LLM Common Professional Examination drafted draft

Program Overview

Why choose this course?

The LLM Common Professional Examination, also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law, is the route for non-law graduates wanting a fast-track pathway to a professional law qualification. Successful completion of the course provides you with a dual purpose qualification that completes the academic stage of legal training to progress onto the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and an LLM (Master in Laws). This combination is rarely offered elsewhere and may be completed in one year.

If you are looking for the chance to change career direction, this course provides the same opportunities open to those who have graduated with a qualifying LLB (Hons) degree – that gives exemption from the academic stage of training for progression to the final course for qualification as a solicitor or a barrister. In addition, this course gives you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate degree in law which will enhance your employability.

Drawing on the expertise of law academics and teachers within the Wolverhampton Law School, the course satisfies the academic stage of legal training required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, and provides you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the legal profession. The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and meets the Joint Statement on legal academic qualification of the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Drawing on the expertise of law academics and teachers within the Wolverhampton Law School, the course satisfies the academic stage of legal training required by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority and Bar Standards and provides you with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the legal profession. The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and meets the Joint Statement on legal academic qualification of the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The course is taught over one year full-time or two years part-time. The part-time course usually involves attendance on two evenings per week, although day-time attendance would be permissible but will be subject to the University’s timetabling of classes. In relation to the full-time course, class sessions are flexible and can be attended by a mix of day and evening classes.

You will experience a variety of teaching methods including framework lectures, group-led discussions and debates, workshops, oral presentations and independent research. Assessments on the course consist of coursework and examinations.

Potential Career Paths

Although most students who undertake this qualification will go on to complete either the LPC or the BPTC, this qualification does not restrict your career opportunities. The award of an LLM will enhance your career prospects and employability, as the qualification if recognised by a variety of non-practising law and law-related areas in both the private and public sectors. Examples of such career opportunities include working as legal advisors for the in-house legal departments of companies, banks, insurance sector, government departments or other private or public sector organisations such as the NHS. Students could also progress to a career in teaching or continue with the study of law by undertaking a Ph.D.