Professional Legal Practice (Diploma)

Programme Structure

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is a practical course designed to prepare law students for professional practice. It is delivered over the course of two semesters. Completion of the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is a requirement for entry to either branch of the legal profession. The Law Society of Scotland’s core outcomes namely professionalism, professional communication and professional standards and ethics are the pillars of our programme.

All of our courses have been designed by legal practitioners for legal practitioners. They are new and innovative and are constantly reviewed to ensure that they remain dynamic. Our courses are delivered mainly in small group tutorials (12 or less) by our team of 125 highly experienced, enthusiastic and committed tutors almost all of whom are practising solicitors or advocates. Tutorials are very practical and seek to replicate the work undertaken by trainee solicitors and qualified solicitors in a supportive learning environment.

Why Choose to take the Diploma at Glasgow?

• All of our courses have been designed by legal practitioners for legal practitioners.
• Our courses are continually revised to ensure that they are contemporary, innovative and prepare you for practice.
• Much use is made of our library of filmed resources, including court scenarios, which have been developed with the aid of the judiciary and our tutors.
• Courses are aimed at inspiring participants and preparing them to be highly competent and confident trainees.
• Great emphasis is also placed on extra curricular activities and providing opportunities to network and increase employability.
• We are supported by the members of the Glasgow Legal 40, law graduates of the University of Glasgow who offer their experience, knowledge and expertise to assist our students during their Diploma and with their future careers.
• We strive to improve students' employability both during and after completion of the programme.

Programme Aims

Our aim is that the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice delivered by the University of Glasgow comes to be regarded as a trademark of excellence ensuring that our students are not just employable but sought after by employers.

We seek to utilise the knowledge gained at undergraduate level in developing practical skills thus ensuring that the transition from university to traineeship/devilling is effected as seamlessly as possible.

We strive to build on the academic and research strengths of our prestigious School of Law allowing the programme to bridge the gap between the academic programme and applied professional learning.

Programme Overview

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice programme is a full-time postgraduate course, worth 120 credits, taught between September and May.

Teaching is mainly in small groups of 12, where intensive practice-based learning will equip students with the skills required for professional legal practice.

Semester 1

(Compulsory)

Criminial Litigation
Civil Litigation
Property Law and Conveyancing
Private Client

Semester 2

Business, Ethics, Finance and Practice Awareness (Compulsory)

Plus three electives from the following list:

Advanced Civil Litigation
Advanced Criminal Litigation
Corporate
Family Law
Human Rights
Contemporary Scottish Public Law

The choice of electives will allow students the opportunity to specialise in an area of law which may be beneficial in their traineeship, or to develop learning in a subject area in which they are interested. Attendance at lectures and tutorials is compulsory.