DPLP - Professional Legal Practice

Overview

At a Glance

The DPLP satisfies the requirements of Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) of the professional training programme for solicitors in Scotland. Completion of PEAT 1 is required for entry into the legal profession in Scotland. The Diploma is taught over the academic year, across two semesters and classes take place during business hours between 9.00am and 6.00pm. All students must complete and pass the four core courses: Conveyancing, Private Client, Litigation, Business Environment and Ethics, and the reflective diary exercises in semester one before progressing to the elective courses in semester two. The DPLP - Professional Legal Practice programme of the University of Aberdeen starts in September with a comprehensive induction programme focusing on skill based exercises including negotiation, interviewing and team working. Designed to give an insight into real world legal practice, the induction includes a visit to Aberdeen Sheriff Court with talks by a Sheriff, Fiscal and legal professionals, plus the opportunity to attend court proceedings.

In the second semester 4 elective courses are chosen from a comprehensive list (please see course information), enabling you to tailor your study to your interests and needs. Detailed information on the elective courses is provided in November prior to selecting courses.

Across the two semesters the transaction based learning approach enables you to build on your knowledge and skills week by week. The course content is centred around a number of different activities including interactive seminars, role play and group work. The programme structure and exercises seek to replicate real life legal practice to ensure your transition into the working world is as seamlessly as possible.

Careers

Diploma graduates from the University of Aberdeen have been successful in securing traineeships in a range of firms and organisations including the GLSS, local authorities, the large central belt and Aberdeen based firms and smaller local firms. 90% of our 2015/16 Graduates were in employment 6 months after completing the Diploma.

Aberdeen Graduates are highly sought after. Throughout the year we welcome speakers from a range of law firms who want to meet and engage with students seeking traineeships. The Careers and Employability Service holds an annual law fair, where law firms and employers provide information about their traineeships and employment opportunities.

The University Careers and Employability Service has two dedicated Law Careers advisers and is happy to help you make career plans and decisions and find traineeships and placements including providing feedback about your applications and CVs. The advisers will also help with preparing and practising for interviews, psychometric tests and assessment centres.

We also run a very successful Career Mentoring programme which selectively pairs student applicants with a suitable mentor who will meet informally with them throughout the year and offer guidance and advice. This programme supports several evening receptions hosted by firms which provide a valuable opportunity for students to mix informally with members of the profession.

Career Opportunities

• Lawyer