Legal Practice Course (LPC)
When can you start this course? | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
- The National College of Legal Training (NCLT) delivers a full time and part time (weekend-study) LPC at The University of Derby.
- NCLT is a collaborative partnership between CLT, the leading trainer for lawyers and UWE, the University of the West of England, so you can be confident that law firms recognise the value of our courses.
- The NCLT LPC is not only top-rated, but also highly affordable, with fees of just £7,900 for the full time and part time course (students from the University of Derby are entitled to the discounted fee of £7,200).
- What's more, we offer interest free payments spread over 10 installments a year and a low deposit of £200 to secure your place.
- You can study locally here at the University of Derby and benefit from our excellent facilities and student support. Our aim is to ensure that your student experience is the best, listening to your needs and giving you personal support throughout your study and when you qualify.
About the course
The Legal Practice Course is the second stage of your career path to becoming a solicitor, once you've obtained your qualifying law degree. It covers your transition from a graduate student at university to a lawyer-in-training. It is both knowledge and skills based and introduces you to the vocational skills of legal practice which are then developed during your two year training period in a solicitors office prior to qualification.
The LPC is practical in nature and the focus is on mastering relevant skills. The emphasis is on workshops, continuous assessment, independent research and group discussions. It also allows you a certain amount of specialisation through a range of optional subjects.
We know that dedicated academic and pastoral support is crucial to your success on the LPC. Our experienced and enthusiastic tutor team will help you through the difficult transition from student to lawyer. Our tutors are solicitors, teaching mainly in their practice areas. Our study units are carefully designed with enhanced feedback to build your confidence and help you develop the skills you need to excel in a competitive legal world. They like to get to know you and want you to maximise your potential.
On our flexible LPC you can choose to study full or part time. On the full time route lectures take place two days a week over 12 months. On the part time route you will attend 11 weekend study sessions per year, over two years.
Your career
The Legal Practice Course is the second stage of your career path to becoming a solicitor, once you've obtained your qualifying law degree. Whether you aspire to work in a city practice, commercial practice, commercial firm, high street firm or a niche practice, the NCLT LPC provides an excellent foundation to start your career in law.
We offer additional support to prepare you for practice. As a national provider, we not only have strong links with the legal profession, but we also offer access to specialist careers tutors and a dedicated legal careers advisor. There are regular talks and presentations, providing invaluable advice from those who work in legal practice.
On completion of the LPC you will be ready to undertake your training contract, before becoming fully qualified as a solicitor.
What our students say
"Good value for money; friendly, supportive lecturers; accessible." Laura Sinclair, 2009 Cohort
"The very best institution to study the LPC." Elroy Turner 2009 Cohort
"Friendly and supportive staff, good programme." Rachael Cole 2009 Cohort
How you'll learn
The primary objective of the LPC is to prepare you for your training contract. Study is practice based, allowing you to gain an understanding of many common legal transactions and procedures. Workshops are taught in small groups, with a 30 minute review session to allow in-depth feedback.
You will be given lots of opportunities through role play to practice legal skills, such as interviewing and negotiation. Outside of classes you will work individually and with other members of your group on preparatory tasks and exercises to consolidate your learning.
There will be additional support through the use of our e-learning delivery system - 'Blackboard'. This will give you the opportunity to test your progress regularly through self-test questions and exercises with instant feedback.
How you're assessed
Most assessments are written (open book) but there are also skills assessments - the nature of most assessments is largely determined by the SRA, but we do offer student options about when to take their assessments.
Anything else?
Placements
NCLT will be introducing a work placement scheme for students in 2012.
Staff you'll meet
On your induction you will be appointed a Supervising Principal (SP) who will offer you guidance on applying for training contracts and assist with any queries you may have.
You will also have access to the LPC Tutors, Course Leader and Careers Officer to support you throughout your study.
Scholarships and funding
We have a number of bursaries and scholarships to help you with your fees. Find out more.
Come and meet us
NCLT host a number of presentations throughout the year, where students have the opportunity to find out more about our courses and meet the team. To register your interest in attending one of these events, please call 0121 362 7529 or email nclt@nclt.co.uk.
Applying
Applying for the full time course - Apply online now through CAB, the Central Applications Board. NCLT is listed on the CAB website as UWE/NCLT.
Applying for the part time course - please apply through NCLT
Note
Before you start the LPC you must enrol as a student with the SRA and obtain their written confirmation that you have completed the academic stage of training. For SRA student enrolment deadline dates and for further information, visit www.sra.org.uk/students/student-enrolment.page.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
- September 2012
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
- September 2012
Fees*
For 2012 the part time LPC is £7,900 (£3,950 per year).
The full time LPC is £7,900.
Payment plans are available. For more information about course fees, visit www.nclt.org.uk.
Course length
- Part time: two years
- Full time: one year
Entry requirements
You will need: a recognised law degree or the CPE/Graduate Diploma in Law (unless you have an ...
