Nottingham Law School prospectus 2017/18

Nottingham Law School prospectus 2017/18

Nottingham Law School

Entry 2018 Professional Courses

2

Contents

A very warm welcome........................................................................................................................................4

An introduction to our professional courses.............................................................................................6

LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) (full-time / part-time).............................................................8

LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) (full-time)........................................................ 12

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (full-time / distance learning)........................................................... 16

LLM Legal Practice (distance learning).................................................................................................... 20

How to apply....................................................................................................................................................... 22

Welcome to Nottingham............................................................................................................................... 24

Fantastic facilities.............................................................................................................................................. 26

Your personal and professional development....................................................................................... 28

Your passport to a successful career......................................................................................................... 30

Lord Saville Former Justice of the Supreme Court “Nottingham Law School is one of the leading law schools, if not the leading law school in the country, combining the academic and practical approach to teaching law.”

3

A very warm welcome

Academic expertise We have a number of staff who are internationally recognised experts in a wide range of legal areas. Many of our staff are invited to take up roles with advisory and regulatory bodies in both the UK and abroad. We have seven centres and groups that provide focus for our research. • The Centre for Advocacy • The Centre for Business and Insolvency Law • The Centre for Conflict, Rights and Justice • The Centre for Legal Education • The Centre for Mediation and Dispute Resolution • The Centre for Marine Ecological Resilience and Geological Resources • Research Group for Sports Law On our vocational courses, many of our teaching staff are experienced lawyers – who are still practising, bringing relevant legal experience into their teaching.

Welcome from the Dean As one of the largest university law schools in the UK, we are very proud of our outstanding and long-established reputation for delivering excellent legal education underpinned by close relationships with legal and other professions, both here in the UK and overseas. We offer an extensive range of innovative professional courses, informed by academic research which has national and international impact. We pride ourselves on our dynamic and personal community, which opens up many fantastic opportunities to our students. Nottingham Law School was named Legal Education Provider of the Year 2016 by the Solicitors Journal , recognising the School’s innovative teaching and commitment to social mobility and diversity. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you find studying at Nottingham Law School to be a transformational and highly fulfilling experience.

Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker LL.B (Hons), LL.M, Ph.D. Dean of Nottingham Law School

Contact Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4460 Email: [email protected] www.ntu.ac.uk/nls

Our strong links to industry We have a large network of professional contacts, ensuring that our programmes reflect the latest legal theory and practice. There are over 100 full-time lecturers in the School, and around 3,000 students. Professorships are sponsored by major Nottingham and London law firms, and leading legal publishers. Due to the School’s excellent reputation within the legal profession, our graduates are highly sought after – they’re recognised for the depth and relevance of their knowledge, and the outstanding levels of skill they’ve developed.

4

5

An introduction to our professional courses

English language support If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we may offer you a place on the condition that you successfully complete a Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course at Nottingham Language Centre, before your course begins. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/peap for more information.

Applying for a student visa NTU is a highly trusted sponsor with the UK Border Agency. This means that we can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) to international students applying to study on an eligible course, requiring a Tier 4 student visa. Please visit our website at www.ntu.ac.uk/tier4 to find out more about applying for a visa.

Fees, funding and scholarships We offer a number of competitive scholarships for our LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC), LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) and Graduate Diploma Law (GDL), and also offer a range of scholarships for EU and International students. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/scholarshipsnls for more information. Our LLM LPC and LLM BPTC now offer you the opportunity to gain a Masters award. This means they are now part of a small number of professional legal training courses eligible for the UK postgraduate government loan. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan for further information, and to check your eligibility. We also offer a progression discount to our students and alumni who progress on to our professional courses.

6

Laura Hush Legal Practice Course (LPC)

“There are many reasons why NLS is such a fantastic place to study. The excellent links with local and national legal practitioners are invaluable when it comes to getting ahead in the competitive job market.”

Brian Sanya Mondoh LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC)

“I was awarded the NLS Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence to study on the BPTC. I have participated and judged in mooting and negotiation competitions, and most recently, I undertook FRU (Free Representation Unit) training, which provides the best insight of life in Bar practice by allowing you to undertake real advocacy in employment tribunal cases. I have also published three articles in the School’s All Things Law magazine, amongst other things.”

Alice Atay Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) “The services and facilities provided by both NLS and NTU are outstanding. It is clear that services such as Student Support and facilities such as the gym are provided with the purpose of creating an environment in which both personal development and learning can prosper.”

