Professional Courses 2015 Entry. Nottingham Law School. LLM Legal Practice Course Bar Professional Training Course Graduate Diploma in Law

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1 Nottingham Law School Professional Courses 2015 Entry LLM Legal Practice Course Bar Professional Training Course Graduate Diploma in Law Celebrating 50 Years of excellence in legal education

2 Contents Introduction Welcome...3 Nottingham Law School...4 Our community...6 Pro bono and Legal Advice Centre...8 Your future career...9 Nottingham...10 Courses: LLM Legal Practice Course (full-time / part-time)...12 Bar Professional Training Course (full-time)...16 Graduate Diploma in Law (full-time / distance learning)...20 LLM Legal Practice Distance Learning...24 Graduate LLB...25 Accommodation...26 Open events...27 International students...27 Entry requirements and how to apply...28 Fees and scholarships...30 Useful links...30 Other courses...31

3 3 Welcome I am delighted to welcome you to Nottingham Law School. We are one of the largest university law schools in the UK, and are very proud of our outstanding and long established reputation for delivering excellent legal education underpinned by close relationships with the legal and other professions, both here in the UK and overseas. This year is an extra special year for the law school as we celebrate 50 years of delivering excellence in legal education. We offer an extensive range of innovative professional courses, informed by academic research of national and international impact. In addition to the use of innovative teaching methods, our courses embrace skills development that provides an excellent platform to enable our students to progress into a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers. Our students are supported by a team of highly experienced academic tutors, chosen for their academic pedigree, and many of whom are also legally qualified, to ensure students have all the academic and pastoral support needed to enable them to excel in their studies and chosen profession. We pride ourselves in our dynamic and personal Law School community, which opens up many fantastic opportunities to our students. This year sees the first full year of opening of the Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre our unique and ground-breaking teaching law firm which gives our students many opportunities to be involved in pro bono activity. Other law school community activities include mooting, volunteering, work experience, overseas placements, summer schools, guest lectures, careers skills workshops, professional and networking lunches, prize giving and celebrating success evenings, to name but a few. I am delighted that this year sees the start of a new Legal Practice Course which will also award completing students the internationally recognised qualification of Masters in Law. If you complete our Graduate Diploma in Law course, or our Bar Professional Training Course you will also be eligible for our top-up master course the LLM Legal Practice. You will find learning at Nottingham Law School a transformational and highly fulfilling experience and we look forward to welcoming you. Jenny Holloway Acting Dean of Nottingham Law School 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. Lord Saville, former Justice of the Supreme Court

4 4 Nottingham Law School Nottingham Law School is one of the largest university law schools in the UK. We enjoy a national and international reputation for delivering high-quality education and training across a broad range of academic and professional Law programmes: from undergraduate to research degrees. Our vocational programmes are an exciting and important part of the Law School, demonstrating our commitment to training the legal practitioners of the future. We have an extensive network of professional contacts, ensuring that our programmes reflect the latest professional practice. There are over 100 full-time lecturers in Nottingham Law 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 and recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge and for the outstanding level of skills they have developed. Although the Law School has a large number of students we teach in small groups. Small teaching groups encourage student participation and quickly build good relationships with tutors and fellow students. Visiting Professors and Faculty The School has a number of visiting professors and faculty. They come into the School to attend functions, guest lectures, seminars and teaching sessions and students benefit greatly from their experience. These 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 Facilities Nottingham Law School is based on the University s City site. It s a vibrant place to study, with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes walk from the city centre. The majority of teaching takes place in the Chaucer building. You will study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms. The electronic law library and its collection of law reports and materials are accessed from our Professional Resource Centre in the Boots Library or off campus via the University s virtual learning environment. We have a suite of fantastic courtroom and mooting facilities that will enable you to hone your legal skills in a realistic setting. There are three authentic wood panelled courtrooms in the Chaucer building, two with a criminal court set up and one with a civil court set up, along with three dedicated mooting rooms. We also have a newly opened Legal Advice Centre that provides extensive pro bono opportunities for students. See page 8 for more information. Visit /about to view a video of our facilities.

