Legal Practice Course (Part-time) LLM
- Level(s) of Study: Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: 2 years
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021).
At Nottingham Law School (NLS) we are confident that our Legal Practice Course (LPC) will provide you with the best training currently available.
Our LPC is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and allows you to progress to qualifying work experience to become a solicitor.
Our careers expertise and experienced and supportive teaching staff will help you get your career as a solicitor off to a flying start. NLS has an excellent reputation within the legal profession.
Why study the LLM LPC at Nottingham Law School?
- Study around work and family commitments
- Pay fees in stages, over two years to ease financial strain
- All our staff are experienced lawyers – many still practice - and students benefit from their practical knowledge.
- We teach in small groups to encourage student participation.
- Every student has a personal tutor. We get to know our students and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.
- NLS are fully aware of the challenges for law students in the current legal employment market. We constantly review our courses to ensure that they provide our students with the qualifications, practical knowledge and experience employers are looking for.
- We offer a multi award-winning pro bono programme including NLS Legal, a Legal Advice Centre for the local community.
- Our dedicated and experienced careers consultants provide guidance and support to help you secure a training contract or other legal employment.
- We provide practical experience: the Bridge to Practice module will ensure you hit the ground running at the start of your career.
- Scholarships worth up to half of the course fees are available.
- Studying with NLS means that you have all the facilities a large Law School can offer plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers outstanding library, IT, support, sports, language and student union services.
- The assessment fee for the Legal Practice Course is included in the course fee.
- NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)
We know that with a changing job market we need to provide relevant legal experience, networking events and careers support for our students to give you the head start that you require at the beginning of your career.
Successful completion of the course enables you to proceed to a training contract and then be admitted as a solicitor. The job market is very competitive and whether you come to Nottingham Law School with a 2.1 or a 2.2 we can add value to enhance your CV and increase your employability.
Library resources
LPC students are able to use all of the library and IT facilities of the University, in particular, the 24-hour access Boots Library. The Boots Library houses the entire Law Collection.
What you’ll study
Undertaking the LPC over two years on a part-time basis has always been a good option for those students who choose to combine earning and learning. It means that you can minimise the amount of time spent away from home and the office and spread the financial burden over the two years. It may also be possible for you to complete part of your training contract whilst doing the part-time Legal Practice Course (LPC). Transfers may also be possible between the part time course and the LPC full-time .
Successful completion of all elements of our LLM LPC will result in the award of a Masters degree. As well as providing you with an internationally recognised qualification, you will leave us with enhanced insight into the legal profession and be better equipped to succeed.
On the LLM LPC you will have the opportunity to complete a project or dissertation, focusing on aspects of legal practice that are of interest to you. Your work for this will be supported by the following:
- a series of lectures delivered by experts within the legal profession
- a Bridge to Practice module
- a dedicated tutor supervisor.
Students who do not wish to study for the full Masters award can still study for the award of a postgraduate diploma, that is, the traditional LPC award. However, all students will benefit from the enhancements made to the LPC.
The course begins with a short foundation programme in Professional Conduct and Regulation, Research, Business Accounts, and Taxation which is taught alongside the delivery of the Core Practice areas (CPAs). Students choosing the Professional Legal Practice module will also undertake workshops for this module during this stage. Teaching and learning within the CPAs will build on knowledge and skills that you have acquired during your undergraduate academic legal studies,and will integrate the LPC skills and the pervasive topics introduced in the foundation programme to ensure that you are continually practising and developing your professional legal knowledge and skills.
The CPAs are assessed in August/September of Stage One. All other Stage One modules are assessed at the end of the relevant teaching block during the Stage One teaching period.
Towards the end of Stage One you will elect whether you wish to undertake the Dissertation module or Professional Legal Practice module, and supervision and deadlines are in place to support your work planning for this module.
During stage two (which takes place in year two of the course) you will study a total of three Electives to be chosen from the list of Elective modules available. The course and curriculum are designed to ensure a progressive approach to the acquisition of both knowledge and skills.
There is an increased emphasis, in particular, on the development of independent research skills both within the teaching and learning of your chosen Electives and in your studies for the Dissertation or Professional Legal Practice module.
The Elective modules will be assessed at the end of the teaching block, and you will be expected to submit the assessment for the Dissertation module no later than the end of Stage Two teaching if you wish to graduate with the full LLM award at the final examination board in July. If you are unable to complete the assessment within this period you will have further opportunities to submit but will not be eligible for an award until you have either completed this assessment or elected not to do so.
Elective Modules
- Advanced Civil Litigation
- Advanced Commercial Property
- Advanced Criminal Practice
- Commercial Law
- Employment Law
- Family and Child Protection Law
- Private Client
- Advanced Advocacy
View the full list of Legal practice Course (LPC) part-time elective modules
Please note that elective modules will only run if sufficient numbers of students opt for them. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that all modules will run.
