Program Overview

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DPLP - Professional Legal Practice, PgDip

Introduction

The DPLP is a practical transaction-based learning programme that aims to prepare suitably qualified graduates for legal practice in Scotland. Building on our strong links with the legal profession, we see the Diploma as the crucial bridge from your law degree to the world of practice.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: PgDip
• Duration: 9 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September

The DPLP satisfies the requirements of Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) of the professional training programme for solicitors in Scotland. Completion of PEAT 1 is required for entry into the legal profession in Scotland. The Diploma is taught over the academic year, across two semesters and classes take place during business hours between 9.00am and 7.00pm. All students must complete and pass the four core courses: Conveyancing, Private Client, Litigation, Business Environment and Ethics, and the reflective diary exercises in semester one before progressing to the elective courses in semester two. The course starts in September with a comprehensive induction programme focusing on skill-based exercises including negotiation, interviewing and team working.

In the second semester, 4 elective courses are chosen from a comprehensive list (please see course information), enabling you to tailor your study to your interests and needs. Detailed information on the elective courses is provided in November prior to selecting courses.

Across the two semesters, the transaction-based learning approach enables you to build on your knowledge and skills week by week. The course content is centred around a number of different activities including interactive seminars, role play and group work. The programme structure and exercises seek to replicate real-life legal practice to ensure your transition into the working world is as seamless as possible.

What You'll Study

Degree Content

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Conveyancing (LS50DA)
  • Private Client (LS50DB)
  • Litigation (LS50DC)
  • Business Environment and Ethics (LS50DE)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Conveyancing (LS50DA)

• 15 Credit Points
• The course will cover: registration of title system in general and specific aspects of registration of title in particular; the steps involved in selected types of conveyancing transaction; particular issues raised by specific types of conveyancing transaction; selected aspects of leases and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of conveyancing. Key conveyancing skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction-based research.

Private Client (LS50DB)

• 15 Credit Points
• The course will cover: taking instructions for a will; drafting testamentary documentation; practical issues concerning intestacy; executry administration; trusts; incapacity; investment and tax planning advice; and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of Private Client. Key Private Client skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting and transaction-based research.

Litigation (LS50DC)

• 15 Credit Points
• The course will introduce both Criminal and Civil Litigation and will cover: the Criminal Legal Aid scheme, the rules of criminal procedure and appeal routes, the conducts of pleas in mitigation, intermediate diets and trials, the funding of civil procedure, the concepts of specification and relevance in civil procedure, Court of Session procedure and processes, actions competent in the sheriff court and appeal routes, client interviews, drafting pleadings, the conduct of an options hearing and a proof, settlement issues and related matters including client care aspects of litigation. Key litigation skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, advocacy, and transaction-based research.

Business Environment and Ethics (LS50DE)

• 15 Credit Points
• The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 will cover: business structures and investment; a group exercise involves the set-up of a virtual law firm and construction of key business and practice policies; management of time and risk capability; company accounts analysis; loan finance; financial advice and tax implications; financial services. An Investment Game runs throughout the first part of the course where each student manages a share portfolio. Part 2 will cover ethical issues in the client relationship; confidentiality and conflict; and duties and discipline. Key skills such as communication with clients, team working, drafting are covered.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

• This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
• Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
• Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Optional Courses

• Every candidate shall be required to attend and obtain a pass in four of the following elective courses:
  • Advanced Civil Litigation (LS55DA)
  • Contracts (LS55DB)
  • Corporate Finance and Acquisition (LS55DC)
  • Family Law (LS55DE)
  • Energy Law (LS55DF)
  • Employment Law (LS55DG)
  • Public Administration (LS55DH)
  • Advanced Criminal Litigation (LS55DJ)
  • Negotiation and Mediation (LS55DM)