7

LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) (full-time / part-time) At Nottingham Law School, we’re confident that our enhanced LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) will provide you with the best training currently available. The successful completion of all elements of the LLM LPC will result in the award of an internationally recognised Masters degree, as well as our LPC qualification. You’ll leave us with a strong insight into the profession, and will be well-placed to succeed in the legal sector.

About this course We are fully aware of the challenges facing law students in the current legal employment market. For that reason, our LLM LPC is designed to provide you with the qualifications and practical knowledge and insight that employers regard as essential. Successful completion of the course enables you to proceed to a training contract, and then be admitted as a solicitor. The job market is very competitive and, whether you come to us with a 1 st or a 2.2, we can add value to your experience and enhance your CV to increase your employability. You can study the LLM LPC on a full or part-time basis, to fit around your other commitments. Our course enjoys a strong reputation throughout the UK, for a number of reasons. • Successful completion of all elements of the LLM LPC will result in the award of a Masters degree – an internationally recognised qualification. • Most of our staff are experienced lawyers – many of whom still practise – and students benefit from their practical knowledge. • We teach in small groups, to encourage student participation. • Every student has a personal tutor. We know our students, and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.

Fact file Start: September 2018 Duration: One year full-time, or two years part-time Entry requirements: • Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or • Graduate Diploma in Law or Common Professional Examination, with an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or • Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.

CITY CAMPUS

8

What you’ll study Modules

97% of our full-time LLM Legal Practice Course students are employed or continuing their studies six months after completing their course.

Our LLM LPC course is delivered across two stages. Delivered from September to February, Stage One covers the compulsory elements of: • Business (including Taxation and Business Accounts) • Property • Litigation (Civil and Criminal) • Wills and Administration of Estates • Solicitors’ Accounts • Professional Conduct and Regulation • Skills: advocacy, interviewing, writing, drafting, and research Stage One also includes teaching of the Professional Legal Practice module. Delivered from February to June, Stage Two includes three elective modules and – if you’re aiming for the LLM award – submission of either your project or dissertation. It’s also possible to submit this work after the academic year has ended. You’ll choose three electives from the list below. You can choose whether to select all three from one subject area, or to mix and match to best suit your needs. The areas covered in Stage Two are: • Commercial Law • Advanced Commercial Property • Private Client • Advanced Civil Litigation

• We constantly review our courses to ensure that they provide our students with the qualifications, practical knowledge and experience employers are looking for. • We have introduced a new elective – Advanced Advocacy – which will provide essential experience for anyone considering Higher Rights of Audience training. • You’ll have access to a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, and a new and fully equipped Legal Advice Centre. Gaining practical legal experience gives you a head start when applying for jobs or training contracts. • You’ll benefit from our guest lecturers. As well as visiting professors, a series of lectures are delivered each year by expert lawyers from leading law firms, who share their insights and experiences in their own areas of legal specialism. • The Professional Legal Practice module provides practical experience and commercial insight, which will ensure you hit the ground running at the start of your career. • Scholarships are available, and we also offer a progression discount to our students and alumni

(terms and conditions apply). Please see www.ntu.ac.uk/scholarshipsnls for more information.

• Corporate Finance* • Private Acquisitions* • Advanced Criminal Practice • Family and Child Protection Law • Employment Law • Advanced Advocacy

Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

*Available on full-time course only. Please note, electives are subject to change.

9

How you’ll study Full-time study

Who will teach me? Jane Wood Principal Lecturer and Course Leader Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) Jane Wood has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years and has combined a career in practice with teaching on the GDL and the LPC. Jane’s specialisations include property law (residential and commercial) and private client work. Your future career Our dedicated Employability team will support you in your search for a training contract and the number of Nottingham Law School graduates gaining a training contract or paralegal work is consistently high. cover professional conduct and regulation, solicitors’ accounts and wills and administration of estates. Your project or dissertation is an independent piece of work for which you receive relevant supervision. When you join the course, you will need to make a decision about whether or not you intend to submit a project or a dissertation (or possibly neither). Information to help you with this decision will be provided early on in the course. The LLM LPC at Nottingham Law School has a reputation that’s second to none. It’s consistently received the highest possible grading of commendable practice from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, across every area of the course.

