Why this course?

The Diploma qualification is essential for entry to both the solicitors’ and advocates’ branches of the profession. It meets the requirements of the Law Society of Scotland’s Professional Education and Training Stage 1. The Diploma is a vocational course – you’ll learn the ethical rules, practical knowledge and personal skills required of lawyers in Scotland.

We train you to be a practising lawyer. You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of legal principles and an appreciation of the practical context in which they’re applied.

We place great importance on preparing you for what really happens in legal practice by giving you hands-on experience in an office environment. We also use realistic simulations to recreate situations you’ll experience in your work.

A real benefit of the course is the opportunity to meet both fellow students and tutors. They’ll become fellow practitioners and your paths will cross regularly during your working life in this relatively small legal jurisdiction.

Learning & teaching

You’re assigned to 'firms' of three/four at the start of the course. Most of the teaching and learning is done in your firms. Collaborative learning, professionalism and blended learning are embedded into most aspects of the course. Teaching and supervision is provided by practising solicitors, who have been trained as course tutors.