With over 50 years' experience of delivering excellence in legal education, Nottingham Law School is one of the largest and most innovative providers in the United Kingdom. Read the prospectus to learn more about the variety of courses on offer.
Nottingham Law School
Entry 2017 Professional Courses
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A very warm welcome.................................................................................................................................4 Your pathway to a legal career...............................................................................................................6 Nottingham – a great place to live and learn...................................................................................8 Fantastic facilities.......................................................................................................................................10 Your passport to a successful career..................................................................................................12 Your world of opportunity......................................................................................................................13 An introduction to our professional courses...................................................................................14 LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) (full-time / part-time)...................................................16 LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) (full-time).................................................20 Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (full-time / distance learning)....................................................24 LLM Legal Practice (distance learning).............................................................................................28 Contents
Lord Saville Former Justice of the Supreme Court “Nottingham Law School is one of the leading law schools, if not the leading law school in the country, combining the academic and practical approach to teaching Law.”
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A very warm welcome
Academic expertise We have a number of staff who are internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. Many of our staff are invited to take up roles with advisory and regulatory bodies in both the UK and abroad, and our expertise is valued throughout the world. We have six active research centres: • The Centre for Advocacy • The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law • The Centre for Conflict, Rights and Justice • The Centre for Legal Education • The Centre for Mediation and Dispute Resolution • The Centre for Sports Law On our vocational courses, many of our teaching staff are experienced lawyers – who are still practising, bringing relevant legal experience into their teaching. Legal Education Provider of the Year Nottingham Law School has been awarded Legal Education Provider of the Year 2016 by the Solicitors Journal . The award was given in recognition of the Law School’s innovative teaching, and our ongoing commitment to social mobility and diversity.
Welcome from the Dean As one of the largest university law schools in the UK, we are very proud of our outstanding and long-established reputation for delivering excellent legal education underpinned by close relationships with legal and other professions, both here in the UK and overseas. We offer an extensive range of innovative professional courses, informed by academic research which has national and international impact. We pride ourselves on our dynamic and personal Law School community, which opens up many fantastic opportunities to our students. Nottingham Law School has been named Legal Education Provider of the Year 2016 by the Solicitors Journal , recognising the School’s innovative teaching and commitment to social mobility and diversity. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you find studying at Nottingham Law School to be a transformational and highly fulfilling experience. Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker LL.B (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D. Dean of Nottingham Law School Our strong links to industry We have an extensive network of professional contacts, ensuring that our programmes reflect the latest legal theory and practice. There are over 100 full-time lecturers in the School, and around 3,000 students. Professorships are sponsored by major Nottingham and London law firms, and leading legal publishers. Due to the School’s excellent reputation within the legal profession, our graduates are highly sought after – they’re recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge, and the outstanding levels of skill they’ve developed.
Contact Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460 Email: nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk www.ntu.ac.uk/nls
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Your pathway to a legal career Our award-winning pro bono project enables you to develop practical legal skills and gain valuable experience in preparation for your profession, as well as giving you the opportunity to put something back into the community. We provide you with the chance to develop your legal skills in a practical context, while fostering the ethos and spirit of pro bono.
Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre Our multi-award-winning Legal Advice Centre provides outstanding pro bono opportunities, giving you the chance to gain practical experience and help the local community. The Centre is a teaching law firm, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. At the 2016 LawWorks and Attorney General Student Pro Bono Awards, the Centre won both the Best Contribution by a Law School and the Access to Justice Foundation award. The Centre provides outstanding opportunities for our students, who work under the supervision of qualified solicitors to provide free legal advice and assistance on a range of services, including: • Employment rights • Business law • Housing, property and environmental law • Debt and welfare rights • Tribunal and court representation Overseas placements, internships and international pro bono opportunities will also be facilitated by the Centre. This work helps to develop new international links in countries with developing economies. Free Representation Unit (FRU) and Environmental Law Service We are also home to the only Free Representation Unit (FRU) outside of London. The Legal Advice Centre runs in conjunction with the London-based charity, FRU, meaning that our students have the opportunity to become ratified FRU volunteers, and represent clients at employment and social security tribunals.
We also provide an Environmental Law Service, in conjunction with the Environmental Law Foundation and local law firms. This enables us to assist individuals and community groups in environmental law cases. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlslegaladvicecentre to find out more. Mooting We are proud of our strong mooting tradition, and take part in many national and international competitions – these include the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris, created to help student lawyers meet the dispute resolution needs of today’s cross-cultural market. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/mooting for more information. The School has both GDL and LPC mooting societies, enabling our students to develop their mooting skills. As you would expect, our Bar students are also actively involved in mooting competitions.
Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/probono to find out more about the range of projects that you can get involved in, and to watch videos of our students talking about their experiences.
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Naomh Gibson Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) “The professional student community in Nottingham has gone over and beyond my expectations, I really couldn’t feel more supported by the community. And the Student Support Services are efficient and courteous, and are more than willing to go the extra mile to assist you with a difficult or sensitive issue.”
Visiting professors and faculty We have a number of visiting professors. They come to the School to attend functions, guest lectures, seminars and teaching sessions, and our students benefit greatly from their experience. Our visiting professors include: • Sir Christopher Pitchers, former justice of the Queen’s Bench Division • His Honour John Samuels QC, former circuit judge and Master of the Bench at Lincoln’s Inn • Professor David Higham, solicitor advocate • Professor Mark Mildred, solicitor advocate Student support Nottingham Law School has the advantage of being based in a compact city centre site, where it benefits from the academic and social support offered by Nottingham Trent University (NTU). As well as day- to-day support from your tutors, we also offer a wide range of services for any specific concerns you may have. We have specialist advisers available in a range of services, including careers, finance, counselling, disabilities and international support. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/studentsupport for more information. Join our community There’s more to us than our excellent courses. We have a thriving community, and you’ll find a host of opportunities and events to participate in that will widen your university experience. Take advantage of all that we offer, and boost your CV at the same time. Check out our video at www.ntu.ac.uk/nls/about to see what it’s like to study here.
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Nottingham – a great place to live and learn With a large community of students, Nottingham is one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. It’s a busy and vibrant cultural centre, boasting some of the best art galleries, theatres, museums, cinemas and live performance venues in the UK. Nottingham has great shopping, world-famous historical sites, international sporting venues, and beautiful surrounding countryside. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/agreatstudentcity to take a look at what the city has to offer.
A sporting city In 2015, VisitEngland named Nottingham the UK’s Home of Sport. From Brian Clough to Carl Froch, and Torvill and Dean to Rebecca Adlington, this is a city of legends. Today, Nottingham has more sporting facilities per head than any other city in Europe. You’ll find a range of international venues on your doorstep, including the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham Tennis Centre, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Ice Centre, and two famous football stadiums.
Perfectly located Nottingham Law School is conveniently located in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre, in the heart of England. Whether it’s London, Liverpool or Leeds, most of England’s major cities are less than a couple of hours away. Nottingham is the cultural capital of the East Midlands, and a fantastic place to live and learn. Home of culture Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the city by the legend of Robin Hood. There’s plenty of other places of historical interest to visit too, including Nottingham Castle, Southwell Minster, Wollaton Hall, and Newstead Abbey – home of the celebrated writer and poet, Lord Byron.
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Love to shop As the home of Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood, we’ve got an enviable reputation in the shopping stakes. Nottingham boasts a huge range of designers and high-street brands, yet it’s the smaller stores that earned the city its national reputation – explore our world of boutiques, book stores, cafés and independents. A great place to work Nottingham has one of the highest rates of job creation in the UK, and is home to a number of major employers. It’s the third most cost-effective place to live in the UK (Natwest Student Living Index 2016), giving you even more reason to come and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Watch our campus video Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/citysite to discover NTU’s City site, and the accommodation that’s on offer here.
Nottingham’s legal history Dating back to the 14th Century, the Galleries of Justice housed a Victorian courtroom, gaol and police station. Having closed as a courtroom in 1986, the location is now home to the Nottingham Galleries of Justice Museum – a popular tourist destination displaying Britain’s crime and punishment history through the ages. The venue also has an unlikely connection to the legend of Robin Hood – for centuries, the building served as a base for the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham. “Nottingham as a city is really great, there are many places to visit and it is a very diverse city. For example, there are so many international cuisines you can try, and always different events happening in the city or on campus.” Naasira Punjoo Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC)
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Fantastic facilities
Nottingham Law School is based at the University’s City site. It’s a vibrant environment, with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The majority of teaching takes place in the Chaucer building, where you’ll study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms. Law Library
As well as the main University libraries, you’ll also have access to our Law Library. This online collection of law reports and materials is accessed from our Professional Resource Centre in the Boots Library, or off-campus via the University’s virtual learning environment (NOW). Authentic courtrooms We have three wood-panelled courtrooms; one with a civil court set up, and two with full criminal court set ups, complete with judge’s bench, dock, witness stand and seating for the jury, barristers, solicitors, press and public. In these courtrooms, you can practice your legal skills and techniques, in a professional environment. Mooting rooms We recognise the importance of mooting, and this is reflected in our facilities – we offer three mooting rooms, where you can work on your research and presentation skills.