Many students require flexibility to fit in with work, family or other commitments. As a result of this, our full-time LLM LPC course is taught across three days every week, to allow our students greater flexibility. However, this is an intensive study programme and taking on extra employment is not recommended for the LLM LPC (full-time). Small-group sessions are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Lectures are held on Fridays, and these will be recorded so that attendance is not compulsory. This delivery format gives you the option to be on campus either two or three days each week and to study at your own convenience at other times. Part-time study Our part-time LLM LPC is delivered through weekend attendance over a two-year period, broadly following the same teaching pattern as the full-time course. You can study around work and family commitments. Stage One and Stage Two have the same format as the full-time course, however the teaching is spread over two years. In total you will attend two full weeks and fourteen weekends spread across the two years. The weekend attendance will usually comprise Saturday and Sunday, although there may be lectures and assessments on some Fridays. Each lecture will be recorded so that students will have the option of watching the lectures online in their own time. If you work in a legal environment while studying you may be able to apply for a reduction of up to six months from your training contract. If you are able to secure a training contract at the start of the course, you’ll undertake a part-time study training contract. This allows you to qualify as quickly as a full-time student. See the SRA website www.sra.org.uk for more information. Assessment Assessments are designed to integrate with the course as a whole. The main assessment periods occur at the end of both Stage One and Stage Two. You’ll be assessed by written examination in each of the three compulsory and elective subjects. Other suitable methods of assessment are employed to

For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/lpc (full-time) and www.ntu.ac.uk/lpcpt (part-time) to find out more.

10

11

LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) (full-time) Our LLM BPTC aims to equip you with the skills and procedural knowledge necessary to follow your chosen career. The course has been developed in conjunction with practising barristers, judges, and senior academics. Practitioners and guest speakers assist with the delivery of our course, to build your knowledge of professional practice.

While we intend to continue to deliver the BPTC as a Masters course, you should note that the course content, structure and number of assessments may alter should the Bar Standards Board (BSB) impose or suggest changes. The following reflects our LLM BPTC as it is currently delivered and is correct at the time of printing. You may wish to consult the BSB website at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk for further details of the Future Bar Training programme. About this course Successful completion of the course enables you to be called to the Bar, and proceed to pupillage. We were one of the first BPTC providers to offer the opportunity to gain the award of a Masters (LLM) during the BPTC year, assuming successful completion of the LLM BPTC and an additional module. The LLM qualification is internationally recognised, and is eligible for the UK postgraduate government loan. Our LLM BPTC enjoys a strong national reputation, with many unique elements and aspects that attract students. • Our core staff are practitioners with significant experience of legal practice. • Our teaching is consistently commended as excellent. • You’ll have access to an exclusive BPTC study area. • We offer a range of options for varying types of practice. • You’ll receive individual face-to-face feedback in all assessable skills. • You’ll undertake assessments with a practical focus.

Fact file Start: September 2018 Duration: One year, full-time Entry requirements: • 2.1 honours Qualifying Law Degree; or • 2.1 honours degree in another subject plus the Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination. • 2.2 honours degree will be considered with evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in the application e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience – paid or unpaid. English language requirements: All students must be able to demonstrate that their oral and written English language ability is at least equivalent to: • a minimum score of 7.5 in each section of the IELTS academic test; or • a minimum score of 73 in each part of the Pearson Test of English (academic). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details. As a result of the Bar Standards Board’s Future Bar Training programme and the intention to publish an Authorisation Framework and review of the current BPTC curriculum, our BPTC, in common with that of all other providers, is offered subject to accreditation by the BSB.

CITY CAMPUS

12

Modules Pervasives • Case Preparation and Analysis • Legal Research Knowledge • Civil Litigation and Evidence • Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing • Professional Ethics Skills • Advocacy • Conference Skills • Drafting • Resolution of Disputes Out of Court • Opinion Writing Options Choose two from the following (subject to availability and demand): • Advanced Civil Practice (Judicial Review) • Advanced Criminal Practice • Commercial Practice • Employment Practice • Family Practice • Landlord and Tenant How you’ll study You’ll be taught in small groups in high-quality teaching accommodation, which includes impressive mock courtrooms. Assessment There are 12 assessments. All students have a one-to-one feedback session with a tutor prior to each substantive skills assessment. Wherever possible, assessments are set in a practical context. We use actors to provide you with realistic experience of examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and the questioning and advising of clients. You’ll also perform an interim application before a tutor playing the role of judge, who will interject with questions.