5 5 Academic expertise Our reputation for world-class education and scholarly research is a reflection of our high-quality, committed teaching staff. We have a number of internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. International Insolvency Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Education, Sports Law and Health Law are some of the areas where our academic research excellence is recognised globally. We have five active research centres: The Centre for Legal Education The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law The Centre for Conflict, Rights and Justice The Centre for Advocacy The Centre for Mediation Many of our staff are invited to take up roles with advisory and regulatory bodies both in the UK and abroad and our expertise is valued throughout the world. On our vocational courses all our teaching staff are experienced lawyers, some are still practising, bringing relevant legal experience into their teaching. Student experience and success Our students take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Everybody has the opportunity to participate in our award-winning pro bono scheme, work in our Legal Advice Centre or take part in mooting and mediation competitions, for which we have a winning track record. You will be encouraged to make the most of your time with us to gain the skills and experience you need to set you on the path to a successful career. Student profiles can be viewed at: students Speakers and conferences The Law School plans and hosts a number of lectures, seminars and conferences each year. This year we hosted the Sporting Justice Conference and the International Advocacy Teaching Conference the first conference in the world to focus purely on advocacy teaching, bringing together judges, advocates and legal educators from a variety of backgrounds. Practising lawyers also visit the School as part of our Professional Practice Lecture Series. A former high court judge and speakers from firms including Geldards and Irwin Mitchell have recently visited to talk about aspects of their work and the legal system. These insights have provided students with a greater understanding of legal practice and valuable knowledge which has helped them to gain employment. Law Fair Nottingham Law School runs a law fair in January each year. This is attended by national and regional firms and provides an opportunity for students to meet with recruiters to discuss opportunities and make contacts within the legal profession. The next event will be held on Wednesday 21 January 2015.

6 6 Our community There s more to Nottingham Law School than excellent courses. The School is a thriving community and you will find a host of opportunities and events throughout the year that you can participate in which will widen your university experience. Take advantage of all that we offer and boost your CV at the same time. International Summer Schools All students at Nottingham Law School have the opportunity to participate in the International Summer School Programme. We offer five programmes in Strasbourg, Tallinn, Berlin, Krakow and Geneva which help our students explore differing perspectives on legal practice and enable them to consider international aspects of law. The programmes include teaching on various aspects of European and International Law, and visits to institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Parliament and Estonian Supreme Court. Visit for more information. Mooting We are proud of the strong mooting tradition at Nottingham Law School and take part in many national and international competitions including the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris, created to train student lawyers to meet the dispute resolution needs of today s cross-cultural market. Visit for more information. The School also has GDL and LPC mooting societies to enable students to develop their mooting skills. As you would expect our Bar students are also actively involved in mooting competitions. Further details of their activities can be found on the BPTC course information page (page 16). Sophia Baig and Isabel Baylis, winners of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Mediation Competition.

7 7 International Summer School, Geneva University Language Programme In an increasingly competitive job market, the ability to speak more than one language can give you the edge. Language skills are particularly important for those students who may wish to go on to work for an international firm. The University Language Programme offers students the opportunity to acquire or develop competency in a foreign language alongside their main course of study. The following languages are available at a number of stages, including beginners: Arabic Dutch French German Italian Japanese Russian Spanish Mandarin Chinese Students are awarded the University Certificate of Achievement in Language Study on successful completion of the course. Visit for more information. Sport At Nottingham Law School you will 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 through the Students Union from American Football to Ultimate Frisbee. Nottingham Law School has an active sports scene, with its own sports teams including football, netball, squash, hockey and rugby. The University is also active in intervarsity competitions and runs staff student leagues. Nottingham Trent University takes immense pride in the achievements and aspirations of its sports clubs and the success of our sports men and women many of whom represent their country at international events. Visit for more information. Student support Nottingham Law School has the advantage of being on a compact city-centre site, where it benefits from the academic and social support offered by Nottingham Trent University. 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 careers, finance, counselling, disabilities and international support among others. Visit for more information.

