University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Professional Legal Practice PgDip

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 12 Months
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Postgraduate Diploma
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Professional Legal Practice PgDip at the University of Aberdeen is designed for aspiring legal professionals seeking to fulfil the requirements of Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) for solicitors in Scotland. You will engage with core legal disciplines essential for practice, including Conveyancing, Private Client, Litigation, and Business Environment and Ethics. This postgraduate diploma provides a robust foundation for your entry into the legal profession, equipping you with the practical knowledge and ethical understanding necessary to navigate complex legal scenarios and build a successful career.

This full-time, on-campus programme is studied over 12 months, structured across two semesters. Your learning experience will involve a blend of interactive seminars, role-playing, and group work, replicating real-life legal practice. You will complete four compulsory courses and then select four electives from a comprehensive list, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests, such as Advanced Civil Litigation, Family Law, or Energy Law. You will graduate with the foundational skills and qualifications needed to progress towards becoming a practising solicitor in Scotland.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice equips students with essential skills for legal careers. The compulsory curriculum covers core areas such as conveyancing, private client matters, litigation, and the business environment with a focus on ethics. Students also have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through a range of optional courses, including advanced civil and criminal litigation, family law, energy law, and negotiation and mediation.

1 Compulsory Courses

Conveyancing Compulsory
Private Client Compulsory
Litigation Compulsory
Business Environment and Ethics Compulsory
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory

2 Optional Courses

Advanced Civil Litigation
Contracts
Corporate Finance and Acquisition
Family Law
Energy Law
Employment Law
Public Administration
Advanced Criminal Litigation
Negotiation and Mediation

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 13,787.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 13,787.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Border Control & Immigration EnforcementCriminal LawEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseFamily & Civil LawIntellectual Property LawIntelligence & InvestigationsInternational & Human Rights LawLegal Aid & Public Interest LawPolice & Public SafetyReal Estate & Property Law

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Brodies LLP

Burnees Paul LLP

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Why Study Professional Legal Practice PgDip at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Professional Legal Practice PgDip at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students on the Diploma can work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Students must provide proof of English proficiency through tests like Duolingo or IELTS, meeting specific score requirements for each section. For example, a Duolingo overall score of 120 is necessary.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue various roles such as Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Compliance Officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

The DPLP satisfies the requirements of Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1) of the professional training programme for solicitors in Scotland. Completion of PEAT 1 is required for entry into the legal profession in Scotland. The Diploma is taught over the academic year, across two semesters and classes take place during business hours between 9.00am and 7.00pm. All students must complete and pass the four core courses: Conveyancing, Private Client, Litigation, Business

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Professional Legal Practice PgDip begins in September each year. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your spot in this important program for aspiring solicitors in Scotland.
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