100% of our LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) students are employed or continuing their studies six months after completing their course.

• We provide vocational support through our dedicated Employability team. • We have considerable expertise in advocacy – we are home to the first Centre for Advocacy in the UK. What you’ll study After a short introductory period, you’ll commence your study of the compulsory subjects. You’ll handle seven realistic briefs (four criminal and three civil) from commencement towards trial throughout the first two terms. Knowledge and skills are taught and learned through the progress of these case studies, as you respond to Instructions to Counsel. Skills amount to around 60%of the BPTC, and are normally taught in a variety of practical contexts to show how skills, once learned, can be transferred. Two options are studied in the final term. You’ll obtain a broad foundation within specialist areas that you can build upon once you have entered the profession. To gain the LLM, you’ll need to complete a dissertation, or undertake practical legal work experience evidenced by the submission of a reflective critical report. There are a number of options available, such as undertaking pro bono activity through our Legal Advice Centre, working for the Citizens Advice Bureau, or carrying out placements within a professional legal setting.

13

Your future career Our dedicated Employability team provide practical sessions, advice and assistance, including advice on pupillage applications and CVs, mock interviews, and details of legal employment opportunities that are available. A number of presentations are given throughout the year, encompassing both practice at the Bar, and alternative careers. You can approach any lecturer for careers advice. All of our teaching staff come from practice, and some retain door tenancies in Chambers. We are able to offer first-hand advice and guidance to students, wherever they wish to practise. To become a practising barrister, you have to undertake pupillage and obtain a tenancy in Chambers. There is enormous competition for pupillages, and mini-pupillages should be considered as early as possible. They give a valuable insight into the life of a barrister, as well as demonstrating a real commitment to the profession.

Links with the profession In addition to the programme of guest lectures and practitioner workshops that run during the year, we give you further opportunities to experience life at the Bar, and to meet practitioners. Examples of these opportunities include: •  Welcome reception – at the beginning of the course, we arrange an informal social event attended by the Bar and Judiciary. • Annual dinner – the Nottingham BPTC / Nottingham Bar Mess Annual Dinner is a popular event that is attended by practitioners, judges, and representatives from the four Inns of Court. Many former students – now tenants and pupils themselves – attend. This event counts as one of your qualifying sessions. •  1 High Pavement Plea in Mitigation Competition – 1 High Pavement is a leading criminal set which sponsors our annual Plea in Mitigation Competition. The competition is judged by members of Chambers. • Ropewalk Chambers Mooting Competition – Ropewalk Chambers, a leading specialist civil set in Nottingham, sponsors the mooting competition, which is judged by members of Chambers.

Who will teach me?

Ian Fox Principal Lecturer and Course Leader LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC) Ian is a member of Middle Temple, and was called to the Bar in 1990. A civil practitioner, his specialisations include family law (in particular ancillary relief and the law relating to children), and the law of landlord and tenant. Ian remains a door tenant at Field Court Chambers, Gray’s Inn.

For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/bptc to find out more.

14

15

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (full-time / distance learning) For non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister, our GDL is the stepping stone to the LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) or LLM Bar Professional Training Course (LLM BPTC), and a career as a solicitor or barrister thereafter. The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board.

About this course This is a fast-track conversion course which effectively covers the seven core subjects of a law degree in one year. Why choose the GDL? • It provides non-law graduates with a route to becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK. • We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including a Legal Advice Centre for the local community. • Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on our highly regarded LLM LPC*. Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also looked upon favourably for a place on our LLM BPTC. • You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff. • Scholarships are available. • We offer excellent careers support, through our dedicated Employability team. To make the transition between the GDL and the LLM LPC or LLM BPTC easier, you’ll be given the opportunity to participate in: • our International Summer Schools Scheme; • various pro bono projects, which will give you the practical skills to increase your employability. You can then build on this during the LLM LPC, or LLM BPTC.

Fact file Start: September 2018 Duration: One year full-time, or two years distance learning Entry requirements: Undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above). • It is a programme requirement that students have access to the Internet and are IT literate. • Applicants without formal qualifications may be eligible, subject to approval of their qualifications by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Standards Board. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any formal or professional qualifications, the personal statement, references, and any relevant life or work experience. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.

100% of our full-time Graduate Diploma in Law students are employed or continuing their studies within six months of completing their course.

* Subject to available places on the course. Apply early to avoid disappointment.

