Professional Legal Practice Swansea University

Overview

The LLM Professional Legal Practice at Swansea University is a postgraduate taught degree designed to build specialised legal knowledge and practical skills beyond the foundation of qualifying law degrees. It focuses on applied legal subjects and professional competencies, helping you deepen your expertise in areas such as advanced legal research, client interviewing, advocacy, drafting, ethics, dispute resolution and practice-related topics. The programme blends academic understanding with real-world legal practice insights, preparing you for careers in legal practice, in-house counsel roles, consultancy, regulatory and public sector law positions, or for further postgraduate research.

Why Professional Legal Practice at Swansea? Swansea University boasts a globally recognised law school, the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law, which is committed to fostering a dynamic academic atmosphere. This institution is renowned for its impactful contributions across various legal disciplines and prioritises student-centred learning. With a focus on continuous improvement in teaching methodologies, students benefit from the expertise of both academics and practising professionals, ensuring comprehensive guidance throughout their studies. The Professional Legal Practice programme is meticulously crafted to align with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) requirements, which underwent significant changes in September 2021. This new pathway to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales comprises two stages of centrally assessed examinations (SQE1 and SQE2) and mandates a period of qualifying work experience. The programme is structured to prepare students effectively for these assessments, providing a solid foundation in essential legal knowledge and practical skills.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical and practical legal education, encompassing a wide range of modules essential for aspiring solicitors. The modules include:

• Business Law and Practice
• Dispute Resolution
• Criminal Practice
• Property Practice
• Professional Practice and Legal Services
• Wills and Administration of Estates
• Legal Skills
• Professional Practice Skills 1
• Professional Practice Skills 2
• Advanced Legal Drafting

The programme is delivered over one academic year, divided into two stages. The first stage focuses on core practice areas, while the second stage emphasises the development of professional legal skills within those areas. Students also engage in directed independent learning, simulating real-world legal scenarios.

Careers with Professional Legal Practice

Graduates of the Professional Legal Practice programme are well-equipped for various career paths within the legal sector and beyond. Many alumni find positions in prestigious firms and organisations, including:

• Solicitors and Barristers
• Corporate Governance
• Government Legal Services
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Legal Publishing
• Financial and Banking Sectors
• Regulatory Bodies
• Taxation Services

The programme not only prepares students for the SQE assessments but also provides transferrable skills applicable to diverse careers, ensuring that graduates can thrive in various professional environments. With a strong emphasis on employability, Swansea University supports students in building connections within the legal profession and developing essential skills for future success.