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University of Glasgow: Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Institution University of Glasgow View institution profile
Department School of Law View department profile
Web www.gla.ac.uk/study/worldchangers/llm
Email law-dip-legal-practice@glasgow.ac.uk
Study type Taught

Summary

The Diploma 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", as well as excellent opportunities to develop your own professional network to support you throughout your career.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

  • Our programme aims to bridge the gap between academia and professional legal practice. Designed and taught by practising lawyers, it replicates the work you will do as a trainee.

  • Our extensive network of highly experienced professionals, drawn from all sectors of the legal industry, support you through mentorship, as well as attendance at our networking events.

  • We work with employers to ensure that our programme meets their requirements, enabling you to commence your traineeship with the skills and knowledge these employers' value.

  • Tutorial groups are small (12 students maximum), enabling you to become assured and confident in communicating, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences. You will receive one-to-one, in-person feedback from tutors on every course.

  • We employ around 150 tutors, all of whom are highly experienced legal practitioners. They are dedicated, enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge with you, the next generation of lawyers.

  • 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.

  • We run internal heats and deliver training for students to participate in various national and international competitions throughout the year. These range from client interviewing to negotiation and mediation, to help you enhance these skills as well as your CV.

  • Law at Glasgow is ranked 3rd in the UK by the Good University Guide 2025 and 8th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

You will take five core and three optional courses.

The core courses are required by the Law Society of Scotland, which regulates Scotland’s legal profession. Optional courses allow you to select additional subjects of study that suit your areas of interest or meet the requirements of your future employers in the legal profession.

Courses are delivered through a combination of online resources, e-modules, lectures and small group tutorials. As our programme aims to equip you with the abilities and attributes of a "day one ready trainee", each course will enable you to develop not only your written communication skills, but your verbal communication skills. Tutors will expect you to come to each class prepared to contribute.

Core courses Civil Litigation (DPLP) Commercial Awareness (DPLP) Conveyancing (DPLP) Criminal Litigation (DPLP) Private Client (DPLP)

Optional courses Advanced Civil Litigation (DPLP) Advanced Criminal Litigation (DPLP) Commercial Contracts Commercial Property Public Law (DPLP) Corporate(DPLP) Employment Law (DPLP) Family Law (DPLP) Human Rights Law (DPLP) Introduction to Legal Innovation and Technology (DPLP)

Students contemplating a career as an advocate in Scotland are required by the Faculty of Advocates to take courses in International Private Law and Roman Law. These can be studied at the University of Glasgow at the same time as undertaking the Diploma and at no additional cost.

Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip

The University of Glasgow’s School of Law  equips you with the knowledge and skills you need in an increasingly competitive legal market. Our graduates have gone on to work in international courts, the European Commission, banking and finance, international law firms, governments, and academic institutions around the world.

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University has a history of changing the world and the School of Law is committed to nurturing the people who make it happen.

School of Law rankings and accolades

  • 3rd in …
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