Modules
- Business Law & Practice (including Taxation and Business Accounts)
- Civil and Criminal Litigation
- Property Law
- Elective one
- Elective two
- Elective three
- Wills and Administration of Estates
- Professional Conduct and Regulation
- Solicitors Accounts
- Advocacy
- Research
- Interviewing and Advising
- Writing
- Drafting
- Research dissertation / Law in Practice (optional for those taking the LLM award).
It is up to you which way you choose; most students like to complete the LPC as soon as possible, but some like to undertake electives once they have a better idea of their intended practice area. However bear in mind that the Solicitors Qualifying Examination will replace the LPC as the route to qualification as a solicitor and the LPC will be phased out.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
The course is studied on a part-time basis over two academic years. Year one (Stage One) comprises eight teaching weekends (Fri-Sun) and two separate teaching weeks (Mon-Fri) one in November and one in May. Year two (Stage Two) comprises six teaching weekends (Fri-Sun). All teaching will be on campus with face-to-face teaching. There is no option to attend Small Group Sessions (SGSs) online. You are required to prepare for all teaching sessions in advance which will involve viewing pre-recorded lectures (LGSs) and vodcasts, and SGS preparation. For the teaching weekends, there will usually be no attendance requirements for Fridays, but you are recommended to set this day aside as part of your preparation time. Attendance on Fridays may be required for some scheduled assessments, along with workshops within the teaching weeks.
Course structure and content
The curriculum and structure of the course are partially prescribed by the SRA, as the course's external validating body.
Teaching dates
2023/24 Year One
Year 1 teaching will take place over 8 weekends and 2 full weeks (Monday to Friday), between September and June. Assessments will take place at the end of year 1 in August / September 2024
In Year 1 you will study the Core Practice Areas of Business, Property, Civil and Criminal Litigation. You will also study the legal skills and pervasive areas of Interviewing, Research, Writing, Drafting, Advocacy, Professional Conduct, Accounts and Wills and the Administration of Estates.
2024/25 Year Two
Year 2 teaching will take place over 6 weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between October and April. Assessments will be in May/June. Course dates to be confirmed.
In Year 2 you will study three self-chosen electives. You can choose from a range of subject combinations, which have been specifically combined to align with potential practice areas.
View the full list of Legal practice Course (LPC) part-time elective modules
Lectures
Induction lectures in the first weekend will be delivered live on campus over the three days (Fri – Sun). These will be recorded using a Lecture Capture procedure and available in the learning rooms for reference.
All other lectures are pre-recorded, and you can listen to these at a time best suited to you in preparation for the relevant teaching session.
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are designed to integrate with the course as a whole. We assess each stage of the LPC's content by assessments at the end of that stage. You will be assessed in each legal skill, designed to establish competence, on a competent / not competent basis. You will be assessed by examination in each of the three compulsory and elective subjects (your own prescribed materials being allowed in the exams).
Further information
For further information please contact NLS.LPC@ntu.ac.uk.
Further information
You will take three electives. Your can choose from a range of subject combinations, which have been specifically combined to align with potential practice areas.
View the full list of Legal practice Course (LPC) part-time elective modules
Careers and employability
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) was introduced in September 2021 and is a new common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. We have designed a range of SQE preparation courses to prepare you to sit and pass the SQE centralised assessments. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you.
Your future career
We have a dedicated Employability team who will support you in your search for a training contract; the number of Nottingham Law School graduates gaining a training contract or paralegal work is consistently high.
At Nottingham Law School we don't view the LPC in isolation. It leads to a training contract and we can provide the support required to give you the best possible start to your legal career:
- Our Employability Team provide seminars with advice about training contract applications and interview techniques.
- We will review your training contract applications and formulate individual career plans. We also provide a practical interview preparation service.
- We provide a mentoring scheme with trainees from local law firms to provide support and guidance and a personal view of what to expect from life in the profession.
- Employability and commercial awareness are given appropriate focus, which provides a true bridge into practice.
- We maintain regular contact with firms specialising in all areas of law.
There are opportunities to get involved with pro bono projects and NLS Legal, which enable you to gain practical legal work experience.
Our aim is to provide reliable, high quality legal advice and information to the local community and individuals in need. It also provides practical experience for you to undertake your professional legal training at Nottingham Law School.
Course skills
The course skills are advocacy, interviewing, research, writing and drafting and these are often seen as providing the most demanding, and hopefully rewarding, elements of the course. We give particular attention to the written skills of research and writing and drafting; we take seriously the concerns of many firms about the capacity of trainees to handle this type of work in the early part of their training contracts.
Theoretical material is kept to a minimum, and the emphasis is normally on practice and feedback to develop the skills you will need on entering the profession.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), introduced in September 2021, is the new route to qualification as a solicitor and anyone who would like to qualify as a solicitor can do so by passing the SQE assessments. If you fall within the SRA’s transitional arrangements you can choose whether to qualify via the LPC or SQE route.
