Professional Legal Practice

Program Overview

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) is a 9-month program designed to prepare graduates for legal practice in Scotland. It bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice through practical, transaction-based learning, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition seamlessly into the legal field. The program features a combination of core and elective courses, interactive seminars, role play, and group work, fostering a close-knit learning environment with strong links to the legal profession.

Program Outline

DPLP - Professional Legal Practice, PgDip

Degree Overview:

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) is a practical, transaction-based learning program designed to prepare graduates for legal practice in Scotland. It satisfies the requirements of Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) of the professional training program for solicitors in Scotland.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition seamlessly into legal practice.
• Bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
• Develop practical transaction-based learning through interactive seminars, role play, and group work.
• Foster a close-knit learning environment with a strong collegiate working atmosphere.
• Provide opportunities to engage with relevant institutions and legal professionals.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The DPLP is a 9-month program, starting in September and taught over two semesters with classes taking place during business hours.
• Course Content: The program comprises four core courses and four elective courses chosen from a comprehensive list.
• Core Courses:
• Conveyancing (LS50DA)
• Private Client (LS50DB)
• Litigation (LS50DC)
• Business Environment and Ethics (LS50DE)
• 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)

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The DPLP program utilizes a combination of written summative assignments, skills-based oral assignments, and online tests.
• Assessment Dates: Assessment submission dates are staggered throughout the week to encourage time management skills.
• Actors as Mock Clients: Actors are used as mock clients to provide students with a realistic experience in interviewing clients.
• Criminal Litigation Assessment: In Criminal Litigation, students participate in presenting pleas in mitigation and conducting criminal trials.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The DPLP program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including interactive seminars, lectures, research, and tutorials.
• Learning by Doing: The program emphasizes "learning by doing" through scenario-based activities and role-playing exercises.
• Podcasts: Podcasts are used to supplement the learning experience and provide flexibility in teaching.
• Engagement with Relevant Institutions/Bodies: The program offers opportunities to engage with relevant institutions and legal professionals.

Careers:

• Preparation for Legal Practice: The DPLP program prepares graduates for legal practice in Scotland by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Traineeship Opportunities: Graduates of the DPLP program have secured traineeships in various firms and organizations, including GLSS, local authorities, central belt and Aberdeen-based firms, and smaller local firms.
• Career Support: The University Careers and Employability Service provides support with career planning, finding traineeships and placements, and preparing for interviews and assessments.
• Career Mentoring Program: The program offers a successful Career Mentoring program, pairing students with mentors who provide guidance and advice throughout the year.

Other:

• International Applicants: The program welcomes students from all over the world.
• Document Requirements: Applicants are required to provide transcripts and a personal statement as proof of meeting the entry requirements.
• Feedback from Alumni: The program features testimonials from alumni who have successfully transitioned into legal practice.
• Strong Links with the Legal Profession: The program has strong links with the legal profession within Aberdeen and more widely.
• Guest Speakers from Law Firms: The program welcomes speakers from law firms who share insights and information about traineeships and employment opportunities.
• Law Society Representatives: The DPLP program has dedicated Law Society representatives who oversee a social and sporting calendar.
Some details may be subject to change.

All Students: £9,400 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. International Applicants Scholarships Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.