Legal Practice Course (LPC) at (LPC)

Looking to take the next step towards becoming a ?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is a professional practical course that develops key skills and knowledge for a successful career in in England and Wales. Students are offered excellent pastoral care and support from professionally qualified staff along with best practice guidance for personal development and training.

1 year FT (September to June) 16 hours class contact time per week on average (supplemented with an average of 25 hours of private study per week). Taught over three days per week 2 years PT (September to June) 8 hours class contact time per week on average (supplemented with an average of 12.5 hours of private study per week). Taught over one day per week

Course overview Core Subjects • Business Law & Practice • Course Skills • Litigation • Property Law and Practice • Professional Conduct & Regulation • Wills & Administration of Estates

Electives • Business Leases • & Practice • Employment Law • & Clinical Negligence • Advanced • Advanced • Commercial Dispute Resolution

Entry requirements • 2:2 degree or above in a qualifying as specified by the SRA OR •

Fees 2020/2021 UK/EU International £ Full-time £11,950 £14,000 Part-time £5,950p/a N/A School of Law Bursaries available Legal Practice Course Course Overview

The Swansea LegalLegal Practice Course Practice is a professional Course practical course that develops important practice skills and confidence for a successfulFunding career in law in England and Wales. Consistently rated as excellent by both students and external organisations in support of students, the Swansea Legal Practice Course represents the best of innovation in professional .

The Swansea LPC is known for the excellence of its pastoral care and support of students and personal tutors provide best practice guidance for personal development and training. Key features Designed for Law graduates or students holding a Graduate Diploma in Law, the course is offered on a full and part-time basis and is staffed by a dedicated team of friendly and supportive professionals. We have dedicated LPC teaching facilities and a practitioner resource room with full network access to extensive electronic legal practitioner resources. Students at Swansea also have the advantage of valuable networking opportunities and work experience placements supported and arranged by the course team.

This course is the compulsory course for those wishing to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is taught exclusively by experienced and who bring with them a wealth of experience from practice.

The full-time course is taught over one year from September to June. The part–time course is taught over two years from September to June each year.

Students at Swansea are encouraged to adopt a professional attitude, become business focused and treat the course as a ‘dry-run’ of the first year of their , with the professional tutors adopting the roles of supervising partners within the firm of Caswell Clyne set up by the course team. Preparation for practice takes place within a supportive and professional environment with a key emphasis on the development of business awareness and transferable skills.

Description The LPC is taught in two distinct stages. Core subjects (Stage 1) and the elective subjects (Stage 2). Stage 1 – Core Subjects Stage 2 – Electives Students can choose 3 of the following: • Business Law and Practice • Business Leases • Property Law and Practice • Family Law & Practice • Litigation (Criminal & Civil) • Employment Law • Wills and Administration of Estates • Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence • Advanced Commercial Law In addition students will have stand-alone • Advanced Criminal Law sessions in Professional Conduct & Regulation, • Commercial Dispute Resolution Solicitors Accounts and Taxation. These subjects are also taught pervasively throughout the other (It should be noted that not every elective modules. module listed may be available every year and is dependent on (amongst other things) at least 6 students electing to take the module) Legal Practice Course Course Overview

Course Skills Legal Practice Course A unique feature of the Swansea LPCFunding is that we deliver a separate skills course in addition to the skills being delivered pervasively. Students build up a portfolio of skills in the following areas: • Advocacy • Drafting • Interviewing & Advising • Writing • Practical Legal Research

Entry Requirements We welcome students holding the following qualifications: • A 2:2 or above in a qualifying law degree (as specified by the SRA). • Students holding a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Tuition Fees For further information, visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/law/professionalcourses You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities, please visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships

Teaching Methods Our teaching sessions have been designed to build confidence and essential skills in a friendly, professional and, ultimately, rewarding environment. We teach in:

Large group sessions - similar to lectures but much more interactive. Small group sessions - practical and transactional workshops designed to replicate the work of a in practice. Trainees effectively act for fictional clients in these sessions in order to develop the skills and knowledge to deal with real situations that arise in practice.

Assessment Methods Assessments are through written examinations, written assessments and live skills assessments (advocacy and interviewing).

Written examinations are held mainly at the end of each stage of the course together with assessments in skills. They are usually ‘open book’ and students are allowed to take into the examination books and materials permitted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Mock examinations in Stage 1 help students prepare for final examinations, provide valuable feedback and build confidence for the real exams.

Careers & Employability The Swansea LPC has an established work placement programme with a high number of students securing training contracts and paralegal positions as a result. Legal Practice Course Fees and Funding Legal Practice Course What are the Tuition Fees? Funding Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2020/21 are as follows:

UK/EU International PGDip Full Time £11,950 £14,000 PGDip Part Time £5,950 N/A

The tuition fees include all manuals and course materials. Visit www.swansea.ac.uk/law/professionalcourses for further information on course fees and how to pay or by contacting the Finance Department on 01792 513057.

Does the School offer any bursaries to students? Yes! If you meet the eligibility criteria for these bursaries they will automatically be applied on enrolment and you do not have to apply.

LPC 2020/21 Swansea University LLB Graduates £2,000 Alumni of a Welsh university £1,500 Swansea University GDL alumni £2,000 Part Time Students (2019 Intake) Bursaries available for part time students will be the same as the full time equivalent. 50% will be paid in year 1 and 50% will be paid in year 2.

Is there any other financial help available? Visit www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships to find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available. The Money Advice & Support Office will also be able to offer guidance ([email protected] or on 01792 606699).

