Faculty of Business and Law
LL.M (Master of Laws) Network
Programme Specification
This document provides a concise summary of the main features of the course(s) and associated award(s) offered through this Programme Specification, and includes the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme’s relationship to QAA Subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the dedicated student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
PARM1.4
Versioning of Programme Specification
This programme specification is valid for the period of approval confirmed at the time of the approval/last review event and relates to provision approved at that point. Programme specifications are updated on an annual basis to include modifications approved through the University’s quality assurance processes.
This version provides a description of the programme as approved for the academic session indicated in section 3 of the following table.
1 Date of initial Approval or last review: 2 February 2017 2 Effective date of Approved/Reviewed Programme Specification: 01 September 2018 – 31 August 2024 3 This Version effective from: September 2018 4 Version number: 1
Students who commenced their study on awards within this programme specification prior to 01/09/2018 should refer to the previous version of the programme specification published on the CASQE website.
Cross Referencing of Programme Specifications
The following Award Programme Specification elements of
provision
included in this
document is/ are also included in the following programme specifications Amendments made to provision listed in this table, must also be reflected in the relevant programme specifications listed above
PARM1.4
CENTRE FOR ACADEMIC STANDARDS & QUALITY ENHANCEMENT
Programme Specification
The information in this document is organised into the following sections: Section A – Administrative and Regulatory Information Section B – Outcomes Section C – Structure Section D – Teaching, Learning and Assessment Section E – Programme Management
SECTION A – ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY INFORMATION
1 Overarching Programme Specification Title Master of Laws (LL.M) Network
2 Brief Summary
The LL.M Network combines high quality teaching with a commitment to furthering research into how the law relates to private individuals, the law at large and the global arena. This will have particular emphases on the operation and application of the law in a societal context, the closeness of the relationship between UK law and the law and policy of the European Union, the impact of an increasing body of international and European human rights law on the UK legal order and the development of an international body of business and commercial laws. The LL.M Network will provide candidates with a sound knowledge and understanding of how and why the law is formed, how it is applied, what implications it has for policy-making and how it interacts with the various social, economic and political contexts and processes that take place both domestically and internationally.
The programme network comprises: LL.M– with various awards in: LL.M; European Law; Equality Law; Human Rights; Law and Society; International Business Law (the first five are delivered full and part time; the last is delivered full time, part time and distance learning) LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-up Award] – with various delivery options (accelerated; part time; distance learning; semi distance learning some in the UK and some in Hong Kong) Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) LLM in Legal Practice [Full Award] – combined LPC/LLM in Legal Practice top-up course (delivered full time and part time). Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Legal Studies is the fall back award Post Graduate Diploma in Practice at the Bar (BPTC) LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar – combined BPTC/LLM in Legal Practice top-up course (delivered full time and part time). Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Court Practice is the fall back award
______CASQE Page 1 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Satisfactory completion of the LPC is an essential requirement to qualify as a solicitor under the provisions of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Training Regulations. The SRA is the PSRB for the delivery of the LPC at Manchester Law School. The LPC comprises 2 Stages that are separately assessed.
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) is an essential requirement to qualify as solicitor. The LLM in Legal Practice [Full Award] combines the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) and LLM in Legal Practice [Top up Award] to offer students an LLM award to qualify as solicitor. Where a student enrols onto the LLM in Legal Practice [Full Award] but fails to gain the full 180 credits for the award (or 120 credits for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice), he or she may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice upon successful completion of 90 credits of study. Where he or she passes at least 60 credits but not the total 120 credits in the LPC elements of study and passes the dissertation/research project unit, a Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Legal Studies may be awarded. Where a student enrols on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) but fails to gain the full 120 credits for the award, he or she may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice upon successful completion of 90 credits of study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) is both an interim award (for the LLM in Legal Practice [Full Award]) and an exit award in its own right.
Satisfactory completion of the BPTC is an essential requirement to qualify as a barrister under the provisions of the Bar Training Course Handbook and Bar Training Rules. The Bar Standards Board is the PSRB for the delivery of the BPTC at Manchester Law School.
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) is an essential requirement to qualify as barrister. The LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar combines the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) and LLM in Legal Practice [Top up Award] to offer students an LLM award to qualify as barrister. Where a student enrols onto the LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar but fails to gain the full 180 credits for the award (or 120 credits for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar), he or she may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice upon successful completion of 60 credits of study. Where he or she passes at least 60 credits but not the total 120 credits in the BPTC elements of study and passes the dissertation/research project unit, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Court Practice may be awarded. Where a student enrols on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) but fails to gain the full 120 credits for the award, he or she may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice upon successful completion of 60 credits of study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar is both an interim award (for the LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar) and an exit award in its own right.
______CASQE Page 2 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
QLD, other degree* or GDL
PG Dip in Legal PG Dip in Legal LLM in Legal Practice LLM in Legal Practice LLM or named LLM Practice at the Bar Practice (LPC) [Full Award] at the Bar (BPTC)
Interim: Interim: Interim: Interim: Interim: PG Cert in Law PG Cert in Legal Practice PG Cert in Legal Court Practice PG Cert in Legal PG Cert in Legal Court PG Dip in Legal Practice at the PG Dip in Law Practice PG Dip in Legal Practice Practice Bar
Fall back: Fall back: LLM in Legal Practice LLM in Legal Practice [Top-up] PG Dip in Practical [Top-up] PG Dip in Legal Court Legal Studies Practice
* = only applies to the LLM or named LLM
The LLM in Legal in Legal Practice [Top-up] as a separate can be taken after successful completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar or other equivalent level professional legal qualification, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws in Hong Kong.
For the purposes of clarity when reading this documentation, whenever reference is made to Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice provision, the Legal Practice Course (LPC), this also includes the Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice and Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Legal Studies (the fall back award). Whenever reference is made to Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar provision, the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), this also includes the Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice and Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Court Practice (the fall back award) 3 Awarding institution Manchester Metropolitan University
4 Home Faculty Business and Law
5 Home Department/ School/ Law Institute 6 UCAS/UTT code(s) N/A
7 Framework for HE Qualifications Masters (Level 7) position of final award(s)
Framework for HE Qualifications 8 Alignment with University Postgraduate Curriculum Framework Curriculum Frameworks
______CASQE Page 3 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
9 Engagement with the University- Uniwide is not available for Postgraduate wide provision (eg Uniwide Language, EdLab) 10 Compliance with University Bespoke LLM (Master of Laws) Network Regulations Assessment Regulations (under development for the merge of the LLM & LPC and LLM & BPTC) University Assessment Regulations 11 Approved Variations/Exemptions The LPC elements of the LLM (Master of Laws) from University Assessment Network Assessment Regulations are governed by Regulations the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation University Assessment Regulations Authority (SRA).
The BPTC elements of the LLM (Master of Laws) Network Assessment Regulations are governed by the requirements of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) 12 Relationship with Faculty N/A Foundation Year
Awards
13 Final award title(s) Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (NB PT mode suspended for 2018, next intake September 2019) Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Court Practice (this is a fall back award)
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Legal Studies (this is a fall back award)
LL.M LL.M in Equality Law LL.M in European Law LL.M in Human Rights LL.M in Law and Society LL.M in International Business Law (NB distance learning mode suspended 2018, next intake September 2019)
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-up Award] LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar
14 Combined Honours There is no Combined Honours provision within this programme specification 14a (i) Combined Honours Awards N/A available eg: BSc/BA (Hons) AB
______CASQE Page 4 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
BSc/BA (Hons) AB and XY BSc/BA (Hons) AB with XY
(ii) Single Honours Awards available through Combined Honours (ie Named Awards)
(iii) Approved Subject Combinations administered by this Programme Specification (ie “home” combinations) 14b Approved Subject Combination Approved Combination Home Programme Specification and administered by other Programme Home Dept N/A N/A Specifications 15 Interim exit awards and Subject Postgraduate Certificate in Law title(s) Postgraduate Diploma in Law Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar
Arrangements with Partners
16 Approved Collaborative partner(s) Partner Name Type of Collaborative Partnership
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-up] Jointly delivered with HKU School of Professional programme and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) 17 Articulation Arrangements with Partner Name Details of Arrangements Partners N/A N/A
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies
18 PSRB(s) associated with final award The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) regulates of any route within the programme the Legal Practice elements of this programme. This specification relates to the following awards: PG Cert Legal Practice (Interim Exit Award) PG Dip Legal Practice (Interim Exit Award) PG Dip Legal Practice (Final Award) LLM in Legal Practice [Full Award] (Final Award) See section 28 for an indication of the units regulated by the SRA.
______CASQE Page 5 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
The details of the SRA requirements can be found in the SRA Legal Practice Course Information Pack and the SRA Training Regulations
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates the Bar Professional Training Course elements of this programme. This relates to the following awards: PG Cert Legal Court Practice (Interim Exit Award) PG Diploma Legal Court Practice (Interim Exit Award) PG Dip Legal Practice at the Bar (Interim Exit Award) PG Dip Legal Practice at the Bar (Final Award) LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar (Final Award)
See section 28 for an indication of the units regulated by the BSB. The details of the BSB requirements can be found in Bar Training Course Handbook and Bar Training Rules 19 Date, outcome and period of Start Date: April 2014 approval of last PSRB Outcome: Approved approval/accreditation Period of Approval: September 2018. The SRA have subsequently issued an extension to the period of approval until September 2019.
BPTC accredited BPTC until 31 August 2018. BSB have issued an extension of the current arrangements for academic year 18-19.
Approval Status
______CASQE Page 6 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
20 Date and period of approval of most recent MMU review/approval (i) Date of Latest review/approval December 2016 (LLM elements) December 2014 (LPC elements) December 2014 (BPTC elements)
(ii) Length and Dates of Period of approval given in above:
LLM elements Years: 6 years From: 1 September 2017 To: 31 August 2023
LPC elements Years: 6 years From: 01 September 2015 To: 31 August 2021
BPTC elements Years: 6 years From: 01 September 2015 To: 31 August 2021
(ii) Major Modifications to Programme Specification since last review/approval February 2017 (Major modification of LLM network)
21 Next Scheduled Review Date: 2020/2021
22
______CASQE Page 7 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
SECTION B – OUTCOMES
23 MMU Graduate Outcomes
On successful completion of their course of study MMU graduates will be able to: GO1. apply skills of critical analysis to real world situations within a defined range of contexts; GO2. demonstrate a high degree of professionalism characterised by initiative, creativity, motivation and self-management; GO3. express ideas effectively and communicate information appropriately and accurately using a range of media including ICT; GO4. develop working relationships using teamwork and leadership skills, recognising and respecting different perspectives; GO5. manage their professional development reflecting on progress and taking appropriate action; GO6. find, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a variety of sources; and GO7. articulate an awareness of the social and community contexts within their disciplinary field. NB the above align to the Employability outcomes on the unit specifications
24 Programme Rationale
Manchester Law School is one of the north west of England’s leading providers of legal education and, therefore, the delivery of internationally recognised Master of Laws degrees is of particular importance to its continued success. Such degrees are a vital component of any successful law school’s portfolio. The creation of an LLM Network provides a unified framework enabling Manchester Law School to meet a diverse regional, national and global market demand. This Network comprises the LL.M, the Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC), the post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the LL.M in Legal Practice.