Charlie Lea Graduate Diploma in Law (full-time)
Sporting facilities You’ll have access to NTU’s excellent sport and lifestyle facilities, including gyms, squash courts, sports halls and all-weather pitches, as well as almost 50 sports clubs run through our Students’ Union. Safe and affordable accommodation All new postgraduate students are guaranteed a place in University-allocated accommodation if the room deposit is paid by the specified date. You’ll be offered a safe, secure and comfortable place to live at a competitive rate. Contracts only cover the academic year, so you won’t have to pay over the summer vacation. Please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/ accommodation for further information. “In my spare time when I’m not studying, I am the goalkeeper for the GDL five-a-side team called Tort Vale. We play every Sunday against teams from other departments within NTU. I also play cricket with a club outside of NTU.”
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Your passport to a successful career Our dedicated Employability Team will provide you with as much guidance and assistance as possible in locating a training contract, pupillage, and graduate career opportunities.
Bridge to Practice Scheme We work with professional legal firms to provide a bridge to practice for our LPC students, by delivering a high-impact practical module tailored to the needs of trainees, ensuring that they are client-ready from day one. Students can undertake this as part of the Professional Legal Practice module on our LLM Legal Practice Course. We have worked with a wide range of firms on our Bridge to Practice module, including: • Ashurst • Browne Jacobson • Burges Salmon • Capital One • DWF • Eversheds • Freeth Cartwright • Gateley • Howes Percival • Lewis Silkin • Morrison and Foerster
Dedicated Employability Team At Nottingham Law School, our dedicated Employability Team provides a range of support services, including: • careers seminars dedicated to training contracts, pupillage applications, and interview techniques; • workshops delivered by practitioners from regional and national firms, chambers, and the judiciary; • individual presentations by international and regional practices, and chambers seeking to recruit trainees and pupils; • advice on the most appropriate combinations of elective subjects; • a mentoring scheme with trainees from local law firms to provide support and guidance and a personal view of what to expect from life in the profession; • dedicated careers advisers who will help you review training contracts, pupillages and placements; • advice on vacation scheme applications and formulate individual career plans; • regular updates about training contracts, pupillage and paralegal opportunities; and • an interview preparation service, including mock interviews. Mentoring Scheme We have set up a mentoring scheme in conjunction with a number of Nottingham law firms – including Eversheds, Browne Jacobson, Shoosmiths, Geldards, and Gateley – to provide support and guidance on gaining a training contract, and what to expect from a career in the legal profession.
• Osborne Clarke • Paul Hastings • Shoosmiths
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Your world of opportunity
Learn a new language You’ll have the opportunity to learn a new language alongside your studies. The University Language Programme is available to all of our students, giving you the option of learning a new language, or improving the skills you’ve already got. Learning a new language can: • enhance your communication skills; • enrich your experience when travelling abroad; and • boost your career prospects. International Summer Schools Everyone in the Nottingham Law School has the chance to take part in our International Summer School Scheme, and get a real taste of the profession from a European perspective. Each of our week-long courses has a different legal focus – whether you want to explore criminal justice in Berlin, human rights in Strasbourg or international humanitarian law in Geneva, there is something for every area of interest. Along with a series of inspiring legal lectures, each summer school features a range of trips – on these trips, you’ll have the chance to socialise with students from our partner universities, and explore the cities you visit. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/summerschools for more information.
Speakers and conferences We deliver a number of lectures, seminars and conferences each year. In 2016, we’ve hosted the third International Advocacy Teaching Conference, and an inaugural lecture by Jonathan Doak, Professor of Criminal Justice at Nottingham Law School. Practising lawyers visit the School as part of our Professional Practice Lecture Series. Our recent guests have included a former high court judge, and speakers from firms including Geldards and Browne Jacobson, who spoke about aspects of their work and the legal system. These insights have provided students with a greater understanding of legal practice, and valuable professional insights that have helped them to gain employment. Law Fair Every January, Nottingham Law School runs a Law Fair. This fair is attended by regional and national firms, and provides an opportunity for our students to meet with recruiters to discuss opportunities and make contacts within the legal profession.
