Solicitors Exempting Law Degree: University of Westminster

Introduction

This course is a Qualifying Law degree and graduates who wish to become solicitors are also exempt from The Law Society's requirement to take a Legal Practice Course (LPC). The course incorporates a first degree in law and the LPC, and will be offered from 2009/10 subject to confirmation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The course is geared to professional practice in a law firm with first year modules introducing some of the skills developed and assessed in the LPC. It prepares you for clinical experience in Year 3 and Clinical options in Year 4 where you will work with real clients. Fees are consistent throughout rather than nearly tripling at the LPC stage and students who decide not to qualify as solicitors may opt for a simple Qualifying Law Degree on successfully completing Year 3.

Course Content

The course was approved under the new framework for the delivery of ‘LPC III’. It is one of only four such courses in the country, and the only one in London and the South East. The course combines the core of a Qualifying Law Degree with preparation for the work of a solicitor. The two modules in Legal Ethics, Method and Skills provide students with an introduction to professional ethics and skills, together with the traditional study skills course. This is followed by training to conduct cases with real clients in Year 3 and the option to do clinical work (live cases) in Year 4. The course provides clinical work or placements, although students can find their own work placements if they wish. Most modules are double modules.

Teaching and Assessment

Lectures are supported by seminars or tutorials. You will develop independent study and research skills, and will be assessed using a variety of methods including presentations, essays and formal exams. Most subjects have some element of course work that, in some modules, accounts for all of the mark.

Associated Careers

The degree is geared to qualification as a solicitor. On completion you will complete a period of work-based learning (currently called a training contract) under the supervision of a solicitor approved by the SRA. There are a wide variety of career options as a solicitor, from private practice in commercial firms in the City of London or high street firms, to being an employed lawyer with organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service and the legal departments of major corporations. Law graduates are also sought after in a wide range of non-legal careers. Students completing the course, or those choosing to leave with a Qualifying Law Degree after three years, can also begin to train as a barrister.

Entry Requirements

• Three A levels (A2) at grades ABB
• International Baccalaureate 32 points
• Six GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and mathematics
• BTEC National Diploma DDM