Each year there a significant number of home and EU law, social science, humanities and business graduates who do not want to undertake professional legal training, but who wish to improve their prospects for employment in legally-related fields, with a postgraduate law degree. Equally, there are a number of students, particularly in the overseas market, who are professionally qualified in law but who wish to gain an LL.M from an esteemed English university. Such an established qualification continues to hold high value and recognition in professional legal practice in areas such as the Far East and South Asia. The LL.M, whether delivered face-to-face or by distance learning, gives an opportunity for these students to deepen their knowledge, gain a specialism and widen their skills base in contemporary areas of legal study. The teaching is tutor-initiated but very much student-led, on both the face-to-face and distance learning versions and an emphasis is placed on analysing the law in its political, social, economic and philosophical contexts. The students receive a truly interdisciplinary approach to teaching from recognised experts in their fields.
The LL.M Network allows students to gain in-depth knowledge, critical thinking and research skills in their specialist area of choice and to study subjects from the broader curriculum in order to enhance their intellectual and research skills bases in wider legal areas. The course is designed to equip graduates with the skills to progress to a postgraduate research degree or to employment within the legal and policy-related professions.
______CASQE Page 8 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
It is acknowledged that some students’ primary aim is to pursue professional legal practice and gain advanced legal skills without necessarily studying for a “traditional” LL.M. Once such students have gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, (following successful study of the LPC or BPTC in the UK or a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws following successful study of the PCLL in Hong Kong or an equivalent professional legal qualification elsewhere), they may pursue an LL.M in Legal Practice [Top- Up] which enables them to gain advanced skills of legal research and writing and to develop a specialism tailored to work in legal practice by adding a research proposal and a dissertation/research project to their existing professional qualification. A full LL.M in Legal Practice award is also available and enables students to combine the LPC elements of study or BPTC study (see Section 28) with a research proposal and dissertation bringing together the professional and Master’s qualifications in an integrated mode of study.
Offering the PG Diploma in Legal Practice award enables Manchester Law School to continue to meet the needs of students who wish only to satisfy the SRA regulations and obtain a professional qualification. Offering the PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar enables Manchester Law School to meet the needs of students who wish only to satisfy the BSB regulations and obtain a professional qualification.
The LL.M in Legal Practice awards respond to demand from the legal profession for legal postgraduates to have acquired good practical skills and to have gained advanced research skills and an ability to engage in critical thinking and knowledge application in specialist legal areas. Offering the LL.M in Legal Practice awards enables Manchester Law School to remain competitive with the region’s other providers of professional legal education and to respond to demand in the Hong Kong and other international marketplaces.
Attainment of the LL.M in Legal Practice will not exempt those qualified as lawyers in another jurisdiction from the SRA Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme Day One Outcomes set out in the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations
In addition to increasing the number of postgraduate and international students at Manchester Law School, both programmes aim to continue to meet the commitments of the University to equality of opportunity, widening participation in education and to research informed teaching.
25 QAA Benchmark Statement(s) QAA Benchmark Statements The programme is compliant with the Level 7 Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies contained in the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education published in October 2014. There is no specific law benchmark statement for law at level 7, however the programme furthers the benchmark statement for law set out for honours degrees.
Furthermore, the LL.M degrees offered enable graduates to possess the characteristics of Master’s graduates contained in section 1.3 of the QAA Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement published in September 2015. In accordance with these characteristics, all LL.M graduates from Manchester Law School will have in-depth and advanced knowledge and understanding of the law, informed by current practice, scholarship and research. This will include a critical awareness of current issues and developments in the law; critical skills; knowledge of professional responsibility, integrity and ethics; and the ability to reflect on individual progress.
______CASQE Page 9 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
The LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society, LL.M in International Business Law and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up and Full award] and LLM in Legal Practice at the Bar meet the following QAA Descriptor for a Higher Level Qualification at Level 7:
Masters degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated: a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; and conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non- specialist audiences; demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; and continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level;
Additionally, holders will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Students who successfully complete the PG Diploma in Legal Practice and the full L.LM in Legal Practice award satisfy the LPC element of the vocational stage of training under the SRA Training Regulations Students who successfully complete the PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the full L.LM in Legal Practice at the Bar award satisfy the BPTC element of the vocational stage of training under the Bar Training Course Handbook and Bar Training Rules 26 Programme Specific Outcomes
(a) Final Award Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of an LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society or LL.M in International Business Law students will be able to: PLO 1 Use and apply detailed and comprehensive subject-specific knowledge of complex aspects of the law within the specialist field studied, convey an advanced critical awareness of contemporary issues and developments and explain at a high level how the law relates to wider social, economic, political and international contexts;
______CASQE Page 10 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
PLO 2 Engage in in-depth and sustained critical analysis and evaluation of complete and incomplete sources, make sound and well-reasoned judgments and communicate conclusions clearly and coherently; PLO 3 Carry out and use the results of extended independent study into a wide range of complex primary and secondary sources within the specialist field(s), including applying understanding of research methods specific to law; PLO 4 Engage in advanced independent learning and reflective practice appropriate for continuing legal and/or non-legal professional development or higher-level academic research. PLO 5 Communicate clearly and articulately orally and in writing at an advanced level and take decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. PLO 6 Carry out an extended and sustained piece of work in an area of personal interest within the specialist field studied leading to the production of a dissertation.
On successful completion of an LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] students will be able to: PLO 1 Use and apply detailed and comprehensive subject-specific knowledge of complex aspects of the law in a selected specialist practical or academic legal area, convey an advanced, critical awareness of contemporary issues and developments and explain at a high level how the law relates to wider social, economic, political and international contexts; PLO 2 Engage in in-depth and sustained critical analysis and evaluation of complete and incomplete sources, make sound and well-reasoned judgments and communicate conclusions clearly and coherently; PLO 3 Carry out and use the results of extended independent study into a wide range of complex primary and secondary sources within a selected specialist practical or academic area, including applying understanding of research methods specific to law; PLO 4 Engage in advanced independent learning and reflective practice appropriate for continuing legal and/or non-legal professional development or higher-level academic research. PLO 5 Communicate clearly and articulately orally and in writing at an advanced level, and take decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. PLO 6 Carry out an extended and sustained piece of work in an area of personal interest within the specialist field studied leading to the production of a dissertation or research project.
On successful completion of all Legal Practice Course elements of the PG Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) students will be able to demonstrate that they have met the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes for Stage 1 and Stage 2. The LPC unit outcomes are also regulated by the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes these are set out in detail in the unit specifications.
On successful completion of all Bar Professional Training Course elements of the PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) students will be able to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes specified by the BSB Bar Training Course Handbook The BPTC unit outcomes are also regulated by the BSB Bar Training Course Handbook these are set out in detail in the unit specifications.
On successful completion of the full LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar award students will be able to meet the learning outcomes for the PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) as well as the outcomes for the LL.M Legal Practice [Top-Up], as set out above.
______CASQE Page 11 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
On successful completion of the full LL.M in Legal Practice award students will be able to meet the learning outcomes for the PG Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) as well as the outcomes for the LL.M Legal Practice [Top-Up], as set out above.
Students enrolled on the full LL.M in Legal Practice award, who successfully complete the Dissertation unit, but fail to successfully achieve 180 credits, may be awarded the fall back award of PG Diploma in Practical Legal Studies, providing that that they successfully obtain a total of 120 academic credits (including the Dissertation/Research Project unit). This fall back award does not meet the LPC element of the vocational stage of training under the SRA Training Regulations for qualification as a solicitor.
Students enrolled on the full LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar award, who successfully complete the Dissertation unit, but fail to successfully achieve 180 credits, may be awarded the fall back award of PG Diploma in Legal Court Practice, providing that that they successfully obtain a total of 120 academic credits (including the Dissertation/Research Project unit). This fall back award does not meet the BPTC element of the vocational stage of training under the BSB Regulations Bar Training Course Handbook for qualification as a barrister.
(b) Combined Honours Learning Outcomes N/A (c) Pass Degree Learning Outcomes N/A 27 Interim Award Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Law students will be able to: PLO 1 Use and apply detailed subject-specific knowledge of some complex aspects of the law, convey a critical awareness of contemporary issues and developments and explain with a high degree of competence how the law relates to wider social, economic, political and international contexts; PLO 2 Engage in sustained critical analysis and evaluation of complete and incomplete sources, make well-reasoned judgments and communicate conclusions clearly and coherently; PLO 3 Carry out and use the results of independent study into a range of complex primary and secondary sources, including applying understanding of research methods specific to law; PLO 4 Engage in a high degree of independent learning and reflective practice appropriate for continuing legal and/or non-legal professional development but not higher level academic research. PLO 5 Communicate clearly and articulately orally and in writing and take decisions in complex and unpredictable situation.
On successful completion of a Postgraduate Certificate in Law students will be able to: PLO 1 Use and apply subject-specific knowledge of aspects of the law, convey some awareness of contemporary issues and developments and explain how the law relates to wider social, economic, political and international contexts; PLO 2 Engage in some independent learning involving some critical analysis and evaluation of complete and incomplete sources and arrival at logical conclusions;
______CASQE Page 12 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
PLO 3 Carry out and use the results of independent study into some primary and secondary sources, including applying understanding of research methods specific to law; PLO 4 Communicate clearly and articulately orally and in writing and take decisions in some complex and unpredictable situations.
On successful completion of all Legal Practice Course elements of the PG Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) students will be able to demonstrate that they have met the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes for Stage 1 and Stage 2. The LPC unit outcomes are also regulated by the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes; these are set out in detail in the unit specifications.
On successful completion of all Bar Professional Training Course elements of the PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) students will be able to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes specified by the BSB Bar Training Course Handbook The BPTC unit outcomes are also regulated by the BSB Bar Training Course Handbook. These are set out in detail in the unit specifications.
On successful completion of the PG Certificate in Legal Practice students will be able to demonstrate that they have met the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes for Stage 1. All LPC unit outcomes are regulated by the SRA Legal Practice Outcomes, set out in detail in the unit specifications.
On successful completion of the PG Certificate in Legal Court Practice students will be able to demonstrate that they have met 60 credits of the learning outcomes specified by the Bar Training Course Handbook The BPTC unit outcomes are also regulated by the Bar Training Course Handbook. These are set out in detail in the unit specifications.
Students enrolled on the LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar award or the Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar but fail to successfully achieve 180 credits or 120 credits respectively, may be awarded the fall back award of PG Certificate in Legal Court Practice, providing that that they successfully obtain a total of 60 academic credits. This fall back award does not meet the BPTC element of the vocational stage of training under the BSB Regulations Bar Training Course Handbook for qualification as a barrister.
______CASQE Page 13 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
SECTION C – STRUCTURE
28 Structures, modes of delivery (eg FT/PT/DL etc), levels, credits, awards, curriculum map of all units (identifying core/option status, credits, pre or co-requisites) potential entry/exit points and progression/award requirements
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law
These awards are offered on a Full Time (ordinary period of study 12 months) and Part Time (ordinary period of study 24 months) basis. In addition, the LL.M in International Business Law is offered via distanced learning.
