University of Strathclyde

Students are assigned to firms of four at the start of the course. Most of the teaching and learning is done in these firms. Teaching and supervision is provided by practising solicitors, who have been trained as course tutors.

In addition to learning legal subjects, students will also develop generic skills which are required for professional life including:

• problem solving
• oral and written presentations
• interviewing
• negotiation

Virtual community & learning environment

The background to much of Strathclyde's practical work is the award- winning ‘virtual’ community of Ardcalloch. Ardcalloch is a town that has been created for students to learn in. A wide variety of events take place in the town which give rise to legal issues of one kind or another for its citizens. This initiative has a world- wide reputation in legal education.

All these activities are conducted on and supported by the SIMPLE (Simulated Professional Learning Environment) IT process. This allows student firms to interact with clients, fellow firms and other simulated characters throughout a real transaction.

The university has standardised clients who are specially trained ‘clients’ who assess and give feedback on performance of legal skills.

Most of electives involve active participation such as:

• students conducting Employment Tribunal hearings before real Tribunal judges
• conducting a criminal trial in the Sheriff Court
• having client meetings in the negotiation of family disputes

One of the most positive aspects of the course is the opportunity provided to meet both fellow students and tutors. They’ll become fellow practitioners, and everyone's paths will cross regularly during working life in this relatively small legal jurisdiction.

• Professional Practice & Ethics
• Business & Financial Awareness
• Conveyancing
• Private Client
• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Litigation
• Personal Injury Claims Handling

In the second semester students have a choice of five subjects (part-time students will study five electives over the two years; two in year one and three in year two) from 12 available electives and the timetable will vary depending on the subjects taken.  Classes will generally still be held over three days per week.

Available Electives

Advanced Criminal Advocacy

Advanced Private Client

Commercial Contracts and Intellectual Property

Commercial Conveyancing

Company Law

Employment Law

Family Business

Family Law

Mediation and Mediation Advocacy

Practical Public Administration

Tomorrow’s Legal Industry

Work Based Learning in a Legal Environment

£7,500 (part-time pay 50% of the full time fee each year)

Fees can be paid on registration or by 3 equal instalments throughout the year. For more details see https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/feesfunding/howtopay/tuitionfees/

John Fitzsimons Memorial Scholarship is available through the University.

Also check out the Law Society's page on funding your education.

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.

Find out more information here.