8 8 Pro Bono and Legal Advice Centre 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 of pro bono early in your careers. 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, please visit: Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre Nottingham Law School established a Legal Advice Clinic back in 2006 to provide a free legal advice and referral service. In 2014 we were delighted to launch our new Legal Advice Centre, which was officially opened by the Attorney General on 25 June. This fully-equipped, purpose-built centre provides us with greater flexibility to increase the number of cases we take on from the local community and includes interview rooms, a supervisor s office and a workspace which allows teams of students to work together in a confidential environment on live cases. 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; and tribunal and court representation. Overseas placements, internships and international pro bono opportunities will also be facilitated by the centre, which will develop new international links in countries with developing economies. Free Representation Unit (FRU) and Environmental Law Service Nottingham Law School is home to the only Free Representation Unit outside London. The Legal Advice Centre runs in conjunction with the London-based charity, FRU, which means that 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. To find out more about the Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre. Please visit legaladvicecentre

9 9 Your future career Nottingham Law School has a dedicated Employability Team which provides students with as much guidance and assistance as possible in their search for a training contract, pupillage and other graduate careers. Support is offered from undergraduate level and continues as students progress onto our professional courses. Our annual surveys have shown that a high percentage of our full-time and part-time LPC and GDL students secure a training contract, paralegal work, or other work, while the pupillage rate for our BPTC is consistently above the national average. At Nottingham Law School our dedicated Employability Team can provide the following support: careers seminars dedicated to training contract and 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 combination of elective subjects; access to a specialist careers consultant and a dedicated careers tutor within the Law School to review training contract, pupillage, placement, and vacation scheme applications and formulate individual career plans; regular updates about training contract, pupillage and paralegal opportunities; interview preparation service, including mock interviews; a mentoring scheme with trainees from law firms including Eversheds, Browne Jacobson, Shoosmiths, Geldards and Gateleys, to provide support and guidance on gaining a training contract and what to expect from life in the profession; a law fair. The next one will take place on Wednesday 21 January Bridge to Practice We work with firms to provide a Bridge to Practice for our LPC students, by delivering a high impact practical module tailored to the needs of trainees so 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 (see page 12). 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 Osborne Clarke Paul Hastings Shoosmiths "The Employability Team at Nottingham Law School is incomparable. The Careers Consultants are friendly, approachable and consistently go out of their way to assist. Not only has my CV been improved as a result of the advice given, but my employability has also increased through mock interviews, consultation sessions and expert advice. I go out of my way to recommend the services on offer to fellow students, but not too far as I don't want everyone to have the same edge I do!" Rick Thomas GDL FT

10 10 Nottingham Nottingham is a busy cultural centre which boasts some of the best art galleries, theatres, museums, cinemas and live performance venues in the UK. A vibrant city for students, Nottingham has extensive shopping areas, sites of historical interest, great entertainment venues and beautiful surrounding countryside. Nottingham Law School is conveniently located in Nottingham s vibrant city centre in the heart of England. Nottingham is the cultural capital of the East Midlands and a fantastic place to live and study. As well as being the fastest growing city in the UK, Nottingham also has a student population almost 60,000 with the highest percentage of graduate retention in the country. People want to stay here and it s easy to see why. From culture and heritage to shopping and entertainment, Nottingham has it all. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the city and surrounding area by the legend of Robin Hood, but there are also many other places of historical interest, such as Newstead Abbey the home of the writer and poet Lord Byron Nottingham Castle, Southwell Minster and Wollaton Hall. This international city of culture has some of the best art galleries, theatres, museums, cinemas and concert venues in the East Midlands. A diverse range of pubs, nightclubs, bars, cafes and restaurants offer lively entertainment and world cuisine, keeping you entertained every night of the week. If you re looking for a more active pastime you ll be pleased to know that Nottingham has more sporting facilities per head than any other city in Europe. The University has a strong sporting reputation and there are numerous leisure centres, swimming pools and gyms available, including on-campus facilities. The city also boasts an array of international sporting venues such as the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham Tennis Centre, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Ice Centre, and two league football grounds. As the home of Paul Smith and his original boutique, Nottingham also has an enviable reputation in the shopping stakes. There is something for everyone in the city s two large shopping centres, independent stores and designer boutiques. Nottingham has one of the highest rates of job creation in the UK and is home to a number of major employers. The cost of living also falls below the national average, giving you more reasons to come and enjoy all that Nottingham has to offer.