Core Units for all awards All students study all units. Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits 457Z0056 9, 9L Research Methods 30 457Z0058 9, 9L Dissertation 60
LLM Option Units for all awards For L.LM choose 3 from the options listed below. For all other awards choose one from this section and 2 from the relevant options for the award chosen. Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits 457Z0048 9, 1 Children and the Law 30 457Z0049 9, 1 European Migration and Asylum Law 30 457Z0050 9, 1 Human Rights and Healthcare 30 457Z0051 9, 1 Equality and Human Rights 30 457Z0053 9, 1 Law, Terrorism and Human Rights 30 457Z0054 9, 1 Gender and the Law 30 457Z0055 9, 1 Relationships in Family Law 30 457Z0061 9, 1 European Labour Law 30 457Z0064 9, 9L, International Sales of Goods Law 30
1, 1L 457Z0065 9, 9L, International Trade Law 30 1, 1L 457Z0066 9, 9L, Principles of International Contract Law 30 1, 1L 457Z0067 9, 9L, International Human Rights Law 30 1, 1L 457Z0068 9, 9L, Principles of Corporate Law and 30 1, 1L Governance
______CASQE Page 14 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Option Units for Equality Law Choose 2 from options listed below and one from options units for all awards. 457Z0050 9, 1 Human Rights and Healthcare 30 457Z0051 9, 1 Equality and Human Rights 30 457Z0054 9, 1 Gender and the Law 30 457Z0061 9, 1 European Labour Law 30 457Z0067 9, 1 International Human Rights Law 30 Option Units for European Law Choose 2 from options listed below and one from options units for all awards. 457Z0049 9, 1 European Migration and Asylum Law 30 457Z0051 9, 1 Equality and Human Rights 30
457Z0053 9, 1 Law, Terrorism and Human Rights 30 457Z0061 9, 1 European Labour Law 30 Option Units for Human Rights Choose 2 from options listed below and one from options units for all awards. 457Z0049 9, 1 European Migration and Asylum Law 30 457Z0050 9, 1 Human Rights and Healthcare 30 457Z0051 9, 1 Equality and Human Rights 30 457Z0053 9, 1 Law, Terrorism and Human Rights 30 457Z0067 9, 1 International Human Rights Law 30 Option Units for Law and Society Choose 2 from options listed below and one from options units for all awards. 457Z0048 9, 1 Children and the Law 30 457Z0049 9, 1 European Migration and Asylum Law 30 457Z0050 9, 1 Human Rights and Healthcare 30 457Z0051 9, 1 Equality and Human Rights 30 457Z0053 9, 1 Law, Terrorism and Human Rights 30 457Z0054 9, 1 Gender and the Law 30 457Z0055 9, 1 Relationships in Family Law 30 Option Units for International Business Law Choose 2 from options listed below and one from options units for all awards. 457Z0064 1, 1L, International Sales of Goods Law 30 9, 9L 457Z0065 1, 1L, International Trade Law 30 9, 9L
457Z0066 1, 1L, Principles of International Contract Law 30 9, 9L 457Z0068 1, 1L, Principles of Corporate Law and 30 9, 9L Governance
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Law 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma in Law 180 credits: final exit award – LL.M
If the student wishes to complete an LL.M in Equality Law, European Law, Human Rights, Law and Society or International Business Law the student must complete two units (representing a total of 60
______CASQE Page 15 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
credits) related to the award taken, an option unit (any other unit offered on the LL.M programme) and Research Methods. The two award-related units will be determined prior to the beginning of each academic year on the basis of staff availability and resources. For students on the LL.M in International Business Law distance learning mode, option units are those approved with a distance learning occurrence. The subject matter of the Dissertation unit must also relate to the award taken. The Dissertation unit is taken after teaching of the taught elements is complete.
The named awards on the 180 credit LL.M are sufficiently distinctive from each other. Whilst some units cut across the five awards offered, a named LL.M award may only be gained by the study of two award- related units (as well as Research Methods and an option unit) and the completion of a dissertation bearing specific relation to the subject matter of that award. The final determination of the award taken by the student will take place on final approval of the dissertation title.
If the student wishes to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Law, the student must complete three units (representing 30 credits each), totalling 90 credits and Research Methods.
If the student wishes to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Law, the student must complete one unit (representing 30 credits) and Research Methods.
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Law 120 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Diploma in Law 180 credits: Final exit award – LL.M in Equality Law, European Law, Human Rights, Law and Society or International Business Law
______CASQE Page 16 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] The LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] can be taken by holders of the PG Diploma in Legal Practice, who have successfully completed the BPTC, LPC or equivalent level professional legal qualification, including the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws in Hong Kong. In order to gain the LL.M qualification the student will be deemed to have obtained 120 level 7 credits from their Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent level legal professional qualification, and will complete a Dissertation/Research Project unit (60 credits). This unit will involve the submission of a compulsory research proposal and a related dissertation/research project of no more than 15000 words. The final title of the dissertation/research project will be subject to approval by the programme team and will be based on an area of academic law or legal practice, dimension of practical law or law in practice. The Top Up award is available in the following modes: Accelerated mode - ordinary period of registration 1 year that can be extended to two years if the option is exercised by the student (face-to face delivery of the research methods component with either face-to face or online supervision of the dissertation/research project) Part time mode - ordinary period of registration 2 years (face-to face delivery of the research methods component with either face-to face or online supervision of the dissertation/research project) Semi distance learning mode - ordinary period of registration 1 year that can be extended to two years if the option is exercised by the student (face-to face delivery of the research methods component with online supervision of the dissertation/research project) Distance Learning mode - ordinary period of registration 1 year that can be extended to two years if the option is exercised by the student (all components delivered online) Hong Kong - ordinary period of registration 1 year that can be extended to two years if the option is exercised by the student (face-to face delivery of the research methods component at HKU SPACE with online supervision of the dissertation/research project)
Core Units All students study all units Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits
9, 9L, Dissertation/Research Project 60 457Z0052 9HS, 1, 1L, 1HS, 4, 4L, 4HS
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: A total of 180 (120 credits (from previous study, as defined above) plus 60 credits) – final exit award LL.M in Legal Practice.
______CASQE Page 17 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) The legal practice elements of the network are taken by students who follow the PG Diploma in Legal Practice and those on the LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award]. Satisfactory completion of the LPC is an essential requirement to qualify as a solicitor under the provisions of the SRA Training Regulations. The LPC award outcomes, course design and assessment methods meet the requirements specified by the SRA.
The course has two stages: Stage 1 which covers all the three essential core practice areas of Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice and Litigation, together with the Course Skills (Practical Legal Research, Writing and Drafting, Interviewing and Advising, and Advocacy) Professional Conduct and Regulation, Taxation and Wills and Administration of Estates Stage 2 which is made up of three vocational electives chosen from a range of elective subjects on offer.
The SRA require that an individual student is required to complete all Stage 1 assessments with one authorised provider but Stage 2 assessments can be taken with one or more different providers.
Units marked * (below) are elements taken from the Legal Practice Course and are therefore regulated by the SRA.
Full time structure
Core Units Stage 1 Code Occ Status LPC Unit Title No of Stage credits 457Z0042 9 N/A Stage 1 *Professional Conduct and Regulation 10 (PCR1 and Solicitors Accounts) 457Z0012 9 Pre-Requisite for Stage 1 *Business Law and Practice 22 Commercial Law Commercial Litigation Corporate Practice 457Z0043 9 N/A Stage 1 *Litigation (Criminal Litigation and Civil 20 Litigation) 457Z0013 9 N/A Stage 1 *Property Law and Practice 20 457Z0007 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Practical Legal Research 3 457Z0009 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Interviewing and Advising 3 457Z0008 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Advocacy 3 457Z0005 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Drafting 3 457Z0006 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Writing 3 457Z0010 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Wills and Administration of 3 Estates 457Z0011 9 N/A Stage 1 *Taxation 0 Option Units (Electives) Choose three from options listed 457Z0014 2 N/A Stage 2 *Advanced Criminal Litigation 10 457Z0015 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Law 10
______CASQE Page 18 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
457Z0016 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Litigation 10 457Z0017 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Property 10 457Z0018 2 N/A Stage 2 *Corporate Practice 10 457Z0019 2 N/A Stage 2 *Employment Law and Practice 10 457Z0020 2 N/A Stage 2 *Family Law and Practice 10 457Z0021 2 N/A Stage 2 *Housing Law 10 457Z0022 2 N/A Stage 2 *Immigration Law 10 457Z0023 2 N/A Stage 2 *Media and Entertainment Law 10 457Z0024 2 N/A Stage 2 *Personal Injury Litigation 10 457Z0025 2 N/A Stage 2 *Wills, Probate and Estate Planning 10
Part time structure
Year 1 Core Units Stage 1 Code Occ Status LPC Unit Title No of Stage credits 457Z0042 9 N/A Stage 1 *Professional Conduct and Regulation (5 of) (PCR1) 10 457Z0043 9 N/A Stage 1 *Litigation (Criminal Litigation and Civil 20 Litigation) 457Z0013 9 N/A Stage 1 *Property Law and Practice 20 457Z0007 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Practical Legal Research 3 457Z0009 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Interviewing and Advising 3 457Z0008 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Advocacy 3 457Z0005 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Drafting 3 457Z0006 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Writing 3 457Z0010 9 N/A Stage 1 *Skills - Wills and Administration of 3 Estates 457Z0011 9 N/A Stage 1 *Taxation 0 Option Units (Electives) Students must successfully complete three units to complete the award. These may be undertaken in either Year 1 or Year 2 457Z0014 2 N/A Stage 2 *Advanced Criminal Litigation 10 457Z0017 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Property 10 457Z0019 2 N/A Stage 2 *Employment Law and Practice 10 457Z0020 2 N/A Stage 2 *Family Law and Practice 10 457Z0021 2 N/A Stage 2 *Housing Law 10 457Z0022 2 N/A Stage 2 *Immigration Law 10 457Z0023 2 N/A Stage 2 *Media and Entertainment Law 10 457Z0024 2 N/A Stage 2 *Personal Injury Litigation 10 457Z0025 2 N/A Stage 2 *Wills, Probate and Estate Planning 10
______CASQE Page 19 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Year 2 Core Units Stage 1 Code Occ Status LPC Unit Title No of Stage credits 457Z0042 9 N/A Stage 1 *Professional Conduct and Regulation (5 of) (Solicitors Accounts) 10 457Z0012 9 Pre-Requisite for Stage 1 *Business Law and Practice 22 Commercial Law Commercial Litigation Corporate Practice Option Units (Electives) Students must successfully complete three units to complete the award. These may be undertaken in either Year 1 or Year 2 457Z0014 2 N/A Stage 2 *Advanced Criminal Litigation 10 457Z0015 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Law 10 457Z0016 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Litigation 10 457Z0017 2 N/A Stage 2 *Commercial Property 10 457Z0018 2 N/A Stage 2 *Corporate Practice 10 457Z0019 2 N/A Stage 2 *Employment Law and Practice 10 457Z0020 2 N/A Stage 2 *Family Law and Practice 10 457Z0021 2 N/A Stage 2 *Housing Law 10 457Z0022 2 N/A Stage 2 *Immigration Law 10 457Z0023 2 N/A Stage 2 *Media and Entertainment Law 10 457Z0024 2 N/A Stage 2 *Personal Injury Litigation 10 457Z0025 2 N/A Stage 2 *Wills, Probate and Estate Planning 10
The above structure, including the variation to the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework, was approved by the University as shown in Section H.
The exit award of Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice is awarded on successful completion of Stage 1 and successful completion of three distinct Stage 2 vocational electives each worth 10 credits (120 credits). The interim exit award of Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice is awarded on successful completion of all Stage 1 units (90 credits) only.
