About this course
LJMU's Legal Practice Course produces highly skilled, commercially aware and effective Trainee Solicitors, prepared for the demands of a Training Contract.
- Long running course with an established reputation
- Highly experienced team of tutors, including current practitioners
- Established links with the local legal profession, leading to job opportunities for graduates
- Commended pastoral support during your studies, personal tutors and subject tutors all offering an open door to deal with issues quickly and appropriately
- Generous funding scholarships available for home and overseas students
- Part-Time Study Option
The School of Law is dedicated to enabling its students to become highly effective trainee solicitors through our well respected Legal Practice Course (LPC). This LPC is trusted by the legal profession as a real predictor of your ability to meet the demands of legal practice. It is a practice-based programme - students engage in analysis and application, and workplace simulation, allowing them to develop the skills and competence required for day one of legal practice.
As an LPC student, you will join an established professional legal network and continue your professional development with experts across a variety of legal fields.
The LPC has been the prescribed course for graduates wishing to qualify as a solicitor since 1992, over 1300 lawyers have graduated from the LPC at LJMU.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority's introduction of the SQE now changes the route individuals must take to qualify as a solicitor. You can still take the traditional taught LPC here at LJMU, recognised by thousands in the legal profession, to enhance your personal development and your chances of securing employment within a very competitive legal profession.
Important dates:
The deadline for full-time applications (made via the central Applications Board) is Friday 16 August 2024. Part-time applications must be made through the LJMU online application form. The deadline for part-time applications is Friday 16 August 2024.
The programme starts on Monday 2 September 2024.
We provide extensive networking and work-placement opportunities, including enhanced work experience via our Solicitor Mentor Scheme. The dissertation element of the course provides the opportunity to enhance your career prospects through acquiring vocationally relevant knowledge. It will enable you to make a significant and measurable contribution to the body of legal knowledge in your chosen subject.
Sinead's story
With an undergraduate degree in Geography from Edge Hill, Sinead studied for her Graduate Diploma in Law at LJMU and is now embarking on her Legal Practice Course.
"I chose LJMU because friends had good experiences here and it was quite local for me. The course has been great with lots of practical elements and role playing. It really gets you ready for employment.
The support at John Moores is excellent and that is one of the main reasons I stayed here. Staff are flexible. They know what it is like to work and study so they understand where you are coming from.
I would recommend postgraduate study to anyone. It is a big commitment and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes but it really has changed everything for me. I am now working in legal practice and that is what I wanted."
Patrick's story
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study. The core options (stage 1) are prescribed by the SRA and students are required to pass three elective option modules as part of the LPC.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Business Law and Practice incorporating Tax
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to foster a strong understanding of Business Law and Practice, focusing on primary source materials, constitutional documents, and relevant agreements. It also emphasizes developing essential skills for identifying, analysing information, and applying it to address client needs, including transactions related to Business Law and Practice, taxation, and business accounts.
Litigation
20 credits
20 credits
This module is designed to prepare students for employment in a solicitors' practice, focusing on civil and criminal litigation. It aims to help students identify the crucial stages in the litigation process.
Property Law and Practice
20 credits
20 credits
To deal with a conveyancing transaction from initial instructions until post completion whether in freehold or leasehold property.
Professional Conduct and Regulation Incorporating Solicitors’ Accounts
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and adhere to the core duties of professional conduct, professional ethics, and the Solicitors' Accounts Rules. It also covers relevant law and issues related to compliance with money laundering regulations and financial services regulations as they apply to solicitors' firms. Successful completion of this module is a requirement for passing Stage 1 of the LPC program.
Written Legal Skills
10 credits
10 credits
Students will demonstrate their competence in the legal skills and Wills & Administration of Estates, as prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as component parts of the Legal Practice Course. Students will develop a thorough and critical understanding of the skills that underpin the practice of law at a professional level.
Oral Legal Skills and Probate
10 credits
10 credits
This module provides opportunities for students to develop a thorough and critical understanding of the skills that underpin the practice of law at a professional level.
Students will demonstrate competence in the legal skills and Wills & Administration of Estates, as prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as component parts of the Legal Practice Course.
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
The core dissertation module runs from January and over semester 2 and the summer and is a supervised piece of independent study.
Optional modules
Advanced Criminal Litigation Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to advance students' knowledge of legal procedure and practice, focusing on complex matters at the police station, youth offender representation, bail arguments, trial preparation, sentencing, and appeals. It also covers additional areas like immigration and motoring offenses, with an emphasis on advanced advocacy in the youth and Magistrates Court.
Advanced Personal Injury Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This Personal Injury elective expands upon students' prior understanding of civil litigation. It equips them with the knowledge and skills needed for personal injury practice, covering clinical negligence, disease, and fatal accident cases. The module enhances their abilities in fact and evidence analysis, including expert medical evidence, as well as quantum assessment. Students further develop their knowledge of case management, negotiation, and civil litigation procedures, especially in multi-track litigation. The elective focuses on multi-track litigation, clinical negligence, disease, and fatal accident cases, while providing opportunities to hone negotiation, legal research, and advocacy skills.
Commercial Property Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
client goals
Employment Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding of employment contracts, employment protection rights, discrimination matters, and the commercial aspects of employment, considering both the employee and employer viewpoints. It also focuses on enhancing students' analytical and research capabilities, with a specific emphasis on employment-related transactions and problem-solving techniques. Moreover, the module extends the application of negotiation, research, writing, drafting, and advocacy skills within the realm of Employment Law.
Family Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This module prepares students for family law practice by equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills required at every stage of family law work. It covers various crucial aspects, including domestic violence protection, private child law, marital separation, divorce, and advising unmarried couples.
