Professional Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma

Overview

The Professional Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma is designed for non-law graduates who are seeking to transition to a career in law. You’ll learn both the law and its practical application to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations. The course will provide you with a solid foundation to qualify either as a solicitor or a barrister, whichever profession you decide upon.

Course Structure

To be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, you’ll study six core modules, honing your knowledge and skills in interactive group sessions.

Core Modules

• Criminal Liability and Procedure: This module will introduce you to the core legal principles underlying criminal liability, by examining the way they shape criminal law (including actus reus and mens rea, and the definition of offences and defences), as well as key rules of procedure in the lead up to and during a criminal trial.
• Legal Systems and Public Law: This module looks at the structures of the legal system, the court hierarchy, precedent and statutory interpretation. It considers the regulation of legal services and the regulatory role of the Solicitors Regulatory Authority including the application of the Equality Act 2010, money laundering legislation such as the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the regulation of financial services and legislation such as the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
• Obligations in Context: This module will introduce students to modern English contract and tort law as part of the wider law of obligations. You will explore the legal and theoretical issues that form the core of contract law and the core ideas, concepts and principles which underpin the law of tort.
• Company Law and Business Practice: The module explores the concept of legal personality as applied to companies registered under the Companies Act 2006, in contrast to other business vehicles. The rules relating to companies are analysed from legal, practical, historical, economic, sociological and political perspectives.
• Equity, Trusts and Wills: This module provides an opportunity to consider the role of equity and trusts in relation to family and commercial trusts. The module will also identify the substantive law in key areas including express trusts, purpose (public and private) trusts, trusts which arise by operation of law, the nature of trustees’ duties, the nature of fiduciary obligations, liability of third parties and consider their application to solve factual problems.
• Land Law: This module will introduce you to the principles and concepts of modern English (and Welsh) land (and property) law. You will explore the legal framework of registered and unregistered land, the estates and interest in land (distinguishing between law and equity), the rights and obligations of the landlord and tenant, the landlord and tenant statutory framework, the law relating to mortgages, the creation and protection of easements and freehold covenants, the distinction between leases and licences, an overview of leasehold covenants, the devolution of estates and interests in express co-ownership and the creation of a constructive trust and quantification of land in implied co-ownership.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a related discipline including Law, Social Science. Applicants without the standard qualifications who have significant professional experience in the relevant field or related professional qualifications may be considered.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £12,700 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £13,000 (Price per academic year)

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories: written exams, practical, and coursework.

Research Groups

• Centre on the Legal Profession
• International Law at Westminster (ILaW)
• International Cyber-Security Law
• Westminster Law and Theory Lab
• European and Comparative Law Research group
• Centre for Law, Gender, Race and Sexuality
• Centre for Law, Society and Popular Culture

Supporting You

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.

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Degree Overview:

The Professional Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma is a conversion course designed for non-law graduates seeking a career in law. It provides a solid foundation for qualifying as a solicitor or barrister. The program equips students with essential legal knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for further study towards the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination (SQE) or a Bar Standards Board authorized barristers’ training course.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the English legal system and its practical application.
• To develop key legal skills, including writing, drafting, interviewing, advising, research, case and matter analysis, and advocacy.
• To prepare students for further study towards professional legal qualifications.

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Outline:

The program consists of six core modules, delivered through interactive group sessions.

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Core Modules:

• Criminal Liability and Procedure: This module introduces students to the core legal principles underlying criminal liability, examining actus reus, mens rea, the definition of offences and defences, and key rules of procedure in criminal trials.
• Legal Systems and Public Law: This module explores the structures of the legal system, the court hierarchy, precedent, statutory interpretation, and the regulation of legal services.
It also covers the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, the Equality Act 2010, money laundering legislation, financial services regulation, and funding options for legal services. Additionally, it examines the UK constitution, administrative law, and judicial review.
• Obligations in Context: This module introduces students to modern English contract and tort law, exploring the legal and theoretical issues that form the core of these areas.
• Company Law and Business Practice: This module explores the concept of legal personality as applied to companies registered under the Companies Act 2006, analyzing company rules from legal, practical, historical, economic, sociological, and political perspectives.
It covers constitutional matters, limited liability, shareholder and director rights and duties, decision-making management, company finance, taxation, and corporate and personal insolvency. The module also provides insight into business transactions and commercial contracts.
• Equity, Trusts and Wills: This module examines the role of equity and trusts in family and commercial contexts.
It covers express trusts, purpose trusts, trusts arising by operation of law, trustee duties, fiduciary obligations, third-party liability, and the application of these concepts to solve factual problems. The module also addresses the significance of equitable remedies and the law and practice of wills and estate administration.
• Land Law: This module introduces students to the principles and concepts of modern English and Welsh land and property law.
It explores the legal framework of registered and unregistered land, estates and interests in land, landlord and tenant rights and obligations, the landlord and tenant statutory framework, mortgages, easements, freehold covenants, leases and licenses, leasehold covenants, co-ownership, and conveyancing.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Advocacy
• Case study report
• Analysis of a legal case
• Students have the opportunity to undertake real client legal work under the supervision of tutors at the Student Law Centre.
• The focus is on experiential learning through reflection, analysis, and planning.
• Lecturers are highly experienced and approachable, many of whom are qualified solicitors or barristers.

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Careers:

The program prepares students for roles in various areas, including:

• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Arbitrator
• Commercial or family law mediator
• Asset manager
• Banking and finance lawyer

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Other:

• The course is taught at Westminster Law School in the heart of London's West End, with many law firms nearby.
• The University's Careers and Employability Service provides support for students exploring career opportunities.
• Alumni mentors contribute to the Legal Skills Academy, helping current students prepare for legal careers.
• Westminster Law School offers specialist careers and subject events, providing networking opportunities.
• Students can develop their legal skills at the Westminster Law School Legal Advice Clinic.
• Westminster Law School and its student law societies host career and subject-specialist workshops and events throughout the academic year.
• The Westminster Employability Award allows students to document and demonstrate their personal and professional development.
• The course team is drawn from both research and vocational backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of Westminster Law School.
• The University offers a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
• The Regent Campus, home to Westminster Law School, features a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic, and a 382-seat lecture theatre.

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This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

University of Westminster

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Overview:

University of Westminster is a public university located in London, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong connections to the industry.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university has four campuses across London, providing students with a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students have access to various facilities, including a cinema, gallery spaces, and sports facilities. The university also offers a range of student support services, including career guidance, academic support, and mental health services.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

The university's location in London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities.

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating work placements and industry projects.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong connections to industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and career development.

Diverse Student Body:

The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate courses:

A broad range of undergraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, design, creative industries, and liberal arts.

Postgraduate courses:

A variety of postgraduate study options, including master's degrees, research degrees, and short courses.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with a focus on areas such as sustainability, social justice, and digital technologies. It also has a dedicated alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.