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 90 credits (Stage 1): interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Legal Practice 120 credits (Stages 1 and 2) : final exit award – PG Diploma in Legal Practice
______CASQE Page 20 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC)
Full-Time and Part-Time Structure
Core Units
Code Status Unit Title No of credits Core Advocacy 30 Core Civil Litigation, Evidence and Remedies 12 Core Conference Skills 6 Core Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing 12 Core Drafting 12 Core Opinion Writing 12 Core Professional Ethics 6 Core Resolution of Disputes out of Court 6
Option Units Choose 2 from options listed Option Advanced Civil Practice 12 Option Advanced Criminal Litigation in Practice 12 Option Business Law and Corporate Finance 12 Option Civil Claims arising from Criminal Proceedings 12 Option Employment Law 12 Option Family Law 12 Option Judicial Review 12 Option Personal Injury Litigation 12
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Legal Court Practice 120 credits: final exit award – PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar
______CASQE Page 21 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full award] Students undertaking the LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] will follow the curriculum structure as set out above for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, followed by:
Core Units All students study all units Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits
457Z0052 Dissertation/Research Project 60
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 90 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Legal Practice 120 credits (not including Dissertation/Research Project): interim/final exit award – PG Diploma in Legal Practice 120 credits (including Dissertation/Research Project): fall back award – PG Diploma in Practical Legal Studies 180 credits: Final exit award – LL.M in Legal Practice
Options units All units are approved for delivery but may not all run in each academic year.
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar Students undertaking the LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar will follow the curriculum structure as set out above for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar , followed by:
Core Units All students study all units Code Occ Status Unit Title No of credits
457Z0052 Dissertation/Research Project 60
On successful completion of the following Level 7 credits: 60 credits: interim/final exit award – PG Certificate in Legal Court Practice 120 credits (not including Dissertation/Research Project): interim/final exit award – PG Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar 120 credits (including Dissertation/Research Project): fall back award – PG Diploma in Legal Court Practice 180 credits: Final exit award – LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar
Options units All units are approved for delivery but may not all run in each academic year.
______CASQE Page 22 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
SECTION D - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
29 Articulation of Graduate Prospects
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law In terms of the employability prospects of those students who carry out any of these LL.M awards, it is anticipated that graduates will be able to enter legally-related professions such as the civil service, public administration, customs and excise, immigration and nationality directorates, non- governmental organisations, the voluntary and community sector, business and commerce. The LL.M provides advanced specialist knowledge across a range of common legal areas, advanced understanding of (a) legal discipline(s) and practical research skills. The awards are aimed at those already in practice who seek a further academic qualification, especially those overseas advocates for whom an LL.M qualification in International Business Law is highly sought after and recognised, and for those not in practice who do not wish to obtain a professional legal qualification. The LL.M also provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate research and PhD qualification as well as for teaching in the further and higher education sectors.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full and Top-Up Awards] The LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] is designed for those who wish to combine study of the LPC for practice as a solicitor and advanced Master’s level practical legal research skills.
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar The LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] is designed for those who wish to combine study of the BPTC for practice as a barrister and advanced Master’s level practical legal research skills.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up Award]
The LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] is designed for those already in professional legal practice, having gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice following the LPC/BPTC or other equivalent level professional legal qualification, and enables them to “top-up” their existing qualification to an LL.M, acquiring in-depth subject-specific knowledge and practical research skills increasingly desired for entrance into or continuation within the legal profession.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) It is expected that graduates of this vocational award will enter the legal profession with the objective of becoming a solicitor.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) It is expected that graduates of this vocational award will enter the legal profession with the objective of becoming a barrister.
30 Curriculum Design
The LL.M Network comprises a traditional academic route and a professional route to postgraduate qualification in law.
______CASQE Page 23 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law These awards are offered on a full-time and part-time basis by means of face-to-face contact through seminars, supported by Moodle. Face-to-face teaching takes place on one day per week and each unit is taught over eight sessions in a semester. Students studying these awards on a full time basis (a minimum period of study of 12 months) will undertake two units in terms 1, two units in term 2 in will complete the Dissertation unit. Students studying these awards on a part time basis will undertake one unit module per term in the first two academic years and the Dissertation Unit. This curriculum organisation enables students effectively to combine their employment or other responsibilities with studying for a valuable postgraduate qualification. Manchester Law School is committed to inclusivity and widening participation in higher education and these arrangements provide a flexible yet defined framework for all students.
In addition to full and part time delivery, the LL.M in International Business Law award, is delivered on a distance learning basis, either over 12 or 24 months. Teaching and learning takes place by means of eight sessions per unit, each containing an introductory podcast and online workshop supported by online discussion fora and unit leader surgeries. The distance learning 12 month variant entails the study of two units in term 1, two units in term 2 and the completion of the Dissertation unit. The 24 month variant entails the study of one unit per term in the first two academic years and the completion of the Dissertation unit. This curriculum organisation enables students who are remote from Manchester to benefit from a high quality Manchester Law School student experience and to effectively combine their employment or other responsibilities with studying for an increasingly well recognised and globally accepted postgraduate qualification. As above, Manchester Law School has as its principal purposes to achieve inclusivity and widening participation and to recruit increasing numbers of international postgraduate students and these arrangements provide a flexibly supportive and established framework particularly for those who are remote from Manchester Law School.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] This award is offered on an accelerated or part time basis. The research methods component of the Dissertation/Research Project unit may be delivered via face-to-face (in Manchester or Hong Kong) or online at the discretion of the LL.M Director. The organisation of the unit enables students effectively to combine their employment or other responsibilities with studying for a valuable Top Up Master’s level award. The research methods component of the unit develops advanced skills of legal research and the dissertation/research project component enables students to gain wider knowledge and understanding and acquire advanced skills of legal reasoning, critical thought and evaluation in a specialist area. Inclusivity is demonstrated by the ability of the student to self-select his or her research area for the dissertation/research project, and employability prospects are enhanced by the depth of understanding and advanced nature of the practical research and reasoning skills acquired. It is also attested to, along with achieving widening participation, by the ability of students located both in and outside Manchester, even those outside the United Kingdom, to study on the course alongside being able to carry out their work and other responsibilities. Students on all delivery modes will be able to carry out their research in any branch of law emanating from any legal jurisdiction, albeit subject to assessment of academic viability and availability of appropriate resources and supervision. It is anticipated that a number of students studying for this award at HKU SPACE will wish to carry out their research in an area of Hong Kong legal practice. This provides the rationale for the possibility of joint Manchester Law School and HKU SPACE supervision. It is important to recognise that local HKU SPACE staff
______CASQE Page 24 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
have a more wide-ranging expertise in Hong Kong legal matters than those at Manchester Law School, and that their input in the supervision process, if necessary, for those wishing to carry out research in Hong Kong law, will ensure an optimal teaching and learning experience whilst retaining a personal and quality assurance link with staff at Manchester Law School.
Students graduating from any of the above awards will have engaged to an advanced level in legal research, critical thinking, the communication of complex legal ideas, the formation and critical evaluation of argument and the development of intellectual skills and creativity. All aspects of the awards seek to foster self-reflection, self-criticism and personal development, both in terms of learning and employability.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) The curriculum is designed to meet the parameters of the professional body requirements as set out in the SRA Legal Practice Course Information Pack. The design is also influenced by the experience of the team in offering the LPC and the knowledge of the team of the market it serves.
The three core practice units at Stage 1 are equally weighted, reflecting the requirements of employers for students with a strong grounding in the core practice areas. At Stage 2, a wide range of electives are offered, from corporate to high street subjects. This gives students flexibility in planning their future careers, offering some specialisation but also the chance to have a more general practice profile for those who do not wish to pursue specialisation at this early stage of their career. However, it is necessary for students to have completed the Business Law and Practice unit before attempting the commercial unit electives. For part time students this means that the commercial units electives can only be studied in the second year of study.
This theme of employability is reflected in the delivery of the course via workshop sessions, which are transactional, and designed to reflect the environment that they will encounter in legal practice. Students are required to work independently and in small groups on case study scenarios. These scenarios build in professional conduct and regulation issues so that these pervasive elements of the course and legal practice are seen in context. This aspect of the course design aims to enable students to become independent learners in preparation for their future career and to encourage a culture of professionalism among the student cohort.
Option Units Option units listed in the LPC course structures (section C28 above) are all approved for delivery, but may not all run in any one academic session.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] This award is a combination of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up award]. The design of the curriculum is as above.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) The Curriculum Framework and Syllabus is specified by PSRB. Bar Training Course Handbook
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has published a Professional Statement for barristers incorporating the threshold standard and competences. This sets out the essential knowledge, skills and attributes that are expected of a barrister when they start out in practice. The BPTC is a programme of vocational training that enables prospective barristers to develop these characteristics through
______CASQE Page 25 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
learning the practical application of legal knowledge and an understanding of what it means to be a reflective and responsible practitioner with respect for professional ethics. A graduate of the BPTC will not yet fulfil all aspects of the Professional Statement. There is a further stage of professional training, known as pupillage, which must be completed before they can be authorised to practise. The BSB Bar Training Course Handbook defines the standards that are expected at the end of the BPTC. The vocational training provided on the BPTC prepares students for a career at the Bar of England and Wales. This training may also provide knowledge and skills that are transferable to other jurisdictions or to other career paths, in the legal sector and more widely.
The BPTC builds on knowledge of the key concepts and principles of public and private law learned during the academic stage. The course enables a student to develop an understanding of how such knowledge may be applied in practice. The practical focus of the BPTC leads to an understanding of the way in which civil and criminal proceedings develop from commencement to settlement or trial, and to an understanding of evidential rules.
Approach to Student Learning The Teaching and Learning strategy is to replicate as much as possible the experience of practice at the Bar. As a result, large group sessions are kept to a minimum, with the emphasis being very much on small group sessions (SGSs).
In addition, in order to replicate the experience of chambers, each student is assigned to a chambers group. Each chambers has a base room containing practitioner materials, AV equipment and two PCs. SGSs for each chambers group are held in this room.
Each SGS is in the form of a realistic scenario taken from practice, such as a Brief/ Instructions to Counsel.
To heighten the experience of practice, each student is provided with copies of practitioner works on civil and criminal procedure and is expected to use these in preparation for classes and in class.
Each chambers group has twelve members. However, in recognition of the fact that oral skills teaching requires more individual attention from the tutor, in the case of Advocacy, Conference and Resolution of Disputes out of Court, the number for each session is normally reduced to six.
For oral skills (Advocacy and Conference) all performances and feedback are recorded so that students have a full record of their development in this area. The Course has benefitted from new bespoke recording equipment in all chambers rooms and the court room. This permits recording onto USB. All students are provided with a USB at the commencement of the course. Assessments are also recorded on USB, there is back up recording onto the system.
The delivery sequence of the programme is set out in the curriculum maps for FT and PT modes in Section 28 .
For the FT mode, In the first two terms the skills of Advocacy, Conference, Opinion Writing and Drafting are taught alongside the knowledge areas of Criminal and Civil Litigation, Evidence and Professional Ethics. The options and REDOC are taught in term 3.
______CASQE Page 26 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
The course is delivered in an integrated way so that the knowledge is taught before the skills session where that knowledge is relevant .This enables students to contextualise their knowledge based learning and reinforces that knowledge and understanding. There is also integration between the skills to promote transactional learning opportunities and foster a more professional approach. For example in the case of the written skills the same brief will from time to time be used for both Opinion Writing and Drafting.
