204 spaces on the full-time Diploma course available, 10 on the part-time course
Full-time and part-time study options available
Full-time course fees: £8,450
Cost for additional materials: N/A (included in fees)
If you're interested in Glasgow's course, the best way to find out more is by attending their open day.
Tuesday 26 March 2019 from 3pm
Room 234, St Andrews Building
11 Eldon Street, Glasgow, G3 6NH
Book now
Email [email protected]
'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.'
Students are taught in tutorial groups of 12 or fewer students. There are no traditional exams. Instead, students are assessed by way of practical written and oral assessments.
Our 150 tutors are all highly experienced legal practitioners. They are dedicated, enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge with you, as part of the next generation of lawyers.
All students must study the five core courses.
Students study four core courses in semester one and the fifth core course – Private Client – in semester two.
- Civil Litigation
- Commercial Awareness
- Conveyancing
- Criminal Litigation
- Private Client
Students choose three optional courses to study in semester two. Optional courses include:
- Advanced Civil Litigation
- Advanced Criminal Litigation
- Commercial Contracts
- Commercial Conveyancing
- Contemporary Scottish Public Law
- Corporate
- Employment Law
- Family law
- Human Rights
- Legal Innovation and Technology
Read the module descriptions in more detail on Glasgow University's website.
The part-time course takes place over two academic years.
In year one, all compulsory classes take place on Thursdays. In year two, compulsory classes take place on Monday evening and Wednesday morning in semester one.
Students will study Commercial Awareness, Criminal Litigation, Private Client and one optional course in year one.
In year two, students will study Civil Litigation, Conveyancing and two optional courses.
Students have the opportunity to take part in/ benefit from the following:
- Corporate Law Advisory Support Project (CLASP) – providing advice to start-up businesses
- Mentoring Scheme
- Networking events
- International Client Consultation Competition
- International Negotiation Competition
- UK Mediation Competition
- 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 16 September marks the start of the introductory week, which is mandatory for all students to attend.
Monday 23 September will be the 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 sheriffs to deliver pleas in mitigation. In addition, police officers join us to take part in mock court cases.
Upon successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to progress through your traineeship to work as a solicitor or advocate in Scotland. The Diploma is a requirement for entry into these roles in the legal profession. The Diploma is a requirement for entry into these roles in the legal profession, in addition to providing 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 make you as attractive to employers as possible, but to support and guide you to help make the correct career choices.
£8,000 for full time
Payments can be spread throughout the academic year, totalling eight payments.
Part-time payment: half in year one (£4,000) and half of year two’s full-time fees.
Reid Law Endowment Grant – 2 x £1,000 grants - available in January.
Click here for further information on available scholarships and funding.
For more information, also visit the Funding your education section of our website.
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.
