Course summary

The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is a postgraduate, vocational qualification which if completed, will allow you to pursue a career in the legal profession in Scotland, either as a solicitor or advocate. The course is primarily delivered by practising solicitors and acts as a bridge between the academic study of law and the requirements of legal practice. We teach you the practical knowledge and skills needed for practice, as well as introducing the values and ethics of the legal profession in Scotland. On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to take a two year traineeship within Scotland and qualify as a solicitor. If you want to practise as an advocate, you must complete additional training. All of our teaching is based on achieving the outcomes set by the Law Society of Scotland. These outcomes emphasise the development of practical legal skills within a backdrop of ethical and professional behaviour. You will consolidate and build on black letter law and the research and analytical skills that you acquired as undergraduates and apply them to practical situations through interactive learning. This course is flexible and you can be tailored to suit your needs and other commitments over the two year period of study. You will study alongside full time students and study over two academic years.