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An introduction to our professional courses
English language support If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we may offer you a place on the condition that you successfully complete a Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course at Nottingham Language Centre, before your course begins. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/peap for more information.
Applying for a student visa NTU is a highly trusted sponsor with the UK Border Agency. This means that we can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) to international students applying to study on an eligible course, requiring a Tier 4 student visa. Please visit our website at www.ntu.ac.uk/tier4 , to find out more about applying for a visa.
Fees, funding and scholarships We offer a number of competitive scholarships for our LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC), LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) and Graduate Diploma Law (GDL), and also offer a range of scholarships for EU and International students. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/scholarshipsnls for more information. Our LLM LPC and LLM BPTC now offer you the opportunity to gain a Masters award. This means they are now part of a small number of professional legal training courses eligible for the government’s new postgraduate loans. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan for further information, and to check your eligibility. We also offer a number of discounts to our students and alumni who progress on to our professional courses.
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Laura Hush Legal Practice Course (LPC) “There are many reasons why NLS is such a fantastic place to study. The excellent links with local and national legal practitioners are invaluable when it comes to getting ahead in the competitive job market.”
Christine Ofosu-Ampadu Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) “Before starting the BPTC I had heard from various barristers that I had met while undertaking a mini-pupillage, that NLS was one the best law schools in the country, known primarily for its excellence and critical approach to law, and that the quality of training here was commendable and of a high standard. The academics in the Law School have practised as lawyers in different areas of law, and provide you with extra practical support.”
Alice Atay Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) “The services and facilities provided by both NLS and NTU are outstanding. It is clear that services such as Student Support and facilities such as the gym are provided with the purpose of creating an environment in which both personal development and learning can prosper. There is not one thing which is not done to benefit the students.”
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LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) (full-time / part-time) At Nottingham Law School, we’re confident that our enhanced LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) will provide you with the best training currently available. The successful completion of all elements of the LLM LPC will result in the award of a Masters degree, as well as our internationally recognised LPC qualification. You’ll leave us with a strong insight into the profession, and will be well-placed to succeed in the legal sector.
About this course We are fully aware of the challenges facing Law students in the current legal employment market. For that reason, our LLM LPC is designed to provide you with the qualifications and practical knowledge and insight that employers regard as essential. Successful completion of the course enables you to proceed to a training contract, and then be admitted as a solicitor. The job market is very competitive and, whether you come to us with a 2.1 or a 2.2, we can add value to your experience and enhance your CV to increase your employability. You can study the LLM LPC on a full or part-time basis, to fit around your other commitments. Our course enjoys a strong reputation throughout the UK, for a number of reasons. • Successful completion of all elements of the LLM LPC will result in the award of a Masters degree – an internationally recognised qualification. • Most of our staff are experienced lawyers – many of whom still practise – and students benefit from their practical knowledge. • We teach in small groups, to encourage student participation. • Every student has a personal tutor. We know our students, and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.
Fact file Start: September 2017 Duration: One year full-time, or two years part-time Entry requirements: • Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or • Graduate Diploma in Law or Common Professional Examination, with an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or • Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.
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What you’ll study Modules
100% of our full-time LLM Legal Practice Course students are employed or continuing their studies six months after completing their course.
Our LLM LPC course is delivered across two stages. Delivered from September to February, Stage One covers the compulsory elements of: • Business (including Taxation and Business Accounts) • Property • Litigation (Civil and Criminal) • Wills and Administration of Estates • Solicitors’ Accounts • Professional Conduct and Regulation • Skills: Advocacy, Interviewing, Writing, Drafting, and Research Stage One also includes teaching of the Professional Legal Practice module. Delivered from February to June, Stage Two includes three elective modules and – if you’re aiming for the LLM award – submission of either your project or dissertation. It’s also possible to submit this work after the academic year has ended. You’ll choose three electives from the list below. You can choose whether to select all three from one subject area, or to mix and match to best suit your needs. The areas covered in Stage Two are: • Commercial Law • Advanced Commercial Property • Private Client • Advanced Civil Litigation • Corporate Finance* • Private Acquisitions* • Advanced Criminal Practice • Family and Child Protection Law • Employment Law • Advanced Advocacy *Available on full-time course only. Please note, electives are subject to change.