In line with the course aim of preparing students for pupillage, the input of experienced barristers from the Northern Circuit is a central feature of the course. In the case of Advocacy, all students must attend additional classes where they receive training, feedback and demonstrations from experienced practitioners.
In addition, practitioners take additional Professional Ethics SGS and provide mentoring support for each chambers group.
Towards the end of the second term and in the final term, students must take two elective subjects and Resolution of Disputes out of Court. At the start of the year they select two electives from a choice of eight – the most popular six will then run for that year.
Attendance Requirement The PSRB set an attendance requirement Bar Training Course Handbook at page 18.
Additional Professional Programme The team have developed a programme of extra-curricula events ranging from talks by judges, a clerk of chambers and a forensic accountant to a forum on how to enhance the chances of obtaining pupillage and advocacy demonstrations by prominent members of the Northern Circuit. Most of the sessions are CPD accredited thus giving valuable network opportunities with members of the local Bar. Students on the full-time mode are required to attend all events designated as mandatory and to attend further events. In order to achieve a minimum attendance requirement of 12 events out of 20. In the case of part-time mode students they must meet this attendance requirement over two years. To facilitate convenient access to these events will be made available by electronic means. The Additional Professional Programme is delivered throughout the academic year to facilitate attendance by students on both modes.
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar This award is a combination of the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up award]. The design of the curriculum is as above.
31 Learning and Teaching
The Learning and Teaching strategies of all awards within the Network reflect Manchester Met’s Strategy for Learning, Teaching and Assessment.
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law (Face-to-face delivery) Each of the units on these awards, aside from the dissertation, will be delivered by means of a structured, face-to-face seminar of duration of two hours. The material covered in each seminar ______CASQE Page 27 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
will be based on a framework manual, containing a teaching and learning programme and assessment guidance, which will be distributed at the beginning of each module. Students will be required to prepare combination of written exercises, reports, papers and essays following reading and analysis of material contained in the unit manual or additional material distributed in class; material contained in the indicative reading lists; and material obtained from independent research. Students will be expected to engage in group discussions or debates or to present their work to other students either individually or as part of a group.
Preparing work for seminars will necessitate significant independent work and research as well as self-managerial and organisational skills. The seminars themselves, promoting a dynamic, interactive learning environment, will provide a forum for the informed and critical discussion of key cases, concepts, principles, issues and approaches and, along with the necessary preparation, will enable students to develop their understanding and powers of critical analysis and thinking. It is anticipated that most seminars will be tutor-initiated but some will be led or facilitated by students or based on oral presentations. In order to ensure that seminars are informed by the forefront of legal thinking, they will be led by subject specific experts from the teaching team and the use of guest speakers will be actively encouraged. All necessary support will be lent by online resources in order to provide for student progress within a wider blended learning environment. Furthermore, if deemed appropriate, students will have the option of attending relevant undergraduate lectures in order to enhance a knowledge base in a particular module of study and to assist them in seminar preparation.
All students will follow an assessed unit focused on Research Methods that will be run in the first term of enrolment. This unit will provide structured engagement with the tools necessary to carry out legal study at Master’s degree level. It is intended that this will support students by developing and extending the independent research and critical analytical skills acquired at undergraduate level and/or during periods of professional employment. It will also support students in the choice of dissertation research area, in framing the research proposal, in devising the research strategy and in engaging more generally with the dissertation process. Some of the training will be provided by the library with appropriate online support. Part of the unit will be assessed by the submission of a research proposal that will provide the basis for completion of the compulsory dissertation. The title of the proposal, and therefore dissertation, will be subject to approval by the teaching team.
On completion of 120 taught level 7 credits, all students will be expected to carry out a Dissertation unit. This will comprise the completion of an assessed extended piece of written work (dissertation) of a maximum of 15000 words. The subject of the dissertation will correspond to the research proposal carried out and the title approved in the Research Methods unit. Those students studying for the LL.M will be able to carry out a dissertation on any approved legal/legally-related area. Those studying for an LL.M in a named award will be able to carry out a dissertation on any approved legal/legally-related area related to the named award. Each student will be allocated a supervisor with appropriate expertise drawn from Manchester Law School staff. The supervisor will provide ongoing academic support to the student at all stages of the unit. It is intended that this unit will build on and further the independent research skills previously acquired and that students will engage in wider critical thought and extended evaluative and reflective writing.
LL.M in International Business Law (delivery by Distance Learning)
______CASQE Page 28 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Each unit on the LL.M in International Business Law award has its own unit specification, covering both face-to-face and online delivery. This specification contains the same learning outcomes, syllabus and assessment regime for both modes of delivery. Students on both modes will, therefore, gain the same knowledge and achieve the same outcomes. Whilst the delivery of teaching and learning will differ between the two modes, it is anticipated that students studying via distance learning mode will have an equivalent experience through online workshops and participation in online discussion fora. Additional support will be offered through introductory podcasts and online unit surgeries.
Each of the units on the distance learning LL.M in International Business Law award, aside from the dissertation, will be delivered by means of eight online workshops via Moodle with interactive teaching and learning support. Each topic covered on a unit will be delivered through an introductory podcast, an online workshop containing specified reading materials and related questions and an interactive staff-student discussion forum. The seminar material developed on the face-to-face mode will be adapted for the distance learner with him or her covering the same content and participating in the same or adapted teaching and learning tasks albeit with initial podcast guidance and discussion taking place in fora.
The material covered in each online workshop will be based on a framework manual, containing a teaching and learning programme and assessment guidance, which will be made available on Moodle at the beginning of each unit. Each online workshop will cover a different topic on the unit syllabus. Each online workshop will contain an introductory podcast delivered by the unit leader. This will outline what will be covered in the topic, present some basic explanations of the relevant law and other issues pertaining to the topic in question and indicate what tasks must be completed and within what timescale. Having listened to the introductory podcast, students will then be required to engage with the reading and teaching and learning material contained in the workshop. Each student will be required to carry out set reading contained in the online workshop or made available on the unit module page on Moodle. Alternatively, some reading material will contained in the indicative reading lists. Further suggested reading material obtained from independent research will be signposted.
Following completion of the required reading, students will normally engage in interactive self- testing questions, prepare a combination of self-study long and short written exercises, including short answer questions, discursive questions, research papers and essays, some of which will be submitted for feedback, and participate in group work (by means of Adobe Connect or other audio-visual means). These exercises will be aimed at ensuring active student engagement with the reading material and developing written analytical and evaluative skills. Students will also be required to participate in a staff:student online discussion forum for each topic, which will be an important vehicle for critical discussion and debate. Each online workshop will include tasks that feed in to the online discussion forum and discussion threads based on the preparation required of the students. The combination of online workshop and discussion forum for each topic will provide for the informed and critical discussion of key cases, concepts, principles, issues and approaches and, along with the necessary preparation, will enable students to develop their understanding and powers of critical analysis and thinking. Unit tutors will actively monitor engagement with the online materials and the discussion fora.
Each unit will also offer two online unit surgeries and two progress calls with the tutor via Skype/Facetime to discuss feedback and progress and a consolidation podcast for assessment
______CASQE Page 29 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
preparation. Overall consistency will be achieved between the face-to-face and distance learning modes by adoption of the same structure, delivery of the same units and, within units, teaching of the same content albeit via different methods and means.
All students on the LL.M in International Business Law will follow an assessed unit focused on Research Methods that will be run in the first term of enrolment. It will be delivered via the means outlined above. This will provide structured engagement with the tools necessary to carry out legal study at Master’s degree level. It is intended that this will support students by developing and extending their independent research and critical analytical skills acquired at undergraduate level and/or during periods of professional employment. It will also support students in the choice of dissertation research area, in framing the research proposal, in devising the research strategy and in engaging more generally with the dissertation process. Some of the training will include how to effectively engage with online learning and library resources. Part of the unit will be assessed by the submission of a research proposal that will provide the basis for completion of the compulsory dissertation. The title of the proposal, and therefore dissertation, will be subject to approval by the teaching team.
On completion of 120 taught level 7 credits, all students on the distance learning LL.M in International Business Law award will be required to carry out a Dissertation unit. This will comprise the completion of an assessed extended piece of written work (dissertation) of a maximum of 15000 words on an area specifically related to International Business Law. The subject of the dissertation will correspond to the research proposal carried out and the title approved in the Research Methods unit. Each student will be allocated a supervisor with appropriate expertise drawn from Manchester Law School Staff. The supervisor will provide ongoing academic support to the student at all stages of the unit. Supervision will be carried out online through Adobe Connect/Skype/Facetime, e-mail, Moodle communication and other audio- visual means. It is intended that this will build on and further the independent research skills acquired throughout the course and will engage the student in wider critical thought and extended evaluative and reflective writing.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] The research methods component of the Dissertation/Research Project unit will re-familiarise students with research skills already gained during the academic and professional stages of their previous legal education. It will also support students in the choice of project research area, in framing the research proposal, in designing the research strategy and in engaging more generally with the research process and different approaches to research. The dissertation/research project component will further develop independent research skills acquired and will engage the student in wider critical thought and extended evaluative and reflective writing.
Each student will be allocated a supervisor from the Manchester Law School with appropriate expertise. For students at HKU SPACE a secondary supervisor, with an expertise in Hong Kong legal practice will be allocated where necessary. Supervisors will provide ongoing academic support to the student at all stages involved in the research and writing up of the dissertation/research project, including the framing of the research proposal. Supervision of the dissertation/research project component of the Dissertation/Research Project unit will take place by either face-to-face and/or electronically.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC)
______CASQE Page 30 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
The SRA Legal Practice Outcomes provide the starting point for the learning and teaching approach. The Manchester Law School strategy has regard to the nature of our students, the expertise and experience of our staff and guidance received from the SRA.
There is an integrated approach to the teaching and learning strategy on this award, so that students benefit from links between study and practice. Skills elements are contextualised within subject areas to reflect the reality of life in practice. Workshops are built around transactional case studies. This approach is central to the teaching and learning strategy on the course and emphasises the linkage between study and practice. Students are studying in an environment, which tries to reflect life in practice and ensures interactivity. Workshops, informed where possible by local practice, provide opportunities for in-depth student engagement with case studies and tasks. Each member of the teaching team is a qualified solicitor and many have continued links with practice, which informs the content and delivery of workshops.
The award is delivered through blended learning methods involving transactional workshops and on-line learning activities. Face-to-face teaching and learning time is used to maximum effect in transactional and interactive workshops, supported by a range of resources including on-line provision. Students are given directed self-study learning activities to prepare for each workshop. This can include directed reading, on line activities and consideration of case studies. Completion of the directed preparation is mandatory and essential in order to engage with the face-to-face workshops. The on line activities are housed in Moodle are specific to each unit on the course. This allows easy access to on line materials, which include audio and document based materials and self-testing exercises for preparation and consolidation.
