204 spaces on the Diploma course available (total including part time)
Full-time and part-time study options available
Full-time course fees: £9,450 (full-time) / £4,725 (part-time) for year one. For year two: 50% of 2022/23 fees.
Cost for additional materials: N/A
If you're interested in Glasgow's course, the best way to find out more is by attending their open day.
Tuesday, 16 March 3pm – 4:30pm (details TBC)
Contact [email protected] for more information.
This programme provides you with the necessary qualification to pursue a legal traineeship. Undertaken after obtaining your LLB, it is the next step towards a career as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. Our aim is that the Glasgow Diploma comes to be regarded as the trademark of excellence, ensuring that you are not just employable but actively sought after by employers. It will equip you with the hands-on skills necessary to practise law as a “day one ready trainee” in the 21st century, as well as excellent opportunities to develop your own professional network to support you throughout your career.
TBC. In 2020/21, we delivered the programme online. We hope to be in a position to confirm plans for 2021/22 shortly.
This is a full-time course lasting one academic year. There are no classes on Tuesdays and Fridays in semester one, and no classes on Tuesdays in semester two.
Courses
Five core courses:
- Civil Litigation;
- Commercial Awareness;
- Conveyancing;
- Criminal Litigation; and
- Private Client.
Optional courses include:
- Advanced Civil Litigation;
- Advanced Criminal Litigation;
- Commercial Contracts;
- Commercial Conveyancing;
- Contemporary Scottish Public Law;
- Corporate;
- Employment Law
- Family law;
- Human Rights; and
- Introduction to Legal Innovation and Technology.
Students study four core courses in semester one and the fifth core course – Private Client – in semester two. Students also choose three optional courses to study in semester two.
Students are taught in tutorial groups of 12 or fewer students.
Read the module descriptions in more detail on Glasgow University's website.
This is a part-time course lasting two academic years. In year one, all compulsory classes take place on Thursdays (and possible Monday morning). In year two, compulsory classes take place on Monday evening and Wednesday morning in semester one.
An additional core course may be introduced in 2020/21 (year one).
Courses
Year One, Semester One:
- Commercial Awareness; and
- Criminal Litigation
Year One, Semester Two:
- Private Client; and
- One optional course
Year Two, Semester One:
- Civil Litigation; and
- Conveyancing.
Year Two, Semester Two:
- Two optional courses.
Assessment
There are no traditional exams. Instead, students are assessed by way of practical written and oral assessments.
Extra-curricular
Students have the opportunity to take part in / benefit from the following:
- Mentoring Scheme;
- Networking events;
- International Client Consultation Competition;
- International Negotiation Competition;
- UK Mediation Competition; and
Bespoke career advice.
The full-time course will run over one academic year. The part-time course runs for 18 months over two years (four semesters). Part-time students will complete the same courses and number of electives, but over a two year period.
Induction week
Monday 14 September 2020 – beginning of introductory week (compulsory attendance).
Monday 21 September 2020 – beginning of week one of teaching.
Diploma timetable
You will benefit from our library of filmed resources, developed in collaboration with the judiciary and our tutors. Filmed scenarios include numerous civil and criminal court hearings, judicial review, mediation, negotiation and collaboration.
You will attend Glasgow Sheriff Court and appear before a sheriff to deliver a plea in mitigation.
Upon successful completion of the Diploma you will be eligible to progress through your traineeship to work as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. The Diploma is not only a requirement for entry into these roles in the legal profession, but also provides employment opportunities in related legal disciplines. As well as working with colleagues in the School of Law and the University’s Career Service, we strive to increase your employability through our strong links across the legal profession by liaising with human resources and training partners in our tutors’ organisations. In addition, we run a series of networking events where you can meet lawyers from all areas of the industry and at all levels, from trainee to partner. Our goal is not only to prepare you for life as a trainee and to help you be as attractive to employers as possible, but to support and guide you to make the right career choices.
£9,450 for full time
Payments can be spread throughout the academic year, totalling eight payments.
Part-time: £4,725 for year one. For year two: 50% of 2022/23 fees
Reid Law Endowment Grant – 2 x £1,000 grants - usually available in January / February.
Please see the following link for further information on available scholarships and funding: https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/search/#/applicant,pg,429,350
International students must satisfy entry requirements and ensure that they have taken advice on and are fully aware of the position regarding Tier 2 visa requirements if they intend to seek employment as a trainee solicitor.
Virtual Diploma Fair
Before applying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, it's essential for you to be as informed as possible about your options. That's why we run the Virtual Diploma Fair every year.
