Legal Practice Course LLM/PGDip/PGCert

at City University of London

Benefits of this course

You will learn by working on a series of client files similar to cases handled by a solicitor’s office. Our expert staff guide you through different tasks that need to be undertaken to advance a case.

 

Our legal practice course will give you skills in drafting legal documents, preparing letters of advice, interviewing clients and delivering submissions in court.

 

You will be taught at master's level while focusing primarily on practice.
 

Awards

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
   

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable if you want to become a solicitor in any area of law. It can form part of your training to be eligible for admission to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.

 

You will have completed a qualifying law degree or a non-law degree, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Law.
 

Solicitors Qualifying Exam

In autumn 2021, a new route to qualifying as a solicitor of England and Wales will be introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

 

The new SQE route no longer requires you to have a qualifying law degree – rather you are to hold a degree or equivalent qualification.
 

Structure

 

Awards

 

You can select to apply for one of the three available exit points for this course.

 

Master of Laws (LLM)

 

Duration:

• Full-time: 1 year (September – September)

 

Total credits: 180

 

Modules:

• Core modules: 11
• Optional modules: 3

 

Plus dissertation.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
 

Duration:

• Full-time: 10 months (September – June)

 

Total credits: 150
 

Modules:

• Core modules: 11
• Optional modules: 3

 

The Postgraduate Diploma forms Stages One and Two of the full LPC.

 

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
 

Duration:

• Full-time: 6 months (September – February)

 

Total credits: 120
 

Modules:

• Core modules: 11

 

The Postgraduate Certificate forms Stage One of the full LPC.
 

Modules

The legal practice course begins in September with an Induction Week, introducing the programme.  Lectures for some of the core modules will also be delivered during Induction Week.  The course is then divided into two stages:

• In the first stage (September to February) you will study the core modules. During this stage, you will normally attend four days a week, with two or three one-and-half-hour sessions a day amounting to a total of 12 to 15 hours a week.
• In the second stage (March to June) you will study three elective modules. Your timetable will depend on the electives that you choose. You will have approximately 12 to 15 hours of classes a week, timetabled over four days.
   

If you choose to complete the LLM, you will be required to write a dissertation.  You will be required to start your research during the year and then write the dissertation for submission in September.

• Core modules
• Elective modules
• Dissertation
   

Programme specification

The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

The LPC is a postgraduate course with entry requirements prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

 

Most students will have a UK honours degree in law. Normally a strong second-class degree is the minimum standard required. However, it is possible to apply with a degree in another subject and a further qualification in law, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law. The SRA can advise on non-standard qualifications.

 

In considering your application, we will take the following into account:

• Academic profile and achievement
• Strength of personal reasons for wishing to take the course
• Evidence of your motivation to become a solicitor (work experience, training contract applications, etc).
• Students who have passed the BVC or BPTC in the last five years will be able to accredit their prior learning and so will only have to take certain elements of the course. Please contact us if you want to know more about this option.

 

You should be aware that before you qualify as a solicitor you will have to undergo a character and suitability test for the SRA. The SRA will review your position if you have any convictions, had financial problems, such as a County Court Judgment against you or been involved in assessment offences.

 

If you have been affected by such matters, you should contact the SRA. Find further information on the test on the SRA website.
 

English language requirements

If you did not complete your degree within the United Kingdom, you will have to have an IELTS score of seven with no score less than six in any element of the assessment.

 

We are also currently accepting the TOEFL IBT Special Home Edition. We require a score of 25 in Speaking and at least 24 in every other component of the test.

Fees for academic year 2022/23

Master of Laws (LLM)

Full-time per year

• UK: £15,350
• Overseas/EU: £15,350

 

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

Full-time per year

• UK: £15,350
• Overseas/EU: £15,350

 

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

Full-time per year

• UK: £11,190
• Overseas/EU: £11,190

 

We will prepare you for working life as a trainee solicitor.
 

Although you may not have a training contract when you start the course, we can help you to find one during it. You can access our Training Contract Advisory Service (TCAS) as soon as you accept your place on the course.
 

Our range of support has helped graduates into City and high-street firms in London and far beyond.
 

Our graduates have progressed to work for organisations across many sectors.
 

Gain experience

Pro bono is an opportunity to use your time and knowledge to provide legal advice to those who may otherwise not have access to such services. It provides you with invaluable experience and a chance to develop your legal skills further. Our award-winning Pro Bono Unit offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved in pro bono work.
 

The City Law School offers a mentoring scheme for LPC students to give students the opportunity to apply to be matched with a mentor who is a practising legal professional. Our scheme matches students with knowledgeable mentors who can support your professional development.