• We constantly review our courses to ensure that they provide our students with the qualifications, practical knowledge and experience employers are looking for. • We have introduced a new elective – Advanced Advocacy – which will provide essential experience for anyone considering Higher Rights of Audience training. • You’ll have access to a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, and a new and fully equipped Legal Advice Centre. Gaining practical legal experience gives you a head start when applying for jobs or training contracts. • You’ll benefit from our guest lecturers. As well as visiting professors, a series of lectures are delivered each year by expert lawyers from leading law firms, who share their insights and experiences in their own areas of legal specialism. • The Professional Legal Practice module provides practical experience and commercial insight, which will ensure you hit the ground running at the start of your career. • Scholarships are available, and we also offer a progression discount to our students and alumni
(terms and conditions apply). Please see www.ntu.ac.uk/scholarshipsnls for more information.
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How you’ll study Full-time study
Who will teach me? Jane Wood Principal Lecturer and Course Leader Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) Jane Wood has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years and has combined a career in practice as well as teaching on the GDL and the LPC over the course of her career. Jane’s specialisations include property law (residential and commercial) and private client work. When you join the course, you will need to make a decision about whether or not you intend to submit a project or a dissertation (or possibly neither). Information to help you with this decision will be provided early on in the course. Your future career Our dedicated Employability Team will support you in your search for a training contract and the number of Nottingham Law School graduates gaining a training contract or paralegal work is consistently high. The LLM LPC at Nottingham Law School has a reputation that’s second to none. It’s consistently received the highest possible grading of ‘commendable practice’ from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, across every area of the course.
Many students require flexibility to fit in with work, family or other commitments. As a result of this, our full-time LLM LPC course is taught across three days every week, to allow our students greater flexibility. Small-group sessions are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lectures are held on Fridays, and these will be recorded so that attendance is not compulsory. This delivery format gives you the option to be on campus either two or three days each week. Part-time study Our part-time LLM LPC is delivered through weekend attendance over a two-year period, broadly following the same teaching pattern as the full-time LLM LPC. You can study around work and family commitments. Stage One and Stage Two have the same format as the full-time course, however the teaching is spread over two years. In total you will attend two full weeks and fourteen weekends spread across the two years. The weekend attendance will usually comprise Saturday and Sunday, although there may be lectures and assessments on some Fridays. Each lecture will be recorded so that students will have the option of watching the lectures online in their own time. If you work in a legal environment while studying you may be able to apply for a reduction of up to six months from your training contract. If you are able to secure a training contract at the start of the course, you’ll undertake a part-time study training contract. This allows you to qualify as quickly as a full-time student. See the SRA website www.sra.org.uk for more information. Assessment Assessments are designed to integrate with the course as a whole. The main assessment periods occur at the end of both Stage One and Stage Two. You’ll be assessed by written examination in each of the three compulsory and elective subjects. Other suitable methods of assessment are employed to cover professional conduct and regulation, solicitors’ accounts and wills and administration of estates. Your project or dissertation is an independent piece of work for which you receive relevant supervision.
For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/lpc (full-time) and www.ntu.ac.uk/lpcpt (part-time) to find out more.
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LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) (full-time) Our LLM BPTC aims to equip you with the skills and procedural knowledge necessary to follow your chosen career. The course has been developed in conjunction with practising barristers, judges, and senior academics. Legal experts and guest speakers assist with the delivery of our course, to build your working knowledge of professional practice. About this course Successful completion of this course enables you to
Fact file Start: September 2017 Duration: One year, full-time Entry requirements: • 2.1 honours Qualifying Law Degree; or • 2.1 honours degree in another subject plus the Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination. • 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience – paid or unpaid. English language requirements: All students must be able to demonstrate that their oral and written English language ability is at least equivalent to: • a minimum score of 7.5 in each section of the IELTS academic test; or • a minimum score of 73 in each part of the Pearson Test of English (academic). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.
be called to the Bar, and proceed to pupillage. We are unique among legal education providers in being the first in the UK to offer you the opportunity to gain the award of an LLM during your BPTC year, assuming successful completion of the LLM BPTC and an additional module. The qualification is internationally recognised, and is eligible for the government postgraduate loan. Our LLM BPTC enjoys a strong national reputation, with many unique elements and aspects that attract students. • Our core staff are practitioners with significant experience of legal practice. • Our teaching is consistently commended as excellent. • You’ll have access to an exclusive BPTC study area. • We offer a range of options for varying types of practice. • You’ll receive individual face-to-face feedback in all assessable skills. • You’ll undertake assessments with a practical focus. • We provide vocational support through our dedicated Employability Team. • We have considerable expertise in advocacy – we are home to the first Centre for Advocacy in the UK.