What are we looking for?
You will need one of the following:
- a Qualifying Law degree (2.2 or above)
- Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate degree (2.2 or above)
- Institute of Legal Executives / Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.
All applicants should provide evidence in their personal statement of their commitment to a career in law. Applicants should also ensure that their referee provides a full reference in support of their application. See the how to apply tab for full entry requirement details.
We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.
SRA Information - changes to Education and Training Regulations
The SRA has recently put in place proposals to simplify the training regulations.
These proposals have resulted in the removal of the requirements for students:
- to apply for a Certificate of Completion of the Academic Stage of Training
- to enrol with the SRA prior to commencing the LPC.
Please read the SRA revisions document
Please note that these changes could impact considerably upon you and it is your responsibility to ensure that you understand your revised obligations in respect of the LPC.
If you are in any doubt about how these changes affect you, please consult the SRA website.
Read our guidance on what the SQE means for you.
Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
Applications from students who have successfully completed either a Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) within five years of enrolment to our Legal Practice Course may be considered for exemption from attendance and assessment in the following:
- Stage One - Litigation; Advocacy; Drafting
- Stage Two - Two Vocational Electives.
- It is important for such students to contact the Course Leader as promptly as possible prior to their application to the Central Applications Board to allow their APL application to be considered.
We await confirmation from the SRA of any exemptions available to students who have completed a Bar Training Course.
Students who transfer to Nottingham Law School to undertake Stage Two having successfully completed Stage One at another institution will be awarded the Professional Diploma.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You will need one of the following options:
- a Qualifying Law degree (2.2 or above).
- Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate degree (2.2 or above).
- Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.
All applicants should provide evidence in their personal statement of their commitment to a career in law and will be required to provide a full reference in support of their application.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests. For this course you will need:
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking).
What is a Qualifying Law degree?
A Qualifying Law degree (QLD) is a degree recognised by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority which enables you to progress on to further legal training to become a solicitor or barrister.
A Qualifying Law degree covers the seven foundations of Legal Knowledge:
- Law of Contract and problem–solving
- Law of Torts and Case Analysis
- Public Law and Human Rights
- European Union Law and Report writing
- Law of Trusts and Applied Legal Analysis
- Criminal Law with Mooting
- Land Law and Professional Advice
If you have not covered the above in your undergraduate degree and want to progress on to the LLM LPC or LLM BTC, you will need to complete our Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) conversion course before you begin your legal training.
SRA Information - changes to Education and Training Regulations
The SRA has recently put in place proposals to simplify the training regulations.
These proposals have resulted in the removal of the requirements for students:
- to apply for a Certificate of Completion of the Academic Stage of Training
- to enrol with the SRA prior to commencing the LPC.
Please read the SRA revisions document
Please note that these changes could impact considerably upon you and it is your responsibility to ensure that you understand your revised obligations in respect of the LPC.
If you are in any doubt about how these changes affect you, please consult the SRA website.
Read our guidance on what the SQE means for you.
Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
Applications from students who have successfully completed either a Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) within five years of enrolment to our Legal Practice Course may be considered for exemption from attendance and assessment in the following:
- Stage One - Litigation; Advocacy; Drafting
- Stage Two - Two Vocational Electives.
- It is important for such students to contact the Course Leader as promptly as possible prior to their application to the Central Applications Board to allow their APL application to be considered.
Students who transfer to Nottingham Law School to undertake Stage Two having successfully completed Stage One at another institution will be awarded the Professional Diploma.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our international team for advice.
Fees and funding
Home fees for 2023 entry
| Study route | Home fees |
|---|---|
| Two years (Part-time) | £6,100 (cost per year of study*) |
Please note, the assessment fee for the Legal Practice Course is included.
*If you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.
Discounts available
| Professional Courses alumni discount | £1000 |
| University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln fee concession | £750 |
Discounts are applicable to applications for 2023 entry only and are applied over the duration of the course. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.
Scholarships available
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:
- Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
- Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement – for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.
More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our funding pages will answer all your questions.
Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
This course is eligible for the government postgraduate loan scheme.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
International / EU fees for 2023 entry
| Study route | International / EU fees |
|---|---|
| Two years (Part-time) | £6,100 (cost per year of study*) |
Please note, the assessment fee for the Legal Practice Course is included.
*If you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
All travel, accommodation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. Accommodation on campus is not available during the residential period.
Discounts available
| Professional Courses alumni discount | £1000 |
| University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln fee concession | £750 |
Discounts are applicable to applications for 2023 entry only and are applied over the duration of the course. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.
Scholarships available
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study on eligible courses at the University.
Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:
- Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
- Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement – for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.
More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.
Funding your studies
Please visit our postgraduate fees page for further information on course fees.
For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Application closing date
Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Apply directly to the University online using the NTU online application portal.
Apply for your as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
For a step by step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page
For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Application closing date
Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.