Course Overview
Course summary
If you want to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) remains a great choice if you have a Qualifying Law Degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law. After graduating from the course, you may qualify as a solicitor through the traditional route of a training contract. You now also have the option to qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination pathway by claiming exemption from SQE1 and substituting qualifying work experience for a training contract – find out more about the benefits of doing a Legal Practice Course and the new route to becoming a solicitor on our Legal Practice Course FAQs page.
Westminster Law School has a well-established reputation for the delivery of solicitors' vocational training and our Legal Practice LLM (which incorporates Stages 1 and 2 of the LPC) equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful 21st-century lawyer.
Top reasons to study with us
- Our highly experienced and approachable lecturers are all solicitors, barristers or experience legal professionals
- Small, interactive group work allows you to benefit from individual guidance and help
- You can choose from a broad range of Stage 2 electives which reflect areas of practice from high-street to city firms
- All sessions are set within a balanced timetable to replicate the tasks undertaken in practice
- You'll have the opportunity to enhance your CV through undertaking real client legal work at our Legal Advice Clinic, working under the supervision of tutors and practising specialist lawyers
- Our mentoring scheme pairs you with mentors working in your area of interest, who can help you develop your professional outlook. Our mentors are predominantly former Westminster LPC students who now work in an area of legal practice
- You'll be supported by our experienced personal tutoring team and wellbeing advisers
- You'll study at our dedicated Westminster Law School premises in the heart of London's West End, in the vicinity of many top employers
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Westminster's LPC assessments meet SRA expectations. They're designed to be realistic and constructive by genuinely testing you and enabling you to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills through a mixture of written examinations and practical assessments. Assessment takes place throughout Stage 1 of the LPC and at the end of Stage 2 electives. Generally, the assessments are 'open book' and you're allowed to use both textbooks and your own written notes. You are timetabled to allow sufficient revision and preparation time for examinations and assessments.
Following successful completion of Stage 1 of the LPC, you'll progress to the Research and Dissertation modules. In the research modules, you'll be introduced to research methods and design, literature reviews, research ethics and analysis. Having identified a suitable area of research pertinent to legal practice, you'll then justify the research project and your proposed methodology and produce your literature review. The final stage is to carry out your research and produce an 8,000-word dissertation. Throughout these stages, you'll be allocated a supervisor to advise on your progress.
- Core Practice Areas of Business Law and Practice, Criminal and Civil Litigation and Property Law and Practice
- Professional Conduct and Regulation, Wills and Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts and Taxation
- Skills – Practical Legal Research, Interviewing and Advising, Writing, Drafting and Advocacy
Private client electives
- Family Law
- Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
- Immigration Law
- Housing Law
- Employment Law
Commercial electives
- Commercial Litigation
- Private Acquisitions
- Entertainment and Media
- Commercial Property
- Commercial Law
- Social Research Methods (2 x 1,000 word assignments)
- 8,000 word Legal Practice dissertation
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The Legal Practice Course is awarded by the University of Westminster and is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All providers of the Legal Practice Course are governed by the rules and regulations as set out by the SRA.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
On graduation, you'll unlock two pathways to qualification – you can go on to do a training contract or the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam (SQE).
Supporting your career
We offer 1-2-1 appointments with careers advisors, advice on your CV and job applications, and mock assessment centres and interviews. We also run a law vacancy jobs bulletin.
Industry links
You'll have access to events and workshops with law firms, alumni, and career professionals to help you to get started in your law career through our Legal Skills Academy.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Mentoring scheme
We run a mentoring scheme which is open to all students on the course. All of our mentors are practising lawyers and many are University of Westminster alumni. We have links to various solicitors firms through our mentoring scheme, eg Lewis Silkin, Russell Cooke and New Media Law.
Work experience
You'll have the opportunity to volunteer in our Student Law Clinic, where you can interview and advise clients in the following area of law: family, housing, employment, immigration and on Windrush compensation claims. You'll be supervised by qualified solicitors and barristers with expertise in the relevant area of law.