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12 12 LLM Legal Practice Course (LPC) (full-time / part-time) At Nottingham Law School we are confident that our enhanced Legal Practice Course (LPC) will provide you with the best training currently available. Successful completion of all its elements results in a master s award and our careers expertise and experienced teaching staff will help you get your career as a solicitor off to a flying start. Fact file Entry requirements: please see page 30 Fees and funding: please see page 32 How to apply: please see page 31 Open event dates: please see page 27 Further information: Full-time: Part-time: Key information Completion of all elements results in a master s award Consistently high employment rates You will leave the course business-ready Award winning pro bono activities and a new Legal Advice Centre Scholarships available Flexible timetable on full-time course The Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School has a reputation that is second to none. The course has continuously received the highest possible grading from the Solicitor s Regulation Authority of commendable practice in every area of the course. We are fully aware of the challenges for law students in the current legal employment market. For that reason our LPC is designed to provide you with the qualifications and practical knowledge and insight employers regard as essential. We also know that with a changing job market we need to provide effective careers support for our students to give you the head start that you require at the beginning of your career. The successful completion of all elements of the LPC will result in the award of a master s degree, as well as our internationally-recognised LPC qualification. You will leave Nottingham Law School with enhanced insight into the legal profession and better equipped to succeed. 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 Nottingham Law School with a 2.1 or a 2.2, we can add value to enhance your CV and increase your employability. You can study the Legal Practice Course full-time or part-time to fit around your other commitments. Transfers between the part-time and full-time course are possible. Why choose this course? Successful completion of all elements of the LPC will result in the award of a master s degree an internationally-recognised qualification. All our staff are experienced lawyers many 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.

13 13 Nottingham Law School is fully aware of the challenges for law students in the current legal employment market. 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. We offer an 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 benefit from our visiting lecturers. As well as visiting professors we have a series of lectures each year by expert lawyers from leading law firms who share their insight and experience in their area of legal specialism. Our dedicated and experienced careers consultants provide guidance and support to help you secure a training contract or other legal employment. The number of graduates obtaining a training contract or paralegal work is consistently high. Studying with Nottingham Law School means that you have all the facilities a large law school can offer plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers outstanding sports, language and student union services. LPC students are able to use all of the library and IT facilities of the University, in particular, the Boots Library. The Boots Library houses the entire law collection and will also incorporates the Professional Resource Centre. As a result, LPC students are afforded 24-hour access to relevant library resources. Students who take the whole of our LPC after successfully completing a GDL, either with Nottingham Law School or another provider, can apply for the award of a Graduate LLB* which is received after your successful completion of the LPC, to recognise your achievement (students coming through the ILEX route may also be eligible). * Please note that those students who are exempt from some of the GDL subjects may not be eligible for a Graduate LLB. Student profile 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 Nottingham Law School students and alumni. Terms and conditions apply. Please see for more information. There are many reasons why Nottingham Law School is such a fantastic place to study. The excellent links with local and national legal practitioners is invaluable when it comes to getting ahead in the competitive job market. Laura Hush Legal Practice Course graduate

14 14 Structure of the LPC The LPC is delivered in two stages. 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. During Stage One, the teaching of the Professional Legal Practice Module will also occur. Stage Two includes three elective modules and, if you are aiming for the LLM award, submission of either your project or dissertation, although there is the possibility to submit this work after the academic year has ended. You choose three electives from the list below. You decide whether to select all three from one subject area or to mix and match to best suit your needs. 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 the full-time only. Please note electives are subject to change. 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 will be assessed by written examination in each of the three compulsory and elective subjects. The nature of each skill assessment will be determined by the skill to be demonstrated. 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. 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. Full-time study Flexible timetable We are able to offer flexible timetabling for the LPC Stage One modules (these modules take place between September and February). Students can express a preference to study either in the morning or afternoon. Once you have accepted your offer you should complete the preference form online at Please note that, while Nottingham Trent University will make every effort to accommodate your timetable preference, we do not guarantee that you will be timetabled according to your preference or that your teaching will be limited to the times indicated on the preference form. Electives Most students prefer to move directly on to Stage Two of the LPC immediately after completion of Stage One, but you don't have to and there is a variety of choices. You can: stop for a while after Stage One and rejoin the course in a following year (although SRA rules impose time limits on how long you can wait) undertake the electives in part-time mode.