CITY CAMPUS

16

What you’ll study The main teaching programme covers the following seven subjects. • Contract • Tort • Land • Equity and Trusts • Criminal and Police Powers • Constitutional and Administrative Law • EU Law You’ll also cover an additional area of study as a research project. This is an extended essay of around 5,000 words. The main objective of this exercise is to improve your research skills in an area of interest. Alternatively, you might prefer to become involved in our pro bono module, rather than submit a research project – you can submit a project based on your work with our Legal Advice Centre. Lectures and tutorials are designed to encourage interactive learning, as our students learn in small groups. induction, giving you an introduction to the English legal system, legal method, and legal research. There are six or seven hour-long lectures and six or seven one-hour tutorials per week, plus significant independent study. Class hours are usually between 9 am and 5 pm, and we usually timetable Monday to Thursday. Attendance at the tutorials are compulsory. We have modern lecture theatre facilities, which are ideal for our professional courses. Small-group sessions also take place in purpose-built teaching rooms. Our newly refurbished Boots Library provides IT and AV resources, study areas, and library services. Our mock courtrooms provide a realistic environment for both advocacy and mooting. Many GDL providers build and deliver courses around their IT provisions – we believe that a course of this complexity needs to be taught by humans and supported by IT, rather than the other way round. We generate top-quality teaching materials on site, and then make them available 24-7 through our remote-access systems. Full-time study The full-time course begins with a three-week

Distance learning study This flexible, distance learning course allows you to combine your studies with work and other commitments. Extensive support and 24-hour access to learning resources are in place to help you to achieve your full potential. The course covers the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You should be prepared to devote 15 hours per week to your studies. Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

17

Year One Your studies in Year One entail four weekends, covering four core subjects. The first weekend gives an introduction to the English legal method. There’s a written exercise to be completed at home following this weekend, which all students must pass. There’s also teaching on the four core modules at the first weekend. The remaining three weekends have sessions on the four core subjects: Constitutional and Administrative Law; Contract Law; European Union Law; and Law of Tort. Year Two Your studies in Year Two entail four weekends, covering three core subjects: • Criminal Law • Land Law • Law of Equity and Trusts (all three weekends) In addition, you’re required to cover an area of law that goes beyond the core syllabus. This is achieved in Year Two, when you complete an individual research project of 4,500 to 5,000 words. How you’ll study Distance learners are provided with all the online materials they need to assist their study. Tutorial contact takes place at all four weekend schools, attendance at which is compulsory. The emphasis on small-group work (and sub-group work) enables us to offer a student-centred approach to learning, with exercises designed to encourage student activity. Our students get all the benefits of individual tuition, and those of group support. Teaching is normally held at our City Campus, and utilises all the facilities available to full-time students, including a well-stocked library with electronic access. Exemptions Students who have previously studied law may be eligible for exemptions. In this situation, you should contact [email protected] for clarification. Any requests for exemptions must be submitted to us before the 31 May 2018 .

Assessment Assessment is by a combination of course assessments (approximately 30%), and end-of-year examinations (approximately 70%). Your future career Successful completion of this course enables you to progress on to our highly regarded LLM LPC for prospective solicitors or the LLM BPTC for intending barristers. At Nottingham Law School, we don’t view the GDL in isolation, but as part of a programme with the LLM LPC and LLM BPTC courses. We have a dedicated Employability team, which provides practical advice and will support you in your search for a training contract or pupillage. Many firms will appreciate your well-rounded knowledge, and the commitment demonstrated by completing the GDL. Even if you decide not to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister, you’ll have gained a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers.

Who will teach me?

Jane Wood Principal Lecturer and Course Leader Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) Jane Wood has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years and has combined a career in practice with teaching on the GDL and the LPC. Jane’s specialisations include property law (residential and commercial) and private client work.

For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/gdl (full-time) and www.ntu.ac.uk/gdldl (distance learning) to find out more.

18

19

LLM Legal Practice (distance learning)

This Masters in Law (LLM) is ideal for those with professional legal qualifications such as the BPTC or LPC (or their precursors). Credit points are awarded for these professional qualifications, and our students can then top up these points with a dissertation or publishable article to gain their LLM.