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Options Choose two from the following (subject to availability and demand): • Advanced Civil Practice (Judicial Review) • Advanced Criminal Practice • Commercial Practice • Employment Practice • Family Practice • Landlord and Tenant How you’ll study You’ll be taught in small groups in high-quality teaching accommodation, which includes impressive mock courtrooms. Assessment* There are 12 assessments. All students have a one-to-one feedback session with a tutor prior to each substantive skills assessment. Wherever possible, assessments are set in a practical context. We use actors to provide you with realistic experience of an examination-in-chief, a cross-examination, and the questioning and advising of clients. You’ll also perform a chambers application before a tutor playing the role of judge, who will interject with questions. *The course content, structure and number of assessments is correct at the date of printing; however, you should be aware that, as a result of the Future Bar Training Consultation exercise, the Bar Standards Board may impose or suggest changes to the course from September 2017. You are advised to consult the BSB website at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk.
100% of our Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) students are employed or continuing their studies six months after completing their course.
What you’ll study After a short introductory period, you’ll commence your study of the compulsory subjects. You’ll handle seven realistic briefs (four criminal, and three civil) from commencement towards trial throughout the first two terms. Knowledge and skills are taught and learned through the progress of these case studies, as students respond to Instructions to Counsel. Skills amount to around 60% of the BPTC, and are normally taught in a variety of practical contexts to show how skills, once learned, can be transferred. Two options are studied in the final term. You’ll obtain a broad foundation within specialist areas* that you can build upon once you have entered the profession. To gain the LLM, you’ll need to complete a dissertation, or undertake practical legal work experience evidenced by the submission of a reflective critical report. There are a number of options available, such as undertaking pro bono activity through our Legal Advice Centre, working for the Citizens Advice Bureau, or carrying out placements within a professional legal setting. Modules* Pervasives • Case Preparation and Analysis • Legal Research Knowledge • Civil Litigation and Evidence • Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing • Professional Ethics Skills • Advocacy • Conference Skills • Drafting • Resolution of Disputes Out of Court • Opinion Writing
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Your future career Our dedicated Employability Team provide practical sessions, advice and assistance, including advice on pupillage applications and CVs, mock interviews, and details of the legal employment opportunities that are available. A number of presentations are given throughout the year, encompassing both practice at the Bar, and alternative careers. You can approach any lecturer for careers advice. All our teaching staff come from practice, and some retain door tenancies in chambers. We are able to offer first-hand advice and guidance to students, wherever they wish to practise. The Bar and Judiciary have been enthusiastic in their support for the course, and for our students. Our graduates are represented amongst those whom chambers have recruited as pupils with a view to tenancy. To become a practising barrister, you have to undertake pupillage and obtain a tenancy in chambers. There is enormous competition for pupillages, and mini-pupillages should be considered as early as possible. They give a valuable insight into the life of a barrister, as well as demonstrating a real commitment to the profession.
Who will teach me? Ian Fox Principal Lecturer and Course Leader LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) Ian is a member of Middle Temple, and was called to the Bar in 1990. A civil practitioner, his specialisations included family law (in particular ancillary relief and the law relating to children), and the law of landlord and tenant. Ian remains a door tenant at Field Court Chambers, Gray’s Inn. • Ropewalk Chambers Mooting Competition – Ropewalk Chambers, a leading specialist civil set in Nottingham, sponsors a mooting competition for our students. Links with the profession In addition to the programme of guest lectures and practitioner workshops that run during the year, we’ll give you further opportunities to experience life at the Bar, and to meet practitioners. Examples of these opportunities include: • Welcome reception – at the beginning of the course, we arrange an informal social event attended by the Bar and Judiciary. • Annual dinner – the Nottingham BPTC / Nottingham Bar Mess Annual Dinner is a popular event that has been extremely well attended by practitioners, judges, and representatives from the four Inns of Court. Many former students - now tenants and pupils themselves – attend. This event counts as one of your qualifying sessions. • 1 High Pavement Plea in Mitigation Competition – 1 High Pavement is a leading criminal set which sponsors our annual Plea in Mitigation Competition. The competition is judged by Members of Chambers.
For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/bptc to find out more.
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Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (full-time / distance learning) For non-Law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister, our GDL is the stepping stone to the LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) or LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC), and a career as a solicitor or barrister thereafter. The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board.