Can LPC fees be paid in instalments? Yes, You can pay your course fees in full at enrolment. Or, make three payments in instalments through the year:

Home Students International Students Full payment at/before enrolment Full payment at/before enrolment OR Pay in three instalments: OR Pay in three instalments: 33% - Approx. November 50% - At/before enrolment 33% - Approx. February 25% - Approx. February 34% - Approx. May 25% - Approx. May Legal Practice Course Fees and Funding Legal PracticeFunding Course Student finance loans (students normally living in England & Wales) (Information from Gov.uk) Student finance loans apply to master’s qualifications only. To qualify, students need to apply for the LLM in Legal Practice & Advanced Drafting (a 1 year full-time course, or 2 year part-time course) covering the LPC and an additional independent learning module). Students applying for the LPC only will not be eligible.

Overview • You may be able to get a Postgraduate loan to help with course fees and living costs. • You will have to repay your Postgraduate Loan at the same time as any other student loans you have and you’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment. • You can also get extra support if you have a disability. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/masters-loan

How to apply Please see www.gov.uk/student-finance/apply (England) or www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/postgraduate-students (Wales)

Alternative Postgraduate Funding If you’re not eligible for a postgraduate loan, or would prefer to continue your studies without further borrowing, there are other funding options to consider.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online is all about alternative sources of funding - especially charities - which can make awards (fees, maintenance, research costs) to any student regardless of subject, or nationality.

It contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance, and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application. Swansea University has purchased a licence to the Guide, so you can access it for free.

Email: [email protected] and we will send you an email with how to get access to the Guide. Legal Practice Course Work Placements

Our LPC work placement scheme runs during reading week (October) and the Easter break. It is a great opportunity to gain some invaluable work experience as we organise a range of placements at practices within the South Wales area.

There is also guaranteed work experience for all LPC students within the University’s Legal Services Department. The Legal Services Department recruits a paralegal or trainee solicitor from our cohort of LPC students each year.

Why complete a work placement?

Work placements provide:

• Experience of the world of work and an insight into particular careers • The opportunity to make decisions about the career path you would like to follow and the chance to understand some of the different career opportunities available • The chance to develop a range of personal transferable skills • A strong addition to your CV and relevant experiences to discuss at job interviews • The chance to network with local professionals and gain advice on career decisions • A valuable contribution towards your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)

Is there any funding available?

Bursaries are available and are limited to £100 per student per year. For more information and an online application form, visit: myuni.swansea.ac.uk/employment-zone LPC Case Studies

George Williams, CMS Legal, After graduating with an LLB, LLM and LPC George commenced his training contract with Machins Solicitors in Luton. The first seat of his training contract was in the Residential Conveyancing department followed by a position in the Family department. George is now an Associate in the Real Estate Transactions team at CMS Legal, based in Bristol. George says “I am grateful to Swansea University for the training provided both at undergraduate level and on the LPC as it has allowed me to hit the ground running in my training contract”

Tom Harris, Trainee, Dolmans Solicitors/Definitive Sports Management and Representation After achieving a distinction in his LPC at Swansea, Tom has gone onto further education in Madrid, Spain. Tom is studying a master’s in International Sports Law, where he is lectured by from FIFA, UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is seen as the Supreme Court for sports disputes. Tom has secured an internship with Mark Hovell at Mills and Reeve LLP, a firm which represents top football clubs such as City and Everton.

Kelly Thomas, LLP “My experience at Swansea University has been second to none. After I completed my law degree I had no hesitation deciding to enrol onto the Legal Practice Course at Swansea. I was privileged to be a part of the work placement schemes that are conducted through the School and highly recommend them to any student wanting to participate. The teaching and support staff throughout the School are incredible and I thank them for all of their help and encouragement throughout my time at Swansea”.

Taibo Wang, Trainee, Zhong Lun , “Studying on the Legal Practice Course at Swansea University provided me with the essential training and legal knowledge that I need to embark on my legal career. But it is more than just a qualification – the LPC also equipped me with commercial awareness and professional skills which law firms are looking for these days on top of a good legal education.”

[email protected] | +44 (0)1792 295831 swansea.ac.uk/law/professionalcourses Upgrade your LPC to an LLM

Upgrade your LPC at Swansea to an LLM in Legal Practice and Advanced Drafting to gain a professional qualification and an internationally-recognised LLM master’s qualification*

*Please note that applications for the LLM programme must be made directly to the Central Applications Board and the upgrade is not by way of transfer from the LPC.

What does it involve? • An additional independent learning module where you will complete a 15,000-20,000 word project on a drafting topic of your choice

• You will need to attend three meetings with a supervisor

How much does it cost?

• 2020/21 fees (including LPC fees)

• FT £13,900 for UK/EU students and £18,750 for International students

• PT £6,950 for UK/EU students and £9,350 for International students

For more information - email Michael Draper, LLM Director: [email protected] Legal Practice Course FAQs

How do I apply? Full time course Applications are made to the Central Applications Board: www.lawcabs.ac.uk

Part time course Applications are made directly to the Postgraduate Admissions Office www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/application-process

What are the entry requirements? We welcome applications from students holding the following qualifications: • A 2:2 degree or above in a qualifying law degree as specified by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. • Students holding a Graduate Diploma in Law.

What are the English language requirements? If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification such as the IELTS test with a score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component), or equivalent.

What about fees and funding? Please see our attached fees and funding sheet for more information.

When does the course start? The full-time course begins on September 7th and the part-time course starts on September 9th.

Who can I contact for further LPC Admissions advice? Please visit www.swansea.ac.uk or email [email protected] Contact Us

Email: [email protected] Visit: swansea.ac.uk/law/professionalcourses Follow: Swansea Law on Social Media