The LLM Legal Practice (distance learning) provides 60 Masters-level credits which, when combined with the evidence of academic achievement from the BPTC or LPC (or equivalent), will lead to the award of an LLM. The course is equivalent to 600 hours of study, and includes either a traditional dissertation or an article of publishable quality. Our course is designed to allow completion of the top-up element over a 4 – 24 month period. This not only allows you to undertake study immediately following the completion of your LPC or BPTC, but also offers more flexible timeframes for completing the self-study module. This course is for those who have successfully completed the LPC and BPTC (or their equivalent). This course will be extremely attractive to practitioners as it also satisfies CPD requirements.

Fact file Start: September 2018 Duration: 4 – 24 months, distance learning. Entry requirements: • Applicants should have successfully

completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). • Applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered e.g. patent attorneys, or trade mark attorneys. Fees and funding: Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/nlsfees for further details.

20

Dissertation In line with our existing LLM courses, you’ll have the freedom to choose your dissertation topic, subject to the capacity of the Law School to provide expert academic supervision. Nottingham Law School has academic staff with wide-ranging expertise, across diverse areas of law. However, students are encouraged to consider areas of law that are particularly pertinent to their anticipated or actual area of practice when selecting their chosen topic. The dissertation is 18,000 – 20,000 words in length. Publishable article As an alternative to the dissertation you can, with guidance from an experienced academic, produce an article of publishable quality. This is likely to be of shorter length than the dissertation, focusing on a particular point of practice or law.

For full details of course delivery and assessment, fees and funding and how to apply, visit www.ntu.ac.uk/llmlpdl to find out more.

We are currently reviewing this course to ensure that our students have the best possible learning experience. For the most up-to-date course information please visit the website.

21

Course Study mode

Entry Requirements

How to apply

Starting Course length

September

One year

The LPC Central Applications Board is responsible for admissions to the full-time course. Apply online at: www.lawcabs.ac.uk For further information on applications contact LPC Central Applications Board. Email: [email protected] Applications for the part-time LPC are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/lpcpt For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: [email protected] The application system for the BPTC is through a dedicated online application system at: www.barsas.com 1st round applications open in December 2017 and close in January 2018. 2nd round applications are released to Providers from April. Applications close around the end of August. The GDL Central Applications Board is responsible for admissions to the full-time course. Apply online at: www.lawcabs.ac.uk For further information on applications contact the GDL Central Applications Board. Email: [email protected]

LPC Full-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination with

an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.

September

Two years

LPC Part-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.2 or above); or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination with

an undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above); or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives qualification.

September

One year

BPTC Full-time A Qualifying Law Degree (2.1 or above); or Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination

with an undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or

above). Applicants who have / are predicted a 2.2 will be considered if they can provide evidence of exceptional achievement elsewhere in their application e.g. awards, scholarships or work experience.

September

One year

GDL

Full-time An undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above).

22

Course Study mode

Entry Requirements

How to apply

Starting Course length September Two years

Applications for the GDL distance learning are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/gdldl For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: [email protected]

GDL

Distance learning

An undergraduate honours degree (2.2 or above). Applicants without formal qualifications may be eligible subject to approval of their qualifications by the Solicitors Regulation Authority / Bar Standards Board. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into account any formal or professional qualifications, the personal statement, references and any relevant life / work experience. It is a programme requirement that students have access to the Internet, and are IT literate. Applicants should have successfully completed either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Applications from members of other legal professions will also be considered – for example, patent attorneys or trade mark attorneys.

4 – 24 months

September January April

Applications for the LLM Legal Practice distance learning are direct to the University. Apply online at: www.ntu.ac.uk/llmlpdl For further information please contact us: Tel: +44(0)115 848 4460 Email: [email protected]

Distance learning

LLM Legal Practice

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English LPC and GDL IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). BPTC All students must be able to demonstrate that their oral and written English language ability is at least equivalent to: • a minimum score of 7.5 in each section of the IELTS academic test; or • a minimum score of 73 in each part of the Pearson Test of English (academic).

Our courses can reach maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Refer to www.ntu.ac.uk/englishlanguage for further information about English language equivalencies.

23

Welcome to Nottingham With a large community of students, Nottingham is one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. It’s a busy and vibrant cultural centre, boasting some of the best art galleries, theatres, museums, cinemas and live performance venues in the UK. Nottingham has great shopping, world-famous historical sites, international sporting venues, and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Perfectly located Nottingham Law School is conveniently located in Nottingham’s vibrant city centre, in the heart of England. Nottingham is the cultural capital of the East Midlands, and a fantastic place to live and learn. When you want to explore, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and most of England’s other major cities are less than a couple of hours away. Home of culture Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the city by the legend of Robin Hood. There’s plenty of other places of historical interest to visit too, including Nottingham Castle, Southwell Minster, Wollaton Hall, and Newstead Abbey – home of the celebrated writer and poet, Lord Byron.