Unit delivery incorporates the use of materials based on the work of a virtual solicitors’ firm (Jordan Maxwell) which the SRA notes as “an innovative vehicle for delivery of the programme which delivers the curriculum by introducing students to virtual clients who need advice across the whole range of LPC subjects”. This emphasises to students that the individual areas of study are linked together and allows for a consistent approach to how students are asked to provide advice. It also reminds students of the high standards of ethical behaviour and integrity required of solicitors.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] For this award, students will follow the Teaching and Learning strategies of both the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above. The Dissertation/Research Project unit, includes the delivery of taught face-to-face sessions on research methods, leading to the submission of an research proposal and an dissertation/research project. The sessions on research methods are designed to further the practical legal research skills gained on the LPC elements of study in the Practical Legal Research unit and to prepare students for the research for and writing of their dissertation/research project. The combined study of the Practical Legal Research unit and the research methods part of the Dissertation/Research Project unit by LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] students is equivalent to the what is studied in the Research Methods unit on the LL.M and named awards.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) The following features are as relevant to the distinctive ethos of the course offered by the Manchester Law School:
______CASQE Page 31 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
As a high level post-graduate programme it is informed and underpinned by sound and up to date educational principles and delivery, especially involving the application of information technology
It has a distinctive and dedicated learning environment and strategy. The course is delivered using Chambers Groups, so as to facilitate not only realistic and effective practical training but also a strong sense of professional community and integrity
Members of the local Bar play an active role in both informing the design of the course, and in its delivery. The University has recruited a team of local practitioners of varying levels of seniority who deliver additional class skills sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis, providing the students the opportunity to discuss issues as they arise in practice, view demonstrations, and create connections. MMU has close ties with the Northern Circuit and is lucky to have received a great deal of support from its leadership. The Programme team work closely with the Circuit, in particular with facilitating delivery of the New Practitioner Programme which allows BPTC students opportunities to network and participate in sessions.
In addition local practitioners deliver additional Professional Ethics sessions and they are also involved in mentoring the students.
Practitioner links are developed through talks delivered as part of the University’s APP providing insight into pupillage, alternative careers, and the specialist associations. Social links are encouraged through the Inns of Court Ball, held in Manchester annually and by a series of informal evenings.
Manchester Met has a successful Additional Professional Programme which includes advocacy demonstrations, guidance on being self employed and alternative careers.
In addition in order to replicate the experience of chambers, each student is assigned to a chambers group. In recognition of the fact that oral skills teaching requires more individual attention from the tutor in the case of Advocacy and Conference the number for each session is reduced to a maximum of 6.
The small group teaching will take place in this group. The chambers’ group teaching will take place in base rooms which are appropriately equipped to prepare for the experience of practice. Each student is provided with copies of practitioner works on civil and criminal procedure and are expected to use these in preparation for classes and in class.
The students have unlimited access to all the university electronic resources.
There are mock assessments for each of the assessments. In accordance with the course regulations, there are two further assessment opportunities for any assessment failed at the first attempt.
The Rationale for Chambers Group Learning Although it can be argued that the learning experience will have much in common with “normal” seminar/small group work, there are significant differences and benefits in this approach. These include the following features:
______CASQE Page 32 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Once formed into a chambers group, collaborative learning is enhanced. The students spend the majority of their time together and research together using the resources available to them in their chambers group room;
Student learning is considerably enhanced by the immediate availability of learning materials. It is likely the speed of learning will also improve. Most importantly, tutors are able to closely observe and monitor student performance, and more quickly and easily identify students experiencing difficulties with the course.
On a vocational course such as this, the more realistic and the more comparable the learning experience to the workplace, the better will be the preparation for work itself.
Chambers Group learning provides an early opportunity to introduce professional and interpersonal skills beyond those prescribed by the Bar Standards Board and of particular relevance to professional development.
Methods of Delivery The following methods of delivery are employed:
Large Group Sessions These sessions involve the whole cohort of BPTC students and are primarily used to introduce students to new areas of the syllabus. Whilst on some occasions these sessions will be mainly expository, it is recognised that students are likely to gain maximum benefit where sessions are interactive. Hence, the Large Group Sessions will include student participation, use of IT and practical demonstrations, particularly in the delivery of the skills area.
Small Group Sessions All the small group work in the skills and knowledge areas is in Chambers Groups. Chambers Groups may be split into sub-groups or clusters for the practice of skills. In the case of the knowledge areas the Chambers Group work builds upon, explores, and applies the subject matter introduced in the Large Group sessions and students’ own self-regulated study. In the case of the skills, sessions focus on the practical application of the skill following its introduction via a Large Group session. Chambers Group sessions focus on student-centred learning and tutor-led feedback. Students remain in the same Chambers Group for the compulsory part of the course and these sessions take place in the Chambers Groups base rooms.
Chambers Groups for the Electives The Chambers Groups will comprise of no more than 18 students. As the elective subjects are assessed through a skill, the work is in the form of SGSs, which focus on the practical application of skills within the context of the substantive knowledge area of the subject. Hence, the SGSs build upon the subject matter introduced in the Large Group Sessions for each option.
Self-Managed Learning
______CASQE Page 33 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Students are encouraged to manage their own study time. The Chambers Group sessions aim to assist students in this by providing clear instructions as to the necessary preparation for the exercise and an estimate of the likely time involved.
Moodle Normal face to face contact is supplemented by a growing number of on line exercises to consolidate learning. In addition, on the full-time mode some Large Group Sessions have been replaced by podcasts delivered via Moodle . Whilst Large Group Sessions have the virtue of immediacy enabling students to raise queries in the session it is recognised that for PT students the ability to learn flexibly around their work and domestic commitments is essential. Therefore in the case of the PT mode all Large Group Sessions are delivered by Moodle.
Feedback Feedback from tutors and peers is an integral part of MMU’s BPTC. Tuition is given in each of the skills areas in how to give constructive peer feedback. The importance of the giving of feedback by peers is important in that it allows the student to reflect upon, evaluate and modify their performances. The giving of feedback to peers is important as it requires an in depth understanding of the skills requirements and therefore assists the student to hone his or her own skills.
Tutor feedback is provided throughout the course. In particular, each student is provided, as a minimum, with individual feedback as follows: Advocacy: on 9 exercises Conference: on 4 complete, tutor observed conferences Opinion Writing: on 6 occasions Drafting on 6 occasions Resolution of Disputes out of Court on a mock paper sat by all students
Formative assessment, in the form of mocks in assessment conditions is provided in each of the skills and knowledge areas, for which the student receives written feedback from the tutor.
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar For this award, students will follow the Teaching and Learning strategies of both the Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above. The Dissertation/Research Project unit, includes the delivery of taught face-to-face sessions on research methods, leading to the submission of an research proposal and an dissertation/research project. The sessions on research methods are designed to further the practical legal research skills gained on the LPC elements of study in the Practical Legal Research unit and to prepare students for the research for and writing of their dissertation/research project. The combined study of the Opinion Writing unit and the research methods part of the Dissertation/Research Project unit by LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] students is equivalent to the what is studied in the Research Methods unit on the LL.M and named awards.
32 Assessment
All assessments within this Network comply with Manchester Met’s Procedures for the Verification, Marking and Moderation of Assessment. All students are given opportunities to undertake formative assessment as a means of measuring progress and improving performance.
______CASQE Page 34 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Students are provided with appropriate feedback to assist students with the aim of identifying and improving areas of weakness before the summative assessment.
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law The majority of the units on the LL.M awards, including on the distance learning LL.M in International Business Law award, are summatively assessed solely by coursework. The assessed coursework in a unit may include the completion of a single piece of work of no more than 6000 words or the completion of two or three pieces of work. Where there is more than one piece of coursework, the total number of words required across the coursework assessments cannot exceed 6000 words. Coursework may take the form of, but is not limited to, extended essays, research papers, critical literature reviews, applied problem questions and case study analyses. Some units are assessed by a combination of written coursework and individual oral assessments, for example, the writing and presentation of a research paper. There are no formal summative examinations. All summative assessed pieces of coursework are submitted via Turnitin (allowing students to make originality reports before submission), accessible to both face-to-face and distance learning students. Where an oral assessment is set, this takes place within Manchester Law School on the face-to-face awards and via appropriate audio-visual means, including Adobe Connect, on the distance learning awards. Opportunity is given for all students to develop their assessment skills, as well as their general learning, by participating in formative assessments on all units. All students have at least one opportunity of submitting a formative assessment and receiving feedback per unit. The 60 credit Dissertation unit, carried out after the completion of 120 taught credits, is assessed by an extended written piece of work/research of no more than 15000 words. Where the student is reading for the LL.M qualification in one of the named awards, the dissertation topic must relate to the named award.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] The Dissertation/Research Project unit is assessed via submission of a compulsory research proposal (approx. 3000 words) and a related dissertation/research project (approx. 15000 words). The final title of the dissertation/research project will be subject to approval by the programme team and will be based on an area of academic law or legal practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) The assessment strategy for the PG Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) complies with the SRA Legal Practice Course Assessment Requirements as set out in the SRA Legal Practice Course Information Pack These requirements are to set assessments that: - reflect coverage of the LPC Outcomes - are primarily transactional in nature - use supervised assessment methods except where unsupervised assessments are permitted
and meet the general principles required of LPC providers in setting their assessment strategies, namely - to address depth and realism as well as coverage - to recognise the importance of the outcomes to the assessment strategy - to recognise the professional nature and significance of the assessments being taken - to ensure that assessments resolve around transactions of the type encountered in practice
______CASQE Page 35 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
The SRA requires that individual assessments cover a representative and robust selection of relevant outcomes but are not required to cover all outcomes in any individual set of assessments (SRA Legal Practice Course Information Pack under the heading ‘Providers Assessment Strategies – General Principles’). It also requires that external examiners approve all assessment papers that form part of the summative assessments for the course, and that they approve the assessment criteria and marking schemes.
The SRA stipulates that - Students may have three attempts at any assessment. This is an absolute right that it is not conditional on any engagement or other criteria. (SRA LPC Information Pack 2014 under the heading ‘Referrals and Resits’). - If a student is unsuccessful on the third attempt of a Stage 1 assessment, they fail the whole of Stage 1. - If a student is unsuccessful on the third attempt of a Stage 2 assessment, they fail that unit only. In order to make up the required number of credits to achieve the award, students may, on payment of unit tuition fees, study the same or another elective unit. This is subject to the SRA requirement that all assessments (for Stages 1 and 2) must be passed within five years of the student’s first attempt at the first assessment. (SRA Legal Practice Course Information Pack under the heading ‘Referrals and Resits’).
Each assessment is set in the context of case studies of the type encountered in legal practice so that students can apply the skill of critical analysis to real world situations relevant to the unit assessment.
The assessment strategy is as follows:
Stage 1 - The three core practice areas of Business Law and Practice, Property Law and Practice and Litigation are each assessed by supervised examination in two parts. In Business Law and Practice paper A is 2.5 hours and paper B is 2 hours; in Property and Practice paper A is 2 hours and paper B is 2 hours; in Litigation, the civil litigation element is 2.5 hours and the criminal litigation element is 2 hours. The two parts of each assessment constitute one core practice assessment and a student must take both parts of the assessment – one part cannot be carried over to a later assessment period. - Professional Conduct and Regulation is assessed by a discrete supervised examination of two hours in the final assessment period of Stage 1 AND within the supervised examinations for each of the three core practice areas in which a minimum of 5% of the marks must be allocated to Professional Conduct and Regulation - Solicitors Accounts is assessed by supervised examination of 2 hours - Wills and Administration of Estates is assessed by supervised oral examination in combination with the course skills of Interviewing and Advising - Taxation is assessed in the context of the core practice area of Business Law and Practice - The five course skills are assessed as follows: Practical Legal Research is assessed by way of unsupervised written assessment combined with Writing; this assessment covers only skills outcomes and so does not require to be supervised Writing is assessed by way of unsupervised written assessment combined with Practical Legal Research; this assessment covers only skills outcomes and so does not
______CASQE Page 36 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
require to be supervisedDrafting is assessed by way of supervised examination in the core practice area of Business Law and Practice Paper A Interviewing and Advising are assessed by way of supervised oral assessment in the context of Wills and Administration of Estates Advocacy is assessed by way of supervised oral assessment in the context of Litigation If a student fails any element of a combined assessment, the student is only required to re-attempt the failed element.
