Professional Legal Practice PgDip |

Program Overview

---

The flexible Diploma in Professional Legal Practice from Robert Gordon University enables you to train further to practice as a solicitor in Scotland and is a PEAT 1 accredited course by the Law Society of Scotland. Throughout the vocational course, you will learn the ethical rules, practical knowledge and professional skills required of solicitors in Scotland.

If you intend to become a solicitor after completion of an LLB Degree from a Scottish university, or the professional examinations of The Law Society of Scotland, you are required to undertake the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Throughout the course, you will be taught by practising solicitors in most modules, take part in client interviews and undertake skills related activities and assessment, to ensure you are ready for the working environment upon graduation from Robert Gordon University.

Program Outline

Year 1 Full Time

You will study all mandatory modules and three 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.

---

Year 1 Part Time

You will study two of the mandatory modules and three 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 Part Time

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

---

Modules

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.

Detailed module information

---

Activity Summary

Lectures - 16 students per group, 2-3 hours per week

Seminars - 16 students per group, 2-3 hours per week

Tutorial - 16 students per group, 2-3 hours per week

Practical class or workshop - 16 students per group, 2 hours per week

Supervised time in studio / workshop - 16 students per group, 20 hours per course

Independent Study - 8 hours per week

External Visits - 16 students per group, 3 hours per course

---

How long is a Professional Legal Practice course?

The Professional Legal Practice course can be successfully completed between 26 weeks (full time) to 2 years (part time), in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

---

Staff Delivering on This Course

Some of our teaching staff have professional Legal and Management experience meaning that subjects are taught with a highly practical edge. All our academic staff are encouraged to work towards a Higher Education Academy Fellowship.  This is a professional recognition of an individuals practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers and external guest speakers from The Law Society of Scotland.

---

Independent Study

This is a practically based course and students will be assessed on the skills they learn in lectures seminars and workshops. Students are expected to study independently using the textbooks provided at additional cost to students and to research themselves making use of the RGU library facilities.

---

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.

---

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 20 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.

The Inclusion Centre

---

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.

CampusMoodle

---

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

Study Skills 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.

University Library

---

Job Prospects

By completing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice you are completing the first step in professional education and training to become a solicitor in Scotland. The second step is to complete the 2 year legal traineeship which will allow full qualification as a solicitor in Scotland.

Find your CAREER Path