Legal Practice Course (LPC)

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is a requirement for anyone who wishes to practise as a solicitor in England or Wales. This professional qualification is a key element in the vocational training to become a solicitor. The Law Society of England and Wales sets standards for LPC providers and dictates the core structure of the course ensuring quality and consistency across providers.

At Aberystwyth you will learn the ethical basis, knowledge and skills of being a solicitor through solving problems within a professional context. We have developed scenarios to ensure that you can respond to clients' legal requirements within the context of the professional and ethical structure of being a solicitor. Teaching is interactive and transactional involving large and small group sessions where you are expected to work in a variety of patterns to reflect the professional environment.

In addition to the LPC, the Centre for Legal Practice is able to offer the possibility of 'upgrading' the Diploma in Legal Practice to an LLM in Legal Practice. 

Course Structure

The course is divided into three parts. In the first two weeks the Foundation Course introduces the knowledge base and skills you will use on the rest of the course. The compulsory subjects, which are set by the Law Society, are taught in the second part of the course and the final 12 weeks are devoted to the study of three electives (from a selection) allowing you to specialise in your intended areas of practice.

The course runs early September to late June with breaks at Christmas, Easter and a reading week in the autumn. When you successfully complete the course you will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Teaching Methods

At Aberystwyth you will learn through solving problems within a practical context. We have developed scenarios to stimulate 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. We use a combination of large and small group sessions for teaching. These sessions are highly interactive and you will be expected to work in teams of various sizes as well as on your own.

Large Group Sessions

The large group sessions run for one hour each and are a mixture of formal lecture and interactive discussions. They are not designed to be "information giving sessions" but rather 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 two hour and quarter hour small group session (SGS) where you will carry out practical exercises. The SGS provides a friendly supportive environment. In these sessions you will be required to work either individually, in pairs or in large groups. The tutor will lead and facilitate the class activities, ensuring that all students participate, and provide 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. 

Entry Requirements

You must have successfully completed (or are about to complete) one of the following:

  • A qualifying law degree (minimum lower second class honours)
  • Graduate Diploma in Law/ CPE coupled with a non law degree (minimum lower second class honours)
  • Similar qualification such as ILEX

We may also consider:

  • Work experience or other evidence of commitment to the profession
  • Assessments by referees, educational psychologists or medical practitioners
  • Performance at an interview (if applicable)

The Application Process

Applications open on 1st October and close 1st December each year for entry in September of the year following.

Applications should be made through the Central Admissions Board (CAB) online at the CAB website or on an application form obtained from them.

Please contact:

The Central Applications Board
PO Box 84, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1YX
Web: www.lawcabs.ac.uk