Stage 2 - Each vocational elective is assessed by way of supervised examination of three hours
The pass mark for each unit is 50%. Course Skills are marked on a competent/not yet competent basis. Students will sit no more than 1 assessment per day (except where two assessments are combined, for example with BLP and Drafting).
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] For this award, students will follow the assessment strategies of both the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) Students are informed about assessment arrangements including assessment schedules, assessment regulations, the ‘fit to sit’ policy and exceptional factors applications in the BPTC student handbook.
The Assessment framework is prescribed by the Bar Standards Board in the Bar Training Course Handbook
Assessment Procedures and Safeguards & Design and Scrutiny of Assessment Instruments External Examiners are appointed by the BSB with experience of both professional and skills legal education and assessment. The External Examiners work in close liaison with the course team and are involved in all stages of the assessment process. All formal assessments require prior approval of the relevant External Examiner.
The marking of all formal assessments requires approval of the External Examiners whose decision is final.
The setting and marking of assessments is the responsibility of the appropriate subject leader save for those that are centrally set. The subject leader prepares and distributes to the subject team guidelines for marking each assessment.
The teaching team for each subject is responsible for marking each assessment except for the centrally set assessments of Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation and Professional Conduct which are marked by the BSB. Each subject team must comply with the BPTC Assessment Protocol which details procedures that must be followed concerning matters such as second marking, moderation and the selection of the sample of scripts that are to be sent to External Examiners
At the start of the course all students receive an examination number that is used for the anonymous marking of all written skills assessments and centrally set assessments. The Examination Regulations
______CASQE Page 37 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
provide for a review of the decision of the Board of Examiners, on the application of a student, on the grounds only of procedural impropriety or new information available at the review, which had not been made available to the Board of Examiners for a valid reason.
The regulations under which the programme operates are specified by the Bar Standards Board incorporated into the bespoke University regulations for this programme.
Arrangements for Anonymous Marking of Summative Assessments In the case of all written skills assessments are marked anonymously – students being issued with candidates numbers. In the case of the oral skills which are recorded on USB sticks anonymity is not possible.
The Knowledge areas – Civil Litigation & Evidence, Criminal Litigation & Sentencing and Professional Ethics are assessed by three, centrally set papers. Civil Litigation & Evidence, Criminal Litigation & Sentencing are of 3 hours duration comprising 75 MCQ/SBAs. Professional Ethics is 2.5 hours duration comprising 6 SAQs. The pass mark for the Knowledge areas is 60%. The programme team are not involved with the writing of these assessments. The CEB provide the final mark for each candidate to the MMU Assessment Board to feed into the overall mark profile/grade for each student.
Assessments in all other modules are written by the programme team as explained above. The assessments are checked by the module team, they are then passed to an assessment scrutiny committee comprising other members of the team. Assessments are checked for accuracy and alignment to learning outcomes for the relevant module. Once any suggested amendments have been made the assessment is sent to the PSRB appointed external examiner for approval.
Marking All advocacy assessments are double blind marked. A selection of borderline scripts and scripts in each grade category are sent to the PSRB appointed external for approval.
Second marking for all other assessments takes place at every grade boundary and a selection in each grade category. A selection of borderline scripts and scripts in each grade category are sent to the PSRB appointed external for approval.
There are a total of eight skills assessments:
Opinion Writing 1 written assessment (unseen) Drafting 1 written assessment (unseen) Conference 1 oral assessment (part seen) Skills Advocacy 1 1 part written, part oral assessment (seen) Advocacy 2 1 oral assessment (unseen) Advocacy 3 1 oral assessment (unseen)
______CASQE Page 38 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Elective 1 Electives can be assessed by means of any of Elective 2 the above skills exercises
The pass mark for each of the above is 60%
In the case of Resolutions of Disputes out of Court while mediation advocacy skills will be taught and may be the subject of a formative exercise the summative assessment will be in the form of multiple choice and short answer questions. The pass mark is 60%.
The PSRB specify the assessment framework and weightings for the assessments and methods of calculating the overall grading for the BPTC in the Bar Training Course Handbook
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar For this award, students will follow the assessment strategies of both the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above.
______CASQE Page 39 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
33 Inclusive Practice
The LL.M Network complies fully with the University's Equality and Diversity Policy. The teaching team actively promotes the Manchester Met Disability Services to ensure that all students are aware and able to access this valuable source of support. Students at HKU SPACE can access similar services.
34 Technology Enhanced Learning
All units in the Network are supported by Manchester Law School’s online virtual learning environment, Moodle. Staff and students are supported in the use of Moodle and generally in the use of the technology enhanced learning by IT Services who are available from on or off campus. Additionally staff are supported in the use of Moodle by technology support staff in the provision of training and drop in sessions on the use of Moodle resources and in providing technical assistance in using the resources available in Moodle.
All course documentation produced by Manchester Law School staff is available electronically and a variety of online material is provided for students, including online lectures, discussion groups, quizzes, podcasts, drafting exercises and formative assessments, and links to library resources which provide information and news about issues relevant for their course of study.
In the classroom, technology enhanced learning is supported by interactive technology, internet access and conventional whiteboards to permit a variety of presentation methods in taught sessions.
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law (Face-to-face delivery) Students experience blended learning with a range of tools available on Moodle to assist them in their learning and to supplement the face-to-face seminar teaching or supervision.
LL.M in International Business Law – (Delivery by distance learning) Moodle is the primary tool for teaching and learning with each unit module delivered through the platform. Each unit is delivered through podcasts, online workshops and discussion fora via Moodle. Support is also provided for students, particularly in dissertation supervision, by use of Skype, Facetime and Adobe Connect.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] On the Dissertation/Research Project unit of the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up], the research methods component is delivered by a blended learning approach except that for distance learning students delivery is online via podcasts, online workshops and Moodle discussion fora.
The dissertation component comprises independent study with support offered by designated supervisors. It is possible for online supervision to take place either alongside or instead of face-to- face supervision meetings. It is standard practice to use means such as Facetime, Skype and Adobe Connect.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) Face-to-face delivery in interactive workshops is supported by online learning resources for each unit.
______CASQE Page 40 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] The Technology Enhanced Learning arrangements for this award, will be the same as for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) Normal face to face contact is supplemented by a growing number of on line exercises to consolidate learning. In addition, on the full-time mode some Large Group Sessions have been replaced by podcasts delivered via Moodle . Whilst Large Group Sessions have the virtue of immediacy enabling students to raise queries in the session it is recognised that for PT students the ability to learn flexibly around their work and domestic commitments is essential. Therefore in the case of the PT mode all Large Group Sessions are delivered by Moodle.
All oral skills sessions are recorded on USB sticks, provided to the students at the commencement of the BPTC which allows the students to keep a record of their performances and feedback received.
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar The Technology Enhanced Learning arrangements for this award, will be the same as for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar and the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] as described above.
35 Work-related Learning and/or Placement
N/A for this Network
36 Engagement with Employers
Manchester Law School has excellent formal and informal links with the legal profession both locally, nationally, internationally, and through its own alumni. It has strong connections with local firms and barristers’ chambers in the Manchester legal centre and the Northern Circuit. Some of the teaching staff retain positions in firms and chambers and others perform roles in the judiciary. The links with the Manchester legal centre and wider North West legal profession are used in a number of ways: - delivery of networking sessions, providing information on employment applications, graduate prospects and legal employability skills - participation in employability and PDP events in the School and wider Faculty - development of pro-bono activity, enabling students to participate in supervised practical legal activities - mentoring of students during their studies, including the Practitioner Mentor Scheme on the BPTC and LPC - opportunities for possible voluntary work placements - giving of guest lectures, seminars and talks on current legal developments, experiences in legal practice and personal professional development - development of clinical legal education with the participation of local legal provider - delivery of the Additional Professional Programme for BPTC students
Manchester Law School is developing strong links with alumni, many of whom work for local employers, who are able to offer support and guidance for the professional development current students. Further to this, links with local employers are used to inform the design and ______CASQE Page 41 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
development of courses in order to ensure that such courses meet the demands of the employment market. From time to time, advisory panels, including local employers, are convened to provide more formal channel of input.
37 Personal Development Planning
During induction, all students are familiarised with personal development planning. Students are encouraged to engage with personal development planning initiatives (including careers, employability and pro bono opportunities), keep records of academic progress and employability milestones and to reflect on feedback throughout their period of study. All face-to-face and distance learning students on the LL.M Network can access the services of the Manchester Law School careers and employability advisor for personal development planning, via MMU’s Careers and Employability Service. Students at HKU SPACE can access similar services.
All students on the network have a personal tutor as point of contact for academic support, pastoral care issues and personal development planning. On the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up], personal tutors are also Dissertation/Research Project supervisors. On the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] at HKU SPACE, the HKU Principal Programme Leader provides academic and pastoral support alongside the dissertation supervisor(s). On the distance learning LL.M in International Business Law, online personal tutor sessions facilitate personal development planning.
______CASQE Page 42 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
SECTION E - PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
38 Programme Specific Admission Requirements
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society Admission to these awards will normally require an honours degree in law or in a related humanities or social science discipline of, at least, a second class, lower division standard. Alternatively, admission may be gained by possession of a graduate diploma in law/common professional examination or a related professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a second class, lower division honours degree or a related postgraduate diploma or degree.
LL.M in International Business Law Admission to the LL.M in International Business Law will normally require an honours degree in law or in a related business or commerce discipline of, at least, a second class, lower division standard. Alternatively, admission may be gained by possession of a graduate diploma in law or a related professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a second class, lower division honours degree or a related postgraduate diploma or degree.
None of the awards mentioned above constitute a law conversion course or a means of entry to the legal profession.
Provision is available for ‘face-to-face’ students who have satisfied the admissions criteria, but wish to gain additional knowledge, to attend foundational lectures in Legal Skills and Practice, prior to entry onto the LLM award(s). Equivalent lectures are also available online for students enrolled on the LL.M International Business Law distanced learning award.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] Admission to the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] requires: 1. an Honours degree in law or a Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination or equivalent academic legal qualification AND 2. a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice following successful completion of the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course (BVC/BPTC) or equivalent level professional legal qualification, including the Hong Kong Postgraduate Certificate in Laws.
For all awards mentioned above, students whose first language is not English and/or who obtained their degree(s) or other relevant qualifications in a language other than English must provide evidence of English language proficiency at IELTS level 7 or higher.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) Admission to the PG Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) requires: 1. a Qualifying Law Degree OR 2. a Graduate Diploma in Law in order to evidence completion of the Academic Stage of the SRA Training Regulations.
A student can be admitted to the award with a certificate from the SRA of exemption from the Academic Stage.
______CASQE Page 43 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
If upon admission, a student cannot evidence completion of, or exemption from, the Academic Stage, the University may, in its absolute discretion, admit the student in the following circumstances: 1. The student is awaiting a final transcript of results AND/OR 2. The student has applied, or needs to apply, to the SRA for a certificate of exemption from the Academic Stage under the equivalent means provisions AND/OR 3. Any other circumstances approved by the SRA.
