Legal Practice Course

Teaching for Personal and Professional Development

At Aberystwyth you will learn through solving problems within a practical context. Our course materials, written and delivered by your tutors, use specifically designed scenarios to simulate real-life practice. We will ensure that you can respond to clients' legal requirements within the context of the professional and ethical structure of being a solicitor. Our course is designed to benefit your overall development which includes communication and presentation skills, teamwork and negotiation. To do this we prefer face-to-face teaching methods and have an effective combination of large and small group sessions. These sessions are highly interactive and you will be expected to work in teams of various sizes as well as on your own.

In addition to your student-tutor contact time IT is used extensively throughout the course. At the beginning of the course all students receive interactive sessions on the effective use of IT for legal research. Various research based exercises including at least one of the legal research skills assessments are to be completed using only electronic resources.

Our teaching staff are all qualified solicitors, experienced in delivering interesting and effective classes that draw on their own experience and training. At Aberystwyth you can be assured of receiving high quality, hands-on legal training. 

Large Group Sessions

The large group sessions run for one hour and are a mixture of formal lecture and interactive discussions. They are not designed to be simply "information giving sessions" but rather to act as an introduction to the key areas to be covered in the small groups, highlight areas of difficulty and to relate the subject to everyday practice as a solicitor. 

Small Group Sessions

Each large group session is paired with a small group session (SGS) where you will carry out practical exercises. The SGS provides a friendly, supportive environment. These small, student-centred sessions focus on the knowledge and skills you will need to use in practice and active participation is key to getting the most benefit from them. You will be required to work either individually, in pairs or groups. The tutor will lead and facilitate the activities, ensuring that all students participate and are provided with effective feedback. 

Teaching in the medium of Welsh

The LPC is taught in English and there is no requirement for students to speak Welsh. However, the Department has staff able to teach in English or Welsh. If you speak Welsh we will endeavour to allocate you personal tutor who also speaks Welsh. 

Assessment

Written examinations are held at the end of compulsory and elective teaching periods. You will also be assessed in each of the skills and in the core subjects of Accounts, Professional Conduct and Probate and these will be held throughout the course. Practice assessments are used to prepare you for the final assessment.