15 15 It is up to you which way you choose; most students like to complete the LPC as soon as possible, but some like to undertake electives once they have a better idea of their intended practice area. To enable us to plan for elective options, once you have accepted your offer, you will be able to choose which electives you think you would like to study with us. There will be an opportunity for you to change your elective choices once you start the LPC. Part-time study Our part-time LPC is delivered by block / weekend attendance over a two year period, broadly following the same teaching pattern as the full-time 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 will undertake a part-time study training contract. This allows you to qualify as quickly as a full-time student. See the SRA website for more information. We appreciate the challenges of combining part-time study with demanding jobs and personal lives, and we therefore support our students in a variety of ways: Students are assigned a personal tutor for the duration of the course and have and telephone access to their tutors at any time. Course material and timetabling information is available via the Internet. Any issues are dealt with speedily and efficiently by our course team. You will have access to the full range of University support services, including the library, IT resources and virtual learning environment. Your future career We have a dedicated Employability Team who will support you in your search for a training contract; the number of Nottingham Law School graduates gaining a training contract or paralegal work is consistently high. At Nottingham Law School we don t view the LPC in isolation. It leads to a training contract and we can provide the support required to give you the best possible start to your legal career: Our Employability Team provide seminars with advice about training contract applications and interview techniques. We will review your training contract applications and formulate individual career plans. We also provide a practical interview preparation service. We provide 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. Employability and commercial awareness are given appropriate focus, which provides a true bridge into practice. We maintain regular contact with firms specialising in all areas of law. Contact us on: Tel: +44 (0) nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk

16 16 Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (full-time) Our BPTC aims to equip you with the skills and procedural knowledge necessary to follow your chosen career. The course was written and designed in conjunction with practising barristers, judges, and senior academics. Practitioners and judges assist with the delivery of the course as guest speakers and in practitioner workshops. Fact file Entry requirements: please see page 30 Fees and funding: please see page 32 How to apply: please see page 31 Open event dates: please see page 27 Further information: Key information Scholarships available Practical focus Award winning pro bono activities and a new Legal Advice Centre Attend our Pupillage Interview Training Day before the course starts Why choose this course? Our core staff are practitioners. We provide a dedicated Employability Team. Our pupillage rate is consistently above the national average. We offer a range of options for varying types of practice. You will undertake assessments with a practical focus. Students are taught in small groups in high quality teaching accommodation, which includes impressive mock courtrooms. You will receive individual feedback in all assessable skills. We have considerable expertise in advocacy and Nottingham Law School is home to the first Centre for Advocacy in the UK. Prospective students attend a Pupillage Interview Training Day before the course starts, providing practical advice on pupillage applications. Scholarships are available for this course. You can top-up your BPTC to an LLM. See page 24 for details. Students who complete our BPTC via the GDL route at Nottingham Law School, or with another provider, have the opportunity to obtain a full LLB (known as a Graduate LLB*), reflecting the significant effort and achievement of successfully completing the GDL and the BPTC. Opportunities will be made available to assist you in marshalling (shadowing) a judge. The benefits of marshalling include the following: it allows students to see cases from a judicial perspective; it complements mini-pupillages; and it strengthens a student s CV / pupillage application.