A sporting city From Brian Clough to Carl Froch, and Torvill and Dean to Rebecca Adlington, this is a city of legends. You’ll find a range of international venues on your doorstep, including the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottingham Tennis Centre, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the National Ice Centre, and two famous football stadiums, one of them being home to the oldest professional club in England. Love to shop As the home of Sir Paul Smith, we’ve got an enviable reputation in the shopping stakes. Nottingham boasts a huge range of designers and high-street brands, yet it’s the smaller stores that earned the city its national reputation – explore our world of boutiques, book stores, and cafés.

Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/agreatstudentcity to take a look at what the city has to offer.

24

Watch our campus video Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/citycampus to discover NTU’s City Campus, and the accommodation that’s on offer here. Nottingham’s legal history Nottingham is home to the National Justice Museum. Formerly known as The Galleries of Justice, this popular tourist destination covers the history of crime and punishment in Britain. The museum is housed in the 18th-century Shire Hall, and contains a Victorian courtroom, gaol and police station. While it closed as a court in 1986, there had been one on the site since at least 1375. It’s no surprise there’s a connection to another of Nottingham’s famous exports: the legend of Robin Hood. For centuries, the location served as a base for the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham.

Naasira Punjoo Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) “Nottingham as a city is really great, there are many places to visit and it is a very diverse city. For example, there are so many international cuisines you can try, and always different events happening in the city or on campus.”

25

Fantastic facilities

Nottingham Law School is based at the University’s City Campus. It’s a vibrant environment, with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The majority of teaching takes place in the Chaucer building, where you’ll study in our modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

Law Library As well as the main University library, you will also have access to a separate resource that contains journals, textbooks, practitioner texts, reports and legislation. Authentic courtrooms We have a suite of wood-panelled courtrooms. One is set up as a civil court, and the others are full criminal courts – complete with judge’s bench, dock and witness stand, plus seating for the jury, barristers, solicitors, press and the public. You’ll use our courtrooms to practise your skills and techniques in a professional environment. Mooting rooms We recognise the importance of mooting for your future employability. This is reflected in our facilities, and we offer purpose-built mooting rooms where you can work on your research and presentation skills.

Kung Yu Teoh LLM Bar Professional Training Course “I am impressed with the mock courtrooms, which look very authentic. They have provided a realistic practice experience during my studies. We have used the courtrooms for our advocacy classes and mooting competitions. The City Campus is very convenient, the library is open 24/7 and when I need a break from studying I can just walk around the city centre or head to the gym, which is just opposite the library.”

Sporting facilities You’ll have access to NTU’s excellent sport and lifestyle facilities, including gyms, squash courts, sports halls and all-weather pitches, as well as almost 50 sports clubs run through our Students’ Union.

Safe and affordable accommodation

All new postgraduate students are guaranteed a place in University allocated accommodation, if the room deposit is paid by the specified date. You’ll be offered a safe, secure and comfortable place to live at a competitive rate. Contracts only cover the academic year, so you won’t have to pay over the summer vacation. Please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/accommodation for further information.

26

27

Your personal and professional development Our multi-award-winning Legal Advice Centre provides students with outstanding pro bono opportunities, giving you the chance to gain practical experience and help the local community. We provide you with the chance to develop your legal skills in a practical context, while fostering the ethos and spirit of pro bono.

Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre Our Legal Advice Centre is a “teaching law firm” regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and has won national awards for its commitment to providing access to justice. We provide free legal advice to members of the community. If selected for the centre, you could work with real clients under the supervision of Legal Advice Centre staff, offering advice on a range of areas, including: • employment rights • business law • housing, property and environmental law • debt and welfare rights • tribunal and court representation. Overseas placements, internships and international pro bono opportunities will also be facilitated by the centre. This work helps to develop new international links in countries with developing economies. There are plenty of other projects for you to get involved with, including our miscarriage of justice and legal literacy schemes. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/probono to find out more.