Fee Information

• All Students: £10,200
• Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

How You'll Study

• As a programme of professional study and performance the learning and teaching methods employed ensure active engagement with 'real life ' tasks and professional issues within a secure and supportive, yet challenging environment.
• Transaction based learning is at the centre of learning and teaching on the Diploma.
• Each course has been designed to include scenarios which mirror situations that students are likely to encounter as trainees.
• The teaching approach is to coach rather than to provide direct instruction.
• Throughout the Diploma a variety of teaching and learning methods are used which have been chosen as the most appropriate to achieve the relevant learning outcome.
• The majority of classes will take the form of small group seminars.
• 'Learning by doing' is key to acquiring professional skills.
• Much of the learning on the DPLP centres around student preparation which usually involves preparing material related to a scenario designed to mirror a real-life situation.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• There are no written exams on the DPLP course at Aberdeen.
• Assessment is on a combination of written summative assignments, skills-based oral assignments and online tests.
• Assessment submission dates are staggered throughout the week to encourage time management skills.
• Actors are used as mock clients to give students a wide and realistic experience in interviewing clients.
• In Criminal Litigation students participate in presenting pleas in mitigation and conducting criminal trials.

Why Study DPLP - Professional Legal Practice?

• The DPLP programme prepares you fully for legal practice in Scotland.
• In order to practice in Scotland, you will need to gain a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
• Aberdeen School of Law provides you with a Diploma using strong links with the legal profession and ensuring you are a 'fit for purpose' legal trainee from day one.
• We have a strong collegiate working environment which enables you to learn, share and bond quickly.
• Your teaching is complemented by presentations from the law profession with valuable real-world insights.
• The course is structured to develop your skills and knowledge continuously, with practical exercises and role-playing cementing this learning.
• Role play in a collegiate environment helps you develop your style and approach across core competencies whilst learning from peers.
• At Aberdeen, you can benefit from our expertise in specialist areas such as Dispute Resolution and Energy Law.

Entry Requirements

• A degree in law from a Scottish university or other institution recognised for this purpose by the Senatus Academicus on the recommendation of the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate) which includes passes in the Law Society of Scotland's professional subjects or equivalent.

Qualifications

• The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
• Graduates from the University of Aberdeen must have passes in the following:
  • Legal System
  • Criminal Law
  • Foundations of Private Law
  • Contract
  • UK Constitutional Law
  • Delict and Unjustified Enrichment
  • EU Institutions & Law
  • The Law of Property
  • Family Law
  • Commercial Organisations & Insolvency
  • Succession and Trusts
  • Administrative Law and Civil Liberties
  • Introduction to Legal Theory
  • Evidence
  • Commercial and Consumer Contracts

English Language Requirements

• To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
• The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
• If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
  • Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
  • Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

• Diploma graduates from the University of Aberdeen have been successful in securing traineeships in a range of organisations including the GLSS, local authorities and a wide range of UK firms.
• University of Aberdeen Graduates are highly sought after.
• Throughout the year, we welcome speakers from a range of law firms who want to meet and engage with students seeking traineeships.
• The Careers and Employability Service holds an annual law fair, where law firms and employers provide information about their traineeships and employment opportunities.
• The University Careers and Employability Service has a dedicated Law Careers Adviser who is happy to help you make career plans and decisions, find traineeships and placements and provide feedback on applications and CVs.
• The Adviser can also assist with preparing and practising for interviews, psychometric tests and assessment centres.
• We also run a very successful Career Mentoring programme which selectively pairs student applicants with a suitable mentor who will meet informally with them throughout the year, to offer guidance and advice.
• This programme supports several evening receptions hosted by firms which provide a valuable opportunity for students to mix informally with members of the profession.

Career Opportunities

• Lawyer

Professional Links

• We have strong links with the legal profession within Aberdeen and more widely.
• Many of our additional learning activities are taught by practising lawyers, enabling you to learn first-hand about the realities of legal practice.
• There is a very active Law Society at the University of Aberdeen that has dedicated DPLP representatives who oversee a very full and varied social and sporting calendar.