advocate on its own.
Benefits of a BCom Law in South Africa?
A BCom Law degree offers many advantages, from opening a wide range of career paths, providing a competitive edge over other business professionals, and also offering high salaries. Let’s look at some of these in more detail.
1. Versatile BCom Law career opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of a BCom Law degree is its dual focus. You’re not limited to one field, and you can pursue legal, corporate, compliance, consulting, or even entrepreneurial roles.
For example, Sipho, a BCom Law graduate, could work as a Compliance Analyst at a major financial institution since his background in both business and legal concepts allows him to navigate regulatory requirements while also understanding the business implications.
Having skills in both areas is something that makes him a valuable asset to his team. But, at the same time, he could also choose to work in a primarily business role, such as an Operations Manager at a large corporation.
2. Stepping stone to an LLB or Business Postgraduate Degree
If your ultimate goal is to practice law, the BCom Law degree is a smart path to LLB. Many universities allow students to transfer credits, meaning you could complete your LLB degree in just two additional years.
Alternatively, you could pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration or a Master’s in Taxation, depending on your interests.
3. Strong earning potential
While a BCom Law degree doesn’t qualify you as a lawyer, it still positions you for well-paying roles in the corporate world.
Entry-level compliance officers in South Africa can earn between R200,000 and R400,000 per year (depending on the location), and salaries grow significantly with work experience and further qualifications.
If we were to look at this in a real-life context, imagine a graduate named Naledi, who combined her BCom Law degree with a postgraduate diploma in tax law. She now works at a Big Four accounting firm and earns a six-figure monthly income, advising clients on tax strategy and legal compliance. This is only possible because she pursued this versatile business and law degree.
4. Legal literacy in a business world
Today’s business landscape is filled with contracts, regulations, and constant change. A BCom Law degree equips you to interpret legal documents, understand contracts, and navigate risks, skills that are valuable in almost every industry.
Whether you’re working in real estate, banking, marketing, or running your own business, having a solid understanding of the law gives you a distinct advantage. It can help you stand out from other job candidates who don’t have skills in both areas.
5. Excellent foundation for entrepreneurship
Many graduates use their BCom Law knowledge to start and scale businesses with confidence. They understand things like business registration, intellectual property, contract law, and employment regulations, critical factors for small business success.
For example, imagine Thabo, a BCom Law graduate and founder of a digital marketing agency in Cape Town, used his degree to give him the tools to legally protect his brand and build strong contracts with clients and freelancers.
What can I do with a BCom Law degree?
As mentioned earlier, a BCom Law degree gives you the opportunity to pursue many different jobs within the business world. Some of these careers include the following.
- Compliance Officer: Ensure companies operate within legal and regulatory frameworks, especially in finance, insurance, and banking.
- Legal Advisor (Corporate Sector): Provide internal legal support to businesses, helping them manage contracts, regulations, and risk.
- Contract Manager: Oversee the creation, negotiation, and execution of contracts in large organisations or government departments.
- Tax Consultant: Advise individuals or companies on tax planning and compliance, often working alongside accountants or auditors.
- Business Analyst: Use your understanding of law and business to evaluate systems, improve processes, and recommend strategies.
- Risk Manager: Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and operational risks within organisations, especially in banking and insurance.
- Entrepreneur: Start your own business with confidence, thanks to your solid foundation in legal structures, contracts, and business management.
- Human Resources Manager: Manage employment contracts, resolve workplace disputes, and ensure legal compliance in hiring practices.
- Policy Analyst: Work for government or NGOs, researching and drafting policy recommendations with legal and economic impact.
Plus, you can also study further to become a lawyer. Many BCom Law graduates go on to complete their LLB and become practising attorneys or advocates, with a business edge that makes them uniquely skilled in corporate law, commercial litigation, or mergers and acquisitions.
FAQ
Can you become a corporate lawyer with a BCom law degree?
Not directly, but it’s a great starting point.
A BCom Law degree alone does not qualify you to practise law as an attorney or advocate in South Africa. However, it provides an excellent foundation for becoming a corporate lawyer. If that’s your goal, you’ll need to complete an LLB degree after your BCom Law.
The good news? Many universities allow you to transfer credits, which means your LLB may take only two additional years instead of four.
Can I pursue an LLB after completing my BCom Law?
Yes, you can. In fact, many students intentionally choose the BCom Law + LLB route to combine business knowledge with legal expertise, especially if they’re interested in corporate, commercial, or tax law.
As mentioned, some universities offer credit transfers, allowing you to complete your LLB in less time. This combination is highly regarded in the professional world, as it equips you with a broader skillset and a deeper understanding of how legal decisions affect business operations.
What subjects are included in a BCom Law programme?
A BCom Law degree includes a blend of law and commerce modules, helping you build knowledge in both disciplines. The exact subjects will depend on the institution. But, at REGENT Business School, some of the modules include the following:
- Business Communication
- Accounting
- Economics
- Financial Law
- Public Law
- E-commerce Law
- Taxation
- International Business Law
- And more
Study BCom Law online with REGENT
If BCom Law sounds like the ideal qualification for you, you can have a look at REGENT’s Bachelor of Commerce in Law here.
This degree is ideal if you’re looking to enter the business world with legal knowledge and skills that’ll help you stand out in the job market. It’s also ideal if you want to use it as a stepping stone into your legal career.
If you have any questions regarding studying BCom Law and the specific qualification requirements, you can contact us directly, and one of our consultants will be happy to help.