17 17 Structure of the BPTC After a short introductory period you will commence your study of the compulsory subjects. You will handle seven realistic briefs (four criminal and three civil) from commencement towards trial throughout the first two terms. Knowledge and skills areas 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. A wide choice within mainstream areas of practice is available so that students obtain a broad foundation on which they can build once they have entered the profession. Modules Pervasives Case Preparation and Analysis Legal Research Knowledge Civil Litigation, Evidence and Remedies Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing Professional Ethics Skills Advocacy Conference Skills Drafting Resolution of Disputes Out of Court Opinion Writing 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 Immigration Landlord and Tenant Pro Bono / Legal Advice Centre (subject to feasibility studies and validation). 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 and cross-examination and the questioning and advising of clients. You will also perform a Chambers application before a tutor playing the role of judge, who will interject with questions. Your future career Successful completion of the course enables you to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage. We have a dedicated Employability Team who will support you in your search for pupillage, by providing practical sessions and advice, mock interviews and careers bulletins. A number of presentations are given throughout the year reflecting the changing needs of students as they progress through the application process. The focus of these presentations is on both practice at the Bar, which reflects the ambitions of most of the students, and alternative careers. The team offers advice and practical support, such as trial interviews. A number of presentations are given throughout the year reflecting the changing needs of students as they progress through the application process. The focus of these presentations is on both practice at the Bar, which reflects the ambitions of most of the students, and alternative careers. At Nottingham Law School we are concerned about students career paths. Our programme of support begins before students start the course, and continues even after the student has left: Students who have accepted a place on the course are invited to a Pupillage Interview Training Day in the spring prior to enrolling on the course in September. This is to assist students as they enter the summer season of pupillage applications. Students should view careers advice as something about which any lecturer can be approached. All teaching staff come from practice, from London and nationwide, and some retain door tenancies in chambers. We are able to offer first-hand advice and guidance to students, wherever they wish to practise.

18 18 The Bar and Judiciary have been enthusiastic in their support for the course and for the students. Our students are represented amongst those whom Chambers have recruited as pupils with a view to tenancy. Even before applying for the BPTC, candidates must think seriously about their future careers. To become a practising barrister you have to undertake pupillage and obtain a tenancy in chambers. There is enormous competition for pupillages. 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. Links with the profession In addition to the programme of guest lectures and practitioner workshops which run during the year we give you further opportunities to experience life at the Bar and meet practitioners. Here are just a few examples: 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 compulsory dining 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. Ropewalk Chambers Mooting Competition Ropewalk Chambers, a leading specialist civil set in Nottingham, sponsors a mooting competition for our students. The competition is judged by Members of Chambers. You will be invited to Nottingham Law School community events, networking opportunities and social events. Contact us on: Tel: +44(0) nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk Top up your BPTC with our LLM Legal Practice Distance Learning course

19 19 Student profile Having read Law as an undergraduate in very much an academic context, the BPTC at Nottingham Law School offered a welcome focus on advocacy and the law in practice. There is ample opportunity in the classroom to practise oral advocacy in criminal and civil cases at all stages of litigation. The tutors give immediate, honest and constructive feedback. All performances are recorded on DVD for later self-evaluation and amusement. Further to these classes I enjoyed participating in the Ropewalk Chambers Mooting Competition, run in conjunction with Nottingham Law School. Similarly there is a strong emphasis on written advocacy in the drafting and opinion writing sessions. Most written work is subject to peer review and individual evaluation by the tutors and is usually incorporated into subsequent advocacy classes. In addition to the timetabled course, Nottingham Law School arranges a number of court visits and valuable sessions led by local practitioners. These include a mock criminal trial, a mock mediation and drafting and professional ethics seminars. We are well looked after on the social front too. Nottingham Law School organises a number of drinks evenings and the Bar Mess dinner, all of which are well attended by members of the local Bar and Judiciary. There is a real community spirit on the BPTC at Nottingham Law School amongst staff and students alike. I have made many friends for life both in the classroom and on the rugby field as part of the Law School team, which comprises students from the BPTC, LPC and GDL. I have learned a lot on the BPTC and have had such fun too. It s been a fantastic year! Tom Owen BPTC graduate

20 20 Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (full-time / distance learning) For non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister, our Graduate Diploma in Law is the stepping stone to the Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course and a career as a solicitor or barrister thereafter. The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board (the Joint Academic Stage Board). Lectures and tutorials are designed to encourage interactive learning, where students learn in small groups. Fact file Entry requirements: please see page 30 Fees and funding: please see page 32 How to apply: please see page 31 Open event dates: please see page 27 Further information: Full-time: Distance learning: Key information Scholarships available Consistently high employment rates Guaranteed place on our LPC Award winning pro bono activities and a new Legal Advice Centre Excellent support throughout your studies Why choose this course? It provides non-law graduates with a route to becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK. It's accredited by the Joint Academic Stage Board. We offer an 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 Nottingham Law School s highly regarded Legal Practice Course (LPC). Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also looked upon favourably for a place on our Bar Professional Training Course. You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff. Scholarships are available. We offer excellent careers support through our dedicated Employability Team Students who go on to successfully complete our LPC or BPTC can apply for the award of a Graduate LLB, providing an academic as well as a practical award.* * Please note students who are exempt from some of the GDL subjects may not be eligible for a Graduate LLB. To make the transition between the GDL and the LPC or BPTC easier, you will be given the opportunity to participate in: Our summer schools programme, see page 6. From 2014 we intend to offer a Commercial Awareness / Business Skills module, which will give students practical skills to increase employability. You can then build on this during the LPC / BPTC.