Free Representation Unit (FRU) and Environmental Law Service We are home to the only Free Representation Unit (FRU) outside of London. The Legal Advice Centre runs in conjunction with the London-based charity FRU, meaning that our students have the opportunity to become ratified FRU volunteers, and represent clients at employment and social security tribunals. We also provide an Environmental Law Service, in conjunction with the Environmental Law Foundation and local law firms. This enables us to assist individuals and community groups in environmental law cases. LEX Student Law Society Many of our students join the hugely popular Law Society, LEX, which organises a host of exciting activities. LEX has been around for as long as the Law School itself, and with over 350 active members, is the most popular society at the University. Mooting We are proud of our strong mooting tradition, and take part in many national and international competitions – these include the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris, created to help student lawyers meet the dispute resolution needs of today’s cross-cultural market. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/mooting for more information. The School has both GDL and LPC mooting societies, enabling our students to develop their mooting skills. As you would expect, our Bar students are also actively involved in mooting competitions.

Our senior supervising solicitor Faye Deverell was named Solicitor of the Year 2017 by Nottinghamshire Law Society, and has helped students to recover over £800,000 for clients.

28

Naomh Gibson Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) “The professional student community in Nottingham has gone over and beyond my expectations, I really couldn’t feel more supported by the community. The Student Support Services are efficient and courteous, and are more than willing to go the extra mile to assist you with a difficult or sensitive issue.”

Visiting professors and faculty We have a number of visiting professors. They come to the School to attend functions, guest lectures, seminars and teaching sessions, and our students benefit greatly from their experience. Our visiting professors include: • Sir Christopher Pitchers, former justice of the Queen’s Bench Division • His Honour John Samuels QC, former circuit judge and Master of the Bench at Lincoln’s Inn • Professor David Higham, solicitor advocate • Professor Mark Mildred, solicitor advocate. Student support Nottingham Law School has the advantage of being based in a compact city centre site, where it benefits from the academic and social support offered by Nottingham Trent University (NTU). As well as day-to-day support from your tutors, we also offer a wide range of services for any specific concerns you may have. We have specialist advisers available in a range of services, including careers, finance, counselling, disabilities and international support. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/studentsupport for more information. Join our community There’s more to us than our excellent courses. We have a thriving community, and you’ll find a host of opportunities and events to participate in that will widen your university experience. Take advantage of all that we offer, and boost your CV at the same time. Watch our video at www.ntu.ac.uk/nls/about and see what it’s like to study at Nottingham Law School.

29

Your passport to a successful career Our dedicated Employability team will provide you with as much guidance and assistance as possible in locating a training contract, pupillage, and graduate career opportunities.

Dedicated Employability team At Nottingham Law School, our dedicated Employability team provides a range of support services, including: • careers seminars dedicated to training contracts, pupillage applications, and interview techniques • workshops delivered by practitioners from regional and national firms, Chambers, and the judiciary • individual presentations by international and regional practices, and Chambers seeking to recruit trainees and pupils • advice on the most appropriate combinations of elective subjects • a mentoring scheme with trainees from local law firms to provide support and guidance and a personal view of what to expect from life in the profession • dedicated careers advisers who will help you review training contracts, pupillages and placements • advice on vacation scheme applications and formulate individual career plans • regular updates about training contracts, pupillage and paralegal opportunities • an interview preparation service, including mock interviews. Mentoring Scheme We have set up a mentoring scheme in conjunction with a number of Nottingham law firms – including Browne Jacobson, Eversheds, Gateley, Geldards and Shoosmiths – to provide support and guidance on gaining a training contract, and what to expect from a career in the legal profession.

Bridge to Practice Scheme We work with professional legal firms to provide a bridge to practice for our LPC students, by delivering a high-impact practical module tailored to the needs of trainees, ensuring that they are client-ready from day one. Students can undertake this as part of the Professional Legal Practice module on our LLM Legal Practice Course. We have worked with a wide range of firms on our Bridge to Practice module, including: • Ashurst • Browne Jacobson • Burges Salmon • Capital One • DWF • Eversheds • Freeth Cartwright • Gateley • Howes Percival • Lewis Silkin • Morrison and Foerster • Osborne Clarke • Paul Hastings • Shoosmiths Amy Theerman Graduate Diploma in Law (Distance Learning) “The Employability team has loads to offer. I have attended the Law Fair, and career workshops with prominent alumni, joined a couple of webinars, and attended one of the Business Leaders lectures. They have also advised me on specific queries about applications.”

30