About this course This is a fast-track conversion course which effectively covers the seven core subjects of a Law degree in one year. Why choose the GDL? • It provides non-Law graduates with a route to becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK. • We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including a Legal Advice Centre for the local community. • Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on our highly regarded LLM LPC. Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also looked upon favourably for a place on our LLM BPTC. • You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff. • Scholarships are available. • We offer excellent careers support, through our dedicated Employability Team. 100% of our students for this course are employed or continuing their studies within six months of completing their course.
Fact file Start: September 2017 Duration: One year full-time, or two years distance learning. Entry requirements: Undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above). • it is a programme requirement that students have access to the Internet and are IT literate. • applicants without formal qualifications may be eligible, subject to approval of their qualifications by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Standards Board. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any formal or professional qualifications, the personal statement, references, and any relevant life or work experience. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.
CITY CAMPUS
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Full-time study The full-time course begins with a three-week induction, giving you an introduction to the English legal system, legal method, and legal research. There are six or seven hour-long lectures and six or seven one-hour tutorials per week, plus significant independent study. Class hours are usually between 9 am and 5 pm, and we usually timetable Monday to Thursday. Attendance at the tutorials are compulsory. We have outstanding lecture theatre facilities, which are ideal for our professional courses. Small-group sessions also take place in purpose-built teaching rooms. Our newly refurbished Boots Library provides IT and AV resources, study areas, and library services. Our mock courtrooms provide a realistic environment for both advocacy and mooting. Many GDL providers build and deliver courses around their IT provisions – we believe that a course of this complexity needs to be taught by humans and supported by IT, rather than the other way round. We generate top-quality teaching materials on site, and then make them available 24-7 through our remote-access systems. Distance learning study This flexible, distance learning course allows you to combine your studies with work and other commitments. Extensive support and 24-hour access to learning resources help you to achieve your full potential. The course covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You should be prepared to devote 15 hours per week to your studies.
To make the transition between the GDL and the LLM LPC or LLM BPTC easier, you’ll be given the opportunity to participate in: • Our International Summer Schools Scheme. • Various pro bono projects, which will give you the practical skills to increase your employability. You can then build on this during the LLM LPC, or LLM BPTC. What you’ll study The main teaching programme covers the following seven subjects: • Contract • Tort • Land • Equity and Trusts • Criminal and Police Powers • Constitutional and Administrative Law • EU Law You’ll also cover an additional area of study as a research project. This is an extended essay of around 5,000 words. The main objective of this exercise is to improve your research skills in an area of interest. Alternatively, you might prefer to become involved in our pro bono module, rather than submit a research project – you can submit a project based on your work with our Law Clinic. Lectures and tutorials are designed to encourage interactive learning, as our students learn in small groups.
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Year One Your studies in Year One entail four weekends, covering four core subjects. The first weekend gives an introduction to the English legal method. There’s a written exercise to be completed at home following this weekend, which all students must pass. There’s also teaching on the four core modules at the first weekend. The remaining three weekends have sessions on the four core subjects: constitutional and administrative law; contract law; European Union law; and law of tort. Year Two Your studies in Year Two entail four weekends, covering three core subjects: • Criminal Law • Land Law • Law of Equity and Trusts (all three weekends) In addition, you’re required to cover an area of law that goes beyond the core syllabus. This is achieved in Year Two, when you complete an individual research project of 4,500 to 5,000 words. How you’ll study Distance learners are provided with all the online materials they need to assist their study. Tutorial contact takes place at all four weekend schools, attendance at which is compulsory. The emphasis on small-group work (and sub-group work) enables us to offer a student-centred approach to learning, with exercises designed to encourage student activity. Our students get all the benefits of individual tuition, and those of group support. Teaching is normally held at our City site, and utilises all the facilities available to full-time students, including a well-stocked library with electronic access. Exemptions Students who have previously studied Law may be eligible for exemptions. In this situation, you should contact nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk for clarification. Any requests for exemptions must be submitted to us before the 31 May 2017 .
Assessment Assessment is by a combination of course assessments (approximately 30%), and end-of-year examinations (approximately 70%). Your future career Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place on our highly regarded LLM LPC for prospective solicitors. It also enables you to progress to the LLM BPTC for intending barristers. At Nottingham Law School, we don’t view the GDL in isolation, but as part of a programme with the LLM LPC and LLM BPTC courses. We have a dedicated Employability Team, which provides practical advice and will support you in your search for a training contract or pupillage. Many firms will appreciate your well-rounded knowledge, and the commitment demonstrated by completing the GDL. Even if you decide not to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister, you’ll have gained a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.