In all circumstances, it remains the student’s sole responsibility to ensure that all Academic Stage requirements are met prior to applying to the SRA for admission as a solicitor.
Students wishing to undertake units from this award as stand-alone elements of study in order to satisfy SRA requirements for practice as a solicitor, may do so. Under no circumstances will these students be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] The admission requirements for this award, will be the same as for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice as described above.
Students wishing to join this award at an advanced point, may enter the network having completed Stage 1 (90 credits) of the LPC elsewhere. These students will be eligible for the award of LL.M in Legal Practice, subject to the successful completion of a further 90 Manchester Met credits (30 credits taken from vocational units and 60 credits from Dissertation/Research Project).
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) Admission Requirements are set by Bar Standards Board Bar Training Course Handbook
Entry Requirements are summarised below. Applicants must satisfy all of the following: Completion of the Academic Stage (Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or non-Law Degree plus Common Professional Examination (CPE) /Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)) Membership of an Inn of Court Proficiency in the English Language A Pass in the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT)
Selection by MMU
BPTC Applicants are selected in accordance with the transparent, scored selection process criteria detailed below. In the case of students who have not yet completed their LLB or GDipL at the time of decision making process, academic references as to the applicant’s performance to date and their prediction as to the qualification grade, will be considered.
______CASQE Page 44 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Admission Criteria
Score Location North West Connection 1 Academic Qualifications LLB 1 7 2.1 5 2.2 3 Non Law Degree 1 + GDipL 7 2.1 + GDipL 5 2.2 + GDipL 3 An extra 4 points will be awarded 4 for a GDipL with distinction and an extra 2 points will be awarded for a GDipL with commendation Work Experience 2 Mini-Pupillage/Bar Experience 4 Choice of Career 3
Interpersonal Skills 2
Advocacy and Public Speaking 5
Personal etc. 2
Bonus of up to +2 points 2
Reference
Prize Award
Higher degree/equivalent
qualification
Award/Bursary
Minimum total for offer 15
LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar The admission requirements for this award, will be the same as for the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar as described above.
For all awards in this Network, EU and overseas students, may take the opportunity to enhance and improve their English language skills by registration on the pre-sessional English programme provided by the Department of Languages, Information and Communication.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
LL.M, LL.M in Equality Law, LL.M in European Law, LL.M in Human Rights, LL.M in Law and Society and LL.M in International Business Law The University’s Policy and Procedures for the Accreditation of Prior Learning apply to these awards.
LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up Award] APL is not permitted for students on this award.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) and LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] ______CASQE Page 45 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Exit award - Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice APL is not permitted for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice.
Exit award - Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice Students wishing to achieve the University award of Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice must successfully complete 100 Manchester Met credits, and may apply for APL for a maximum of 2 vocational elective units from Stage 2 of the course (totalling 20 credits). Claims for APL will follow the University’s Policy and Procedures for the Accreditation of Prior Learning.
Exit award – LL.M in Legal Practice [Full Award] APL is not permitted for students on this award.
Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Bar (BPTC) and LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar Exit award - Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice APL is not permitted for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Court Practice.
Exit award – LL.M in Legal Practice at the Bar and Postgraduate Diploma at the Bar APL is not permitted for students on this award. The vocational requirements for qualification as a barrister are currently fulfilled by completion of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). The BPTC must be studied at one of the BPTC validated providers. Students must successfully complete all assessments as specified by Bar Standards Board. APL is not possible for this programme. In the case of Legal Academics, qualified solicitors, transferring lawyers etc, the BSB provides a system of waivers, exemptions and authorisations. The applicability of such waivers etc are assessed by the BSB. Whilst the BSB may specify that waivers may be granted for some elements of BPTC and contingent on the passing of other elements this remains within the province of the BSB and BPTC providers are not permitted to assess these matters.
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/current- requirements/transferring-lawyers/
NB Minimum admission points for entry to the University are reviewed on an annual basis. For entry requirements refer to the current University on-line prospectus
39 Programme Specific Management Arrangements
The programme management arrangements for this Network align with those detailed in the University’s Management of Programme Delivery. The following additional arrangements apply:
The Network has three programme directors: one having responsibility for the LL.M elements of the programme, including all dissertation elements (LL.M Director) one having responsibility for the Legal Practice (LPC) elements of the programme (LPC Director) and the third having responsibility for the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) aspects of the programme. The Programme Directors meet regularly to discuss and operationalise matters pertaining to the Network, in order ensure successful management and oversight. All are members of the Manchester Law School’s Senior Management Team and report directly to the Head/Associate Head of the School. The LLM Director has overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the LL.M elements of the Network in Manchester and in Hong Kong. In addition, a Dissertation Coordinator will oversee the supervision of students’ Dissertations &
______CASQE Page 46 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Dissertation/Research Projects. To support the collaboration with HKU SPACE, there is a Manchester Met Link Tutor and a Partner Link Tutor (see below). The LPC Director has overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the Legal Practice elements of the Network. These management arrangements meet the conditions of authorisation and validation specified by the SRA in the Legal Practice Course Information Pack (under the heading Criteria and Evidence). Continued compliance is monitored by the SRA via the LPC Annual Report. The BPTC Director has overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the BPTC elements of the Network. These management arrangements meet the conditions of authorisation and validation specified by the BSB. Continued compliance is monitored by the BSB via the BPTC Annual Report and BSB Monitoring processes. The Programme Committee is divided into three: the LL.M, the LPC and BPTC each chaired by the relevant Director. Each meets not less than twice per academic year and oversees matters relating to the operation, delivery and standards of LL.M and Legal Practice elements respectively. Minutes of each meeting are considered at each programme committee as a standing agenda item.
Collaborative Partnerships – LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] at HKU SPACE In terms of assuring the quality of HKU SPACE’s provision and delivery of the programme, it must be borne in mind that HKU is a large and internationally respected provider of higher education and the LL.M HK is subject to its rigorous programme management mechanisms. Part of this process is the annual Academic Committee at HKU SPACE which provides for student representation and which is usually attended by Manchester Law School’s Hong Kong Link Tutor and/or a member of the core Manchester Law School management team, including the LL.M Programme Director.
The Academic Committee at HKU SPACE includes: 1. College Head or his representative (Chairman) 2. HKU SPACE Programme Leader(s) 3. Relevant Subject Group leader(s) 4. Course Directors (if applicable) 5. 1-3 Teacher Representatives 6. At least 1 representative from outside the School who is/are professionally qualified in the field 7. External Examiner/ Academic Assessor 8. 1-2 student representatives as determined by the Committee 9. Co-opted members as determined by the Committee
The terms of reference for the Academic Committee are set out in the HKU SPACE Quality Assurance Manual Chapter 5
The minutes from the Academic Committee feed into the relevant programme committee held in Manchester, ensuring shared awareness of current issues. Similarly, themes identified at HKU SPACE via their Annual Programme Review process, are fed into the Manchester Met CMI process. Additionally, there is a staff student liaison committee for the LL.M in Legal Practice [Top Up] HKU SPACE students which also feeds into the quality assurance process at Manchester Met.
Distance Learning – LL.M in International Business Law & LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up]
______CASQE Page 47 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
Programme Management for these awards follows the same arrangements as detailed above. Students undertaking any of the distance learning awards have the opportunity to provide feedback about their experiences of the Network via Programme Committees and/or Staff:Student Liaison Committees, facilitated through Adobe Connect, Facetime and/or Skype. Distance learning students are also able to input their views on the management and delivery of the course by means of a course discussion forum and virtual staff-student liaison committees.
NB: see guidance on University’s Management of Programme Delivery 40 Staff Responsibilities
Staff Responsibilities for this Network align with those detailed in the University’s Management of Programme Delivery. The following additional arrangements apply: Staff responsibilities in respect of the Legal Practice elements of the Network meet the conditions of authorisation and validation specified by the SRA as above (section 39).
Collaborative Partnerships – LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] at HKU SPACE Staff delivering the LL.M in Legal Practice at HKU SPACE are Manchester Law School staff and are supported by local lecturers and tutors as secondary Dissertation/Research Project supervisors (where appropriate – see section 31). As such, they adhere to Manchester Met’s standard management responsibilities for programme delivery. The research methods elements of the unit are delivered face-to-face by Manchester Law School staff at HKU SPACE. Manchester Law School staff provide academic and pastoral support both on site during visits and remotely. The Manchester Met LL.M Director approves all published information created by HKU SPACE before publication.
To support the collaboration with HKU SPACE, there is a Manchester Met Link Tutor and a Partner Link Tutor who are in regular contact in respect of day-to-day administration and management. The Manchester Law School management team maintain regular contact with the Principle Programme Director at HKU SPACE via e-mail, telephone and monthly Skype meetings to maintain an overview of delivery, operation and management. NB: the University’s Management of programme Delivery is available from the CASQE website
______CASQE Page 48 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
41 Programme Specific Academic Student Support
Generic academic student support is provided to all students in line with the guidance outlined in the University’s Student Handbook. In addition, student support for students at HKU SPACE is provided in line with the Collaborative Partner Student Handbook.
For all LPC elements of the Network, the LPC Director provides evidence of having met the SRA student support requirements via the Annual Report to the SRA. For all BPTC elements of the Network, the BPTC Director provides evidence of having met the BSB student support requirements via the Annual Report to the BSB.
Programme Specific Support Each student will be assigned a personal tutor, who, along with the with Student Experience Tutors and Student Support Officers will offer academic and pastoral support, monitor the student’s progress and encourage the student to update their personal development plan.
Distance Learning – LL.M in International Business Law Personal Tutoring will be delivered via Adobe Connect/Skype/FaceTime. At least three 1-to-1 personal tutor sessions will take place. In addition, it is anticipated that two tutor group sessions will take place during induction period so that students will be able to get to know each other and their tutor and also the learning technology.
Distance Learning – LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] Dissertation supervisors are also Personal Tutors. Personal Tutoring for students will be delivered via Adobe Connect/Skype/FaceTime
Collaborative Partnerships – LL.M in Legal Practice [Top-Up] at HKU SPACE All students registered for this award at HKU SPACE have a Dissertation/Research Project supervisors who is also their Personal Tutor. The Principle Programme Director at HKU SPACE also provides academic and pastoral support. This academic and pastoral support complies with Manchester Met’s Collaborative Partner Student Handbook.
42 Programme Specific Student Evaluation
The Programme complies with current institutional evaluation guidance. NB University guidance on Evaluation of Student Opinion is available from the CASQE
Programme Specific Evaluation A range of methods are employed at various times of the year on all awards to capture the student voice and to ensure that it is acted upon to provide a positive student experience. Methods used will include: Student representation at Programme Committee Staff Student Liaison Committee Personal tutor meetings Feedback provided by external examiners LES (Learner Experience Survey) for the LL.M in Legal Practice at HKU SPACE only SRA questionnaires for the LPC elements only. (N.B. Responses to these are included in the LPC Annual Report to the SRA)
______CASQE Page 49 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
ISS (Internal Student Survey) for all students except those undertaking LPC elements.
Data and information from these sources inform the Programme Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) which will be agreed by the Programme Committee whose membership will include student representatives. Furthermore, actioned minutes from the Student-Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) and Programme Committee are posted to Moodle updating students of measures taken or to be taken in response to their concerns.
______CASQE Page 50 of 53 Programme Specification
PARM1.4
______CASQE Page 51 of 53 Programme Specification