PgDip / LLM Law Conversion Course: incorporating the CPE
Overview
Official conversion
This accredited conversion course is for non-law graduates aiming for a professional career in law. It satisfies all the Common Professional Exam (CPE) requirements of the professional bodies: the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority. There are two alternative routes, both of which can lead to the additional award of LLM in Legal Studies.
Changes are being planned to routes to qualification as a solicitor or barrister. The changes are likely to affect undergraduate students starting law degrees and graduates starting law conversion courses from September 2021. Read more.
Why a Law conversion at LSBU?
- Routes to LLM with completion of dissertation in law.
- We offer opportunities for mooting, judge marshalling, court assistance schemes and dedicated careers talks.
- All teaching materials supplied including an iPad or tablet.
- Expert academics – our teachers are qualified solicitors and barristers, passing on their insights, real-world case expertise and passion for law.
- Outstanding facilities – we’ll equip you with an iPad or tablet, complete online support and access to a personal law e-library worth £6000.
Modules
Routes of study
Route 1: Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies incorporating the CPE. The PG Diploma can be topped up to an LLM by undertaking a 15,000 dissertation in the following academic year.
Route 2: LLM in Legal Studies incorporating the CPE. This course is based upon Route 1 with a dissertation module added. This route is intensive and demanding as students study for the taught modules alongside work on the 15,000 dissertation, completed over the summer period for submission in September.
- Introduction to the English legal system
- Law of the European Union
- Obligations 1 (law of contract)
- Obligations 2 (law of tort)
- Public law
- Land law
- Criminal law
- Equity and trusts
- Project module
- Dissertation (LLM only)
Course entry comparison table
| Key Features | PG Dip Legal Studies Route | LLM Legal Studies Route |
|---|---|---|
| Length of course | 9 month (FT) 2 years (PT) |
12 months (FT) 2 years (PT) |
| Dates | September – June (with resit period in August) |
September – September |
| Includes CPE | Yes | Yes |
| Number of CPE modules | 8 plus ELS (entry into legal studies) introduction | 8 plus ELS (entry into legal studies) introduction |
| Includes dissertation | No | Yes – but subject to completing successfully all taught modules |
| Top-up | Can enrol for dissertation in September following successful completion of PG Dip to top-up to LLM | N/a |
| Cost | Please see fees and funding tab | Please see fees and funding tab |
| Eligible for postgraduate loan | No | Yes |
Entry requirements
-
- Any undergraduate degree from a UK or Irish university or its equivalent in any discipline with a minimum of a 2.2 classification or its equivalent
-
- By virtue of the regulations of the Bar Standards Board, students with a third class honours degree or its equivalent are not normally eligible to undertake the Bar Professional Training Course. Favourable consideration will be given to those with work experience.
- If you do not have an undergraduate degree from a UK or Irish university and:
- You wish to become a barrister, you must have a Certificate of Academic Standing (CoAS) issued by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) proving your eligibility to join the LLM/PGDLS+CPE. Without this CoAS, progress to the next stage Bar course (BPTC) will be blocked – even though you were admitted to a CPE course and passed the CPE. You are not required by this University to have a CoAS from the BSB to join the LLM/PGDLS+CPE. However, unless you are certain you will never want to become a barrister, you should consider obtaining one before your CPE course commences.
- If you wish to become a solicitor, your eligibility to join our LLM/PGDLS+CPE course is decided solely by this University considering your academic qualifications and work experience. If you already have a CoAS from the SRA (who no longer issue them), we will consider it if still within its expiry date.
- If you are not a national of the UK or Ireland or of a majority English-speaking country, you may have to demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be evidenced by an IELTS score of 6.5 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.