Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Full Time

Year 1

You will study mandatory modules: Business, Finance & Practice; Conveyancing; Civil and Criminal Litigation, and Private Client. You will also study three modules from a list of options which includes Employment Practice and Advanced Civil Litigation.

You will be taught by solicitors in practice and will learn through practical teaching and materials.

Part Time

Year 1

You will study two mandatory modules: Conveyancing and Business, Finance & Practice. You will also study three module from a list of options which includes (amongst others) Employment Practice and Advanced Civil Litigation. You will be taught by solicitors in practice and will learn through practical teaching and materials.

Year 2

You will study two mandatory modules Litigation and Private Client. You will also study either one or two optional modules with a continued focus on learning in the types of work which solicitors carry out in practice.

Activity Summary

• Tutorial - 15 students per group, 2-3 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Independent Study - 8 hours per week
• External Visits - whole cohort, 4-6 hours per course

How long is a Professional Legal Practice course?

The Professional Legal Practice course can be successfully completed between 12 months (full time) to 24 months (part time), in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

This is a practical course and students will be assessed on the skills and knowledge they learn in the tutorials. Students are expected to study independently using the course materials and books, making use of our library facilities and internet searches. 

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course is taught mainly by practising solicitors giving a highly practical edge to the subjects. 

All academic staff teaching on the course have or are working towards Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers and external guest speakers from The Law Society of Scotland and talks from relevant bodies several times throughout the course.

Assessment

The summary below indicates the assessment methods applied to the four mandatory modules studied across the course only. Other assessment methods will vary depending on which elective modules are chosen. Quantities of each assessment method are provided as an approximate amount and may vary.

YEAR 1 - FULL TIME 

• 1 written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 9 written assignments, including essays
• 2 reports
• 2 portfolio
• 2 - 4 set exercises
• 4 oral assessments
• 5 practical skills assessment

YEAR 1 - PART TIME

• 1 written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 2 reports
• 2 set exercises
• 2 oral assessments
• 1 practical skills assessment

YEAR 2 - PART TIME

• 6 written assignments, including essays
• 2 portfolios
• 2 set exercises
• 2 oral assessment
• 4 practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 25 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice allows graduates to start a traineeship with a legal firm or in-house with a company. Traineeships last two years and are required as part of the Law Society of Scotland’s PEAT programme. Find out more:

Entry Requirements

What is needed for Professional Legal Practice?

To gain admission to the DPLP course entrants require to have passed the core subjects in their LLB degree from a Scottish University or alternatively have undertaken a pre diploma training contract and complete the Law Society of Scotland’s professional qualifying examinations. 

At RGU these subjects are

• LL1000 Legal Systems
• LL1001 Legal Skills & Ethics
• LL2153 Law of Contract
• LL2276 Criminal Law
• LL1247 Constitutional Law
• LL1287 Human Rights
• LL2159 Commercial Law
• LL2255 Property Law
• LL2164 Delict
• LL2246 Law of Evidence
• LL3174 Family Law
• LL3175 Succession
• LL3162 Legal Theory
• LL2161 EU Law
• LL3181 Company Law
• LL2165 Property Rights in Land
• LL3177 Practical Legal Skills

Not every student who applies will be accepted. See our Terms and Conditions of Admissions and Enrolment

Alternatively you will have undertaken a pre-Diploma training contract and completed the Law Society of Scotland's professional qualifying examinations.

Those wishing to apply for a place on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice:

• Will graduate LLB from Robert Gordon University this year, or earlier; OR
• Are engaged on a pre-Diploma Training Contract
• Will graduate LLB from another Scottish University this year or earlier

To apply for entry to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice you must complete the application form specific to the Diploma.

If you wish to apply to study at another University, please check that University’s website in order to check if there are other requirements to comply with. If applying to Strathclyde University as first choice please note that the paper application should not be used but the online form on their website should be sent directly to them.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.