Professional Legal Practice

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is suitable for students seeking to enter the professions of solicitor or advocate in Scotland.

The content is determined by the national Joint Standing Committee on Legal Education, the Diploma Co-ordinating Committee and various working parties, which include representatives of all the universities and members of the legal profession.

The focus is on the practical skills required in the legal profession.

Compulsory courses:

* Conveyancing

* Private Client

* Civil Court Practice

* Criminal Court Practice

* Financial Services and Related Skills

* Company and Commercial

* Professional Skills and Responsibility

There are also a large number of elective courses on offer, covering specialisms such as Banking Law, Employment Law, Mediation and Human Rights. The breadth of options available enables students to tailor their learning to suit their interests and career aspirations.

Students on this programme have a very full timetable in comparison with that at undergraduate level. It entails a large number of contact hours, much of the time in small workshop groups.

Participation in practical class work is regarded as extremely important and attendance is expected.

There may also be the need for substantial preparation for exercises and in-class assessment. There is an emphasis on legal skills throughout.