Guest speakers
In previous years, guest speakers for students on this course have included:
- Ali Vaziri, Legal Director at Lewis Silkin
- Shaheen Mamun, Solicitor and Head of Finance and Administration at Black Antelope Law, who also sits on the Law Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Solicitor
- Paralegal
- Compliance and Due Diligence Officer
- Asset Manager
- Tax Planning Adviser
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Bindmans
- Duncan Lewis
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Osbornes Law
- Reach PLC
Course Leader
David Stewart
Principal Lecturer
David graduated in law from the University of Durham and then subsequently trained as a teacher at the University of Ulster. He later returned to practice and was admitted as a solicitor in 1993. His principal areas of practice were in family law including care work and in criminal litigation. He joined Westminster Law School in 1998 but has maintained links with practice, working until recently as a consultant in the family law department of a north London firm. He has taught mainly on the Legal Practice course and is the assessments officer for that course.
Our course prepares you to be effective in practice and convincing to employers.
Course Team
- David Stewart - Principal Lecturer
- Caroline Boulby - Lecturer
- Claire Sephton - Senior Lecturer
- Dora Christodoulou - Senior Lecturer
- Susan Collins - Senior Lecturer
- Sarah Dawson - Senior Lecturer
- Pamela Abrams - Senior Lecturer
- Jochim Dymott - Assistant Head of School
- Dr Martin Skirrow - Staff
- Dr Stuart Peck - Lecturer
- Cristina Corallini - Lecturer
- Dagmara Cyprys - Senior Lecturer
Meet the Head of Westminster Law School
Why study this course?
Fantastic central London location
You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled legal, business and cultural resources
Enhance your career prospects
Our course (which incorporates Stages 1 and 2 of the LPC) equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a modern-day lawyer, and enables you to progress onto a training contract or the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam (SQE).
Be supported
You'll benefit from guidance and support from our teaching team, your personal tutor and our wellbeing advisers, and you have the option to take part in our mentoring scheme and be matched with a practising lawyer.
Entry Requirements
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. Students must have covered the following seven law topics: Constitutional and Administrative Law, The Law Contract, Equity and Trusts, EU Law, Land Law (property Law) or Law or Torts. If you have previously studied the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) within the last five years, you may be eligible for exemptions. Due to recent changes to Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) regulations, it is important that you have met SRA education and training requirements for the purpose of the LPC before you enrol on the course.
You can qualify on the LPC route if you are one of the following:
1. You already have a qualifying law degree (QLD) or an exempting law degree (ELD) before 1 September 2021.
2. You had started a QLD or ELD before 1 September 2021.
3. You had accepted an offer for QLD/ELD by 21 September 2021and started the course before 31 December 2021.
4. You deferred a QLD or ELD offer for the academic year 2020/21 and then started your course by 31 August 2022 (inclusive). You will need to keep evidence of your deferral to be accepted onto the LPC.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
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. Students must have covered the following seven law topics: Constitutional and Administrative Law, The Law Contract, Equity and Trusts, EU Law, Land Law (property Law) or Law or Torts. If you have previously studied the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) within the last five years, you may be eligible for exemptions. Due to recent changes to Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) regulations, it is important that you have met SRA education and training requirements for the purpose of the LPC before you enrol on the course.
You can qualify on the LPC route if you are one of the following:
1. You already have a qualifying law degree (QLD) or an exempting law degree (ELD) before 1 September 2021.
2. You had started a QLD or ELD before 1 September 2021.
3. You had accepted an offer for QLD/ELD by 21 September 2021and started the course before 31 December 2021.
4. You deferred a QLD or ELD offer for the academic year 2020/21 and then started your course by 31 August 2022 (inclusive). You will need to keep evidence of your deferral to be accepted onto the LPC.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
More information
What our students say
Jaro Bernart
Legal Practice LLM
The course was very well structured. The materials were logically put together, and sessions tied over nicely to create steady progress and resemble real scenarios. In addition to the University's own materials, external publications were included - that's not something my friends on other LPCs received.
I had an excellent relationship with the lecturers and tutors, and I have fond memories of each of them.
Romela Ramberran
Law
While the course was a bit challenging, the supportive staff and lecturers were always there as guides and mentors.
As the course structure was divided between lectures and small group sessions, it allowed students to interact and work together on questions which helped to foster relationships with peers. The numerous events held both within and outside the Law School also aided in this process.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £14,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.
Our Regent Campus is made up of three locations – 309 Regent Street, Little Titchfield Street and Wells Street, all of which are just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street.
For more details, visit our Little Titchfield Street page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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