General Commercial Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
In this module, students will gain a solid understanding of General Commercial Law and Practice within the framework of Mergers and Acquisitions. They will work with primary source materials, sale and purchase documents, and other relevant agreements. The module also hones key transferable skills, such as information identification and analysis, which are essential for addressing client needs and conducting transactions within the realm of General Commercial Law and Practice. The topics covered include Company and Business Sales, Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, Websites and Online Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Employment Matters.
Housing Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
This module is designed to prepare students for legal practice in the areas of residential tenancy law, local authority duties towards individuals in need of housing, and possession claims by secured lenders against residential borrowers. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and remedies of residential tenants and their landlords, excluding long-leaseholders. The module also covers the legal obligations of local authorities when addressing the needs of homeless individuals and others requiring alternative housing solutions.
Private Client Law and Practice
10 credits
10 credits
Be able to understand the nature of work undertaken in a private client department within a law firm.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
The course does not follow the standard University calendar and runs from the beginning of September until June with only two weeks holiday at Christmas and two weeks at Easter/Spring Holiday.
Teaching methods
Much of the course is taught through small group skills-based teaching (maximum group size 20), supplemented with large group sessions, directed reading and self-study exercises and preparation.
Applied learning
Considerable emphasis is placed on practice and you will acquire a range of essential lawyers skills by carrying out realistic transaction-based tasks.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Our academic team have designed your assessed work around the needs of the legal profession to ensure that you fulfil your potential at this important stage of your development. The form of assessment for the LPC element of the course is prescribed by the SRA and must be supervised. This means that core and option subjects are largely assessed by open-book examinations. Skills are assessed by way of coursework for drafting, practical legal research and writing, or by live role play assessment for advocacy and interviewing and advising. The LLM assessment is in two parts. An initial 2000 word research proposal followed by a 10,000 word dissertation.
Where you will study
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. Redmonds is shared by three Schools within the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies Liverpool Screen School and the School of Law - and Liverpool Business School, making for a rich blend of student learning experiences. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, and a cafe. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies.
Course tutors
<p>A principal lecturer at LJMU's Law School, Fiona is the programme leader for the LPC. She is module leader for the Criminal Litigation module on the LPC and teaches Advocacy, Criminal Litigation, Family Law and Practice and Legal Research modules on the LPC. She also teaches Criminal Law, Family Law and Legal Research on the GDL and Independent Learning in Law, Family and Media Law on the LLB. Fiona formerly worked as criminal defence and family lawyer in Merseyside, Cheshire and the Thames Valley and as a consultant trainer with Merseyside Police, delivering training on courtroom skills and human rights. A member of Liverpool Law Society, Fiona has taught on the LPC since January 1995 and is proud to have contributed to the academic development of more than 1000 lawyers during her career to date at LJMU.</p>
The School of Law offers a stimulating and rewarding environment for postgraduate study.
I loved the LPC at LJMU. The facilities in the Redmonds Building are first rate, and the course tutors were fantastic. Not only do they bring in-depth knowledge to the subjects, but also practical real-world experience. Highly recommended.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The LPC is a prescribed stage in qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. There are a very broad range of opportunities for employment within the legal profession. In 2018 there are over 142,000 practising solicitors and the Law Society Gazette currently has over 4800 vacancies listed. Students often worry whether they will find a training contract which will enable them to complete their qualification. The good news for students at LJMU is that, outside of London, the greatest number of training contracts are offered in the North West.
It is also the case that the skills you develop and demonstrate during your LPC are transferable to many different roles. Nationally, LPC graduates have been recruited into various careers including: banking and finance, civil service, editorial roles, insurance, and management roles in industry and retail.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £12,380
Rice-Jones Scholarship
The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust was set up by an individual who wanted to benefit postgraduate law students studying in the North-West of England. The lady's late husband and her father were both lawyers. This has inspired her to help students who show academic promise and a commitment to the legal profession, yet who may not have the financial support to undertake their studies. The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust is registered with the Charity Commission: charity 117189.
The Rice-Jones Scholarship will be offered to applicants who have accepted a place to study on a postgraduate law course including, but not limited to, the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, the Bar Professional Training Course or the Masters in Law.
For all 2023/24 applications, each award will total between 250 and 1500 towards study expenses. Awards granted will depend on the applications received.
Application information coming soon
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Fee:
- £13,230
Rice-Jones Scholarship
The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust was set up by an individual who wanted to benefit postgraduate law students studying in the North-West of England. The lady's late husband and her father were both lawyers. This has inspired her to help students who show academic promise and a commitment to the legal profession, yet who may not have the financial support to undertake their studies. The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust is registered with the Charity Commission: charity 117189.
The Rice-Jones Scholarship will be offered to applicants who have accepted a place to study on a postgraduate law course including, but not limited to, the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, the Bar Professional Training Course or the Masters in Law.
For all 2023/24 applications, each award will total between 250 and 1500 towards study expenses. Awards granted will depend on the applications received.
Application information coming soon
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- To have completed the academic stage of training as prescribed by the SRA. This is normally evidenced by the possession (actual or predicted) of a qualifying law degree or the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law
or
- A minimum second class honours average of at least 50% actual or predicted in the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law
Further information
-
RPL
- RPL is not accepted on this course
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Other international requirements
- International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Contact International Admissions Team for more details
- International students entering on a Student visa cannot study part-time
Further information
-
RPL
- RPL is not accepted on this course
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
LAWCABS is the official application route for this programme. Further information on the application process can be found here 
Your Law Career Starts Here | Central Applications Board .
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest news and stories from the university
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.