Who will teach me? Jane Wood Principal Lecturer and Course Leader Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) Jane Wood has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years and has combined a career in practice as well as teaching on the GDL and the LPC over the course of her career. Jane’s specialisations include property law (residential and commercial) and private client work.
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LLM Legal Practice (distance learning)
This Masters in Law (LLM) is ideal for those with professional legal qualifications such as the BPTC or LPC (or their precursors). Credit points are awarded for these professional qualifications, and our students can then top up these points with a dissertation or publishable article to gain their LLM.
The LLM Legal Practice (distance learning) provides 60 Masters-level credits which, when combined with the evidence of academic achievement from the BPTC or LPC (or equivalent), will lead to the award of an LLM. The course is equivalent to 600 hours of study, and includes either a traditional dissertation or an article of publishable quality. Our course is designed to allow completion of the top- up element over a 4-24 month period. This not only allows you to undertake study immediately following the completion of your LPC or BPTC, but also offers more flexible timeframes for completing the self- study module. This course is for those who have successfully completed the LPC and BPTC (or their equivalent). Our course will be extremely attractive to practitioners as it also satisfies CPD requirements.
Fact file Start: September 2017 Duration: 4-24 months, distance learning. Entry requirements: • Applicants should have successfully
completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). • Applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered e.g. patent attorneys, or trade mark attorneys. Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.
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Introductory programme Our introductory programme includes guidance on research methods, and legal writing. All of our students undertake the introductory programme by distance learning. Dissertation In line with our existing LLM courses, you’ll have the freedom to choose your dissertation topic, subject to the capacity of the Law School to provide expert academic supervision. Nottingham Law School has academic staff with wide-ranging expertise, across diverse areas of law. However, students are encouraged to consider areas of law that are particularly pertinent to their anticipated or actual area of practice when selecting their chosen topic. The dissertation is 18,000-20,000 words in length. Publishable article As an alternative to the dissertation you can, with guidance from an experienced academic, produce an article of publishable quality. This is likely to be of shorter length than the dissertation, focusing on a particular point of practice or law.
100% of our LLM Legal Practice (distance learning) students are employed or continuing their studies within six months of completing their course.
For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/llmlpdl to find out more.
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Course Study mode
Entry Requirements
How to apply
Starting Course length
September One year
The LPC Central Applications Board is responsible for admissions to the full-time course. Apply online at: www.lawcabs.ac.uk For further information on applications contact LPC Central Applications Board email: lpc@lawcabs.ac.uk Applications for the part-time LPC are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/lpcpt For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk The application system for the BPTC is through a dedicated online application system at: www.barsas.com Applications open in December 2016 and close in January 2017.
LPC Full-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination with
an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.
September Two years
LPC Part-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination with
an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.
September One year
BPTC Full-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.1 or above). Applicants who have / are predicted a 2.2 in their Qualifying Law Degree will be considered if they can provide additional evidence of achievement
e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience – paid or unpaid – in their Personal Statement; or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination with an undergraduate degree.
September One year
GDL
Full-time An undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above).
The GDL Central Applications Board is responsible for admissions to the full-time course. Apply online at: www.lawcabs.ac.uk For further information on applications contact the GDL Central Applications Board email: gdl@lawcabs.ac.uk
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Course Study mode
Entry Requirements
How to apply
Starting Course length September Two years
Applications for the GDL distance learning are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/gdldl For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk
GDL
Distance learning
An undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above). Applicants without formal qualifications may be eligible subject to approval of their qualifications by the Solicitors Regulation Authority / Bar Standards Board. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any formal or professional qualifications, the personal statement, references and any relevant life / work experience. It is a programme requirement that students have access to the internet, and are IT literate. Applicants should have successfully completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered, for example, patent attorneys or trade mark attorneys.
4-24 months
September January April
Applications for the LLM Legal Practice distance learning are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/llmlpdl For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk
Distance learning
LLM Legal Practice
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English LPC and GDL IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). BPTC All students must be able to demonstrate that their oral and written English language ability is at least equivalent to: • A minimum score of 7.5 in each section of the IELTS academic test; or • A minimum score of 73 in each part of the Pearson Test of English (academic).
Refer to www.ntu.ac.uk/englishlanguage for further information about English language equivalencies.
Key information Please be aware that the information in the key information boxes comes from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (DLHE, postgraduate, leavers 2014-15) and is accurate at the time of going to print.
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