21 21 Structure of the GDL This is a fast-track conversion course which effectively covers the seven core subjects of a Law degree in one year. 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 will 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 research skills in an area of interest. Alternatively you may prefer to become involved in our pro bono module rather than submit a research project. Full-time study The full-time course begins with a three-week induction which gives 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 only. 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. New mock courtrooms provide realistic environments for advocacy and mooting. Many GDL providers make claims for their IT delivery we think that ultimately a course of this complexity needs to be taught by humans and supported by IT rather than the other way round. So, as ever, we generate top-quality teaching materials here on site, but we make them available 24-7 through our remote-access systems. As an example, all lectures are available as online resources. Distance-learning study This flexible, distance-learning course lets you combine study with work and other commitments. Extensive support and 24-hour access to learning resources ensure that you achieve your full potential. The course covers the seven Foundations of Legal Knowledge required by The Law Society. You should be prepared to devote 15 hours per week to your studies. Year One The first weekend gives an introduction to the English legal method. There is a pass / fail written exercise to be completed at home following this weekend, which all students must pass. However, it does not count toward the final aggregate. There is 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, which are also taught at the first weekend. Year Two Four weekends covering three core subjects: Criminal Law Land Law Law of Equity and Trusts at all weekends In addition you are required to cover an area of law that goes beyond the core syllabus. This is achieved during Year Two when you complete an individual research project of 4,500 to 5,000 words. 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 rather than passive listening. Students get 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.

22 22 Exemptions Students who have previously studied Law may be eligible for exemptions. In this situation, you should contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Standards Board for clarification. How will I be assessed? 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 Legal Practice Course (LPC) for intending solicitors. It also enables you to progress to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for intending barristers. At Nottingham Law School we do not view the GDL in isolation, but as part of a programme with the LPC / BPTC. 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 will have gained a range of transferable skills that will be highly valued by employers. Student profile I have really grown in confidence during my time at NTU. I have received a great deal of support and encouragement throughout the year, particularly from tutors on the course. There are many opportunities to take part in Pro Bono projects and to participate in competitions such as the mediation and mooting competitions. I have been involved in many of these opportunities, and represented the university in a national criminal advocacy competition. It has been this experience that has helped me not only to develop the skills I will need if I am to succeed in a competitive profession, but also to feel more confident in my abilities. Joy Lewis, GDL and BPTC Contact us on: Tel: +44 (0) nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk

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24 24 LLM Legal Practice (Distance Learning) This LLM (Master of Laws) award is for those with professional legal qualifications such as the BPTC or LPC (or their precursors). Credit points are awarded for these professional qualifications and students can then top up these points with a dissertation or publishable article to gain this LLM. This course is studied by distance learning. Fact file Entry requirements: please see page 30 Fees and funding: please see page 32 How to apply: please see page 31 Open event dates: please see page 27 Further information: The LLM Legal Practice (DL) 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 four to 24-month period. This would allow you to undertake study immediately following the completion of the LPC or BPTC and complete the course quickly, but also offers more flexible timeframes for completing the self-study module. The course is not just for current LPC and BPTC students. Those who have successfully completed the LPC and BPTC (or their equivalent) at any time are eligible for admission. The course will be extremely attractive to practitioners as it also satisfies CPD requirements. Dissertation In line with our existing LLM courses, you have a wide discretion in choosing your dissertation topic, subject to the capacity of the Law School to provide expert academic supervision. The 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. Contact us on: Tel: +44 (0) nls.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk Introductory programme The introductory programme includes guidance on research methods and legal writing. All students will undertake the introductory programme by distance learning.