The Legal Practice Course (LPC) combined with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Practice offers aspiring solicitors in the UK a streamlined pathway to qualification, blending practical training with advanced legal studies. Several UK institutions provide this integrated program, each offering unique advantages.
Program Overview
The LPC is a mandatory vocational course for law graduates aiming to become solicitors in England and Wales. Traditionally, students completed the LPC and then pursued a training contract with a law firm. However, with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in 2021, the qualification landscape has evolved. The LPC LLM combines the LPC with a master’s degree, allowing students to gain practical legal skills while engaging in advanced legal research and study.
Advantages of the LPC LLM
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Integrated Learning: Combining the LPC with an LLM allows students to acquire both practical skills and theoretical knowledge concurrently, potentially reducing the overall time and cost compared to pursuing them separately.
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Financial Support: Students enrolled in an LPC LLM program may be eligible for postgraduate loans to assist with tuition and living expenses. For instance, the UK government offers loans up to £11,222 for eligible students.
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Enhanced Employability: Completing an LPC LLM can provide a competitive edge in the legal job market, as it demonstrates a commitment to both practical training and academic excellence.
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International Recognition: An LLM is globally recognized, offering opportunities to practice law internationally or pursue careers in academia.
Considerations
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Program Intensity: The combined nature of the LPC LLM can be demanding, requiring effective time management and dedication.
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Cost: Tuition fees for LPC LLM programs can be substantial. While loans are available, students should be prepared for the financial investment.
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Training Contract Requirements: Some law firms may have specific preferences regarding the LPC provider or may not cover the costs of the LPC LLM. It’s essential to research and align your choices with potential employers’ expectations.
Funding Opportunities
Beyond government loans, several law firms offer funding for LPC courses. For example, Clifford Chance provides full coverage of LPC fees and a maintenance grant for students studying at the University of Law.
Additionally, scholarships such as the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme offer financial support and work placements to students from diverse backgrounds.
Choosing a Provider
When selecting an institution for the LPC LLM, consider factors such as course content, faculty expertise, location, and financial support options. Institutions like the University of Law, University of Westminster, and University of Winchester offer LPC LLM programs with varying specializations and benefits.
University | Entry requirements | Fees (full-time) | Start date |
BPP University | Qualifying law degree minimum 2.2 or above Non-law degree minimum 2.2 or above and a GDL, CPE, or similar qualification such as ILEX/CILEX | £12,659 - £17,191 (subject to location) | September, January, February |
The University of Law | Qualifying law degree minimum 2.2 or above or GDL/CPE or MA Law | £12,900 - £17,500 (subject to location) | July |
Manchester Metropolitan University | A qualifying law honours degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law or an exemption granted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. | £11,500 | September |
City, University of London | UK honours degree in law. Normally a strong second-class degree is the minimum standard required. However, it is possible to apply with a degree in another subject and a further qualification in law, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law. | £15,050 | September |
De Montfort University | Qualifying law degree with a minimum 2:2 or the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL/CPE). | £10,500 | September |
University of Bristol | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £12,500 | September |
Northumbria University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £12,600 | September |
Liverpool John Moores University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £10,700 | September |
University of Derby | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £10,500 | September |
University of West London | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £13,500 | September |
Swansea University | Qualifying law degree of 2:2 or above; or; Graduate Diploma in Law. | £ 14,300 | September |
University of Wolverhampton | Qualifying Law Degree subject to SRA requirements | £10,900 | September |
Staffordshire University | A Qualifying Law Degree as defined by the SRA | Contact the university’s enquiries team | September |
Nottingham Trent University | Qualifying Law degree (2.2 or above) or Graduate Diploma in Law / CPE with an undergraduate degree (2.2 or above) or Institute of Legal Executives / Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification. | £11,950 | September |
Birmingham City University | Students will require either a Qualifying Law Degree (e.g. an LLB from a University in England or Wales) or a Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination. Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) are entitled to apply for direct entry to the course. | £11,000 | September |
Cardiff University | UK Qualifying law degree (usually a 2.2 or above) or with a non-law degree (usually a 2.2 or above) and the GDL/CPE. | £14,700 | September |
London Metropolitan University | A qualifying law degree (awarded by Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) approved provider), with minimum second class honours. You must have adequately passed assessments in Public Law, Obligations I (Contract), Obligations II (Tort), Criminal Law, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and Law of the European Union. or a GDL/CPE | £13,500 | September |
Leeds Beckett University | Applicants should either have at least a second class honours Qualifying Law Degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law. Applicants are required to provide a letter from their awarding institution to confirm they hold a qualifying Law degree | £11,250 | September |
University of Central Lancashire | Qualifying law degree (2:2 or above) | £10,500 | September |
York St John University | Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) approved by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. You can apply with a 2:1 undergraduate degree classification in any discipline and a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). If you have graduated with a 2:2 in a related subject, you can still apply for this course. You will be invited to an interview to assess your achievement and experience. | £10,400 | September |
University of Hertfordshire | You should have either a Qualifying law degree, with a minimum 2:2 classification or have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than law and have successfully completed the GDL qualification. | £14,820 | September |
Bournemouth University | A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject and successful completion of BU's LPC programme. | Contact university provider for information | September |
Anglia Ruskin University ARU | A UK qualifying Law degree with a minimum classification of 2.2 honours; a pass in the Common Professional Examination (CPE); or a recognised Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). CILEx students issued with a Certificate of Exemption from the CPE by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are also eligible. | £13,900 | September |
University of Westminster | A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Qualifying law degree or non-law degree followed by Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) Level 6 qualification. | £14,500 | September |
University of Sunderland | 2:2 in a Qualified Law Degree or equivalent, or a 2:2 in any discipline followed by successful completion of a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or CILEx | £9,750 | September |
