Professional Legal Practice PGDip
City Campus , United Kingdom
Professional Legal Practice PGDip
University of Dundee
Law
Program Overview: Professional Legal Practice PGDip
The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) at the University of Dundee is a postgraduate vocational qualification that prepares graduates for a career in the Scottish legal profession as either a solicitor or advocate. The course acts as a bridge between the academic study of law and the practical demands of legal practice, and is primarily delivered by practising solicitors who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.
On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to undertake a two-year traineeship within Scotland and qualify as a solicitor. If you wish to practise as an advocate, additional training beyond the DPLP is required. All teaching on the programme is aligned with the outcomes set by the Law Society of Scotland, emphasising practical legal skills within a framework of ethical and professional behaviour.
Throughout the course, you will consolidate and build upon the black letter law, research, and analytical skills acquired during your undergraduate studies, applying them to practical situations through interactive, scenario-based learning. As part of the programme, you receive resources including an iPad and key textbooks to support your studies.
Key Program Highlights
- Taught primarily by practising solicitors, providing direct insight into the Scottish legal profession
- Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, enabling a direct pathway to qualifying as a solicitor
- Includes both core and elective modules covering civil, criminal, commercial, and private client practice
- Opportunity for selected students to gain experience with the Faculty of Advocates through a dedicated scheme
Curriculum and Modules
The Professional Legal Practice PGDip curriculum is structured around core modules that cover essential areas of Scottish legal practice, complemented by a range of elective modules that allow you to specialise in areas of personal interest. The programme emphasises interactive learning, practical skills development, and professional ethics throughout.
Civil Court Practice
Core ModuleThis module focuses on the application of Scottish civil legislation to disputes, covering procedures in both Sheriff and higher courts. You will develop practical skills in civil litigation and client representation.
Criminal Court Practice
Core ModuleCovers legislative provisions for Scottish criminal procedures applicable in both Sheriff and High Courts. You will gain practical understanding of criminal defence and prosecution processes.
Conveyancing
Core ModuleExplores the practice of residential conveyancing in Scotland, including purchase, sales, heritable securities, and residential leasing, with an additional element of commercial conveyancing.
Private Client
Core ModuleOffers an introduction to various legal services for private clients, including wills, estates, and trusts. You will develop skills in drafting and interpreting legal documents and empathetic client communication.
Business and Financial Services
Core ModuleConsiders the regulatory framework for financial services provision, covering methods of investment, mortgages, insurance, pensions, and the concept of risk within legal practice.
Professional Ethics and Standards
Core ModuleIntroduces the values, ethics, and professional standards expected within the Scottish legal profession, as defined by the Law Society of Scotland outcomes framework.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Professional Legal Practice PGDip is competitive, with entry restricted to approximately 80 places determined by the academic merit of applicants. The main criterion for academic merit is the average mark obtained at first sitting in the subjects required by the Law Society of Scotland. To apply, submit your application through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementLLB in Scots Law including all subjects required by the Law Society of Scotland
- Academic MeritSelection based on average mark at first sitting in Law Society of Scotland required subjects
- Programme CapacityApproximately 80 places available per intake
- Law Society SubjectsMust have completed all professional subjects as prescribed by the Law Society of Scotland
- Additional RequirementsContact Uni4Edu for the most current information on any additional entry criteria
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- ExemptionsApplicants with an LLB from a UK institution may be exempt from English language testing
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Dundee offers a range of partial fee reduction scholarships to support students with tuition costs. While the university does not offer fully funded scholarships, several funding options may be available depending on your background and circumstances. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding opportunities.
SAAS Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan
Scottish-domiciled students may apply through the Students Award Agency for Scotland for a postgraduate tuition fee loan to cover the cost of the DPLP programme.
University of Dundee Alumni Scholarship
Partial tuition fee reductionAvailable to family members of University of Dundee alumni who have completed a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Eligible family members include parents and siblings.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The Professional Legal Practice PGDip is your gateway to a career in the Scottish legal profession. Upon successful completion, you are eligible to enter a two-year traineeship and subsequently qualify as a solicitor in Scotland. The University of Dundee has a strong track record for graduate employability, with the institution reporting high placement rates within six months of graduation.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Dundee is a well-regarded institution that has achieved strong positions in both national and international university rankings. Named Scottish University of the Year 2025 by the Daily Mail University Guide, Dundee continues to rise in prominence across multiple league tables and is recognised for its teaching quality and student satisfaction.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Complete University Guide | #26 in UK |
| Law | The Guardian | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Overall Student Satisfaction | National Student Survey | 1st in Scotland in 12 subjects |
| Employability | QS Employability Rankings | Top 200 globally |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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