DPLP - Professional Legal Practice (PgDip)
Introduction
The DPLP is a practical transaction-based learning programme that aims to prepare suitably qualified graduates for legal practice in Scotland. Building on our strong links with the legal profession, we see the Diploma as the crucial bridge from your law degree to the world of practice.
How to Apply:
Please visit our Law School DPLP webpage for full application details.
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 Environment and Ethics, and the reflective diary exercises in semester one before progressing to the elective courses in semester two. The course starts in September with a comprehensive induction programme focusing on skill based exercises including negotiation, interviewing and team working.
In the second semester 4 elective courses are chosen from a comprehensive list (please see course information), enabling you to tailor your study to your interests and needs. Detailed information on the elective courses is provided in November prior to selecting courses.
Across the two semesters the transaction based learning approach enables you to build on your knowledge and skills week by week. The course content is centred around a number of different activities including interactive seminars, role play and group work. The programme structure and exercises seek to replicate real life legal practice to ensure your transition into the working world is as seamlessly as possible.
What You'll Study
For detailed information about the compulsory and elective courses please see below.
- Degree Content
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Degree Content : Compulsory Courses
Every candidate shall be required to attend and obtain passes in the following courses:
- Conveyancing (LS50DA)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: registration of title system in general and specific aspects of registration of title in particular; the steps involved in selected types of conveyancing transaction; particular issues raised by specific types of conveyancing transaction; selected aspects of leases and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of conveyancing. Key conveyancing skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Private Client (LS50DB)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: taking instructions for a will; drafting testamentary documentation; practical issues concerning intestacy; executry administration; trusts; incapacity; investment and tax planning advice; and related matters including tax, ethical, practice management and client care aspects of Private Client. Key Private Client skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting and transaction based research.
- Litigation (LS50DC)
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15 Credit Points
The course will introduce both Criminal and Civil Litigation and will cover: the Criminal Legal Aid scheme, the rules of criminal procedure and appeal routes, the conducts of pleas in mitigation, intermediate diets and trials, the funding of civil procedure, the ocncepts of specification and relevance in civil procedure, Court of Session procedure and processes, actions competent in the sheriff court and appeal routes, client interviews, drafting pleadings, the conduct of an options hearing and a proof, settlement issues and related matters including client care aspects of litigation. Key litigation skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, advocacy, and transaction-based research.
- Business Environment and Ethics (LS50DE)
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15 Credit Points
The course is divided into two parts. Part 1 will cover: business structures and investment; a group exercise involves the set-up of a virtual law firm and construction of key business and practice policies; management of time and risk capability; company accounts analysis; loan finance; financial advice and tax implications; financial services. An Investment Game runs throughout the first part of the course where each student manages a share portfolio. Part 2 will cover ethical issues in the client relationship; confidentiality and conflict; and duties and discipline. Key skills such as communication with clients, team working, drafting are covered.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Degree Content : Optional Courses
Every candidate shall be required to attend and obtain a pass in four of the following elective courses:
- Advanced Civil Litigation (LS55DA)
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15 Credit Points
The course will build on the knowledge and experience students gained from the core Litigation course. The course will cover: the conduct of 2 case scenarios which will involve preparation and conduct of both a debate and a proof; client interviews; precognition taking; preparation of different types of civil pleadings; students will practice by role play the skills required to prepare and conduct civil cases in the sheriff court; summary cause and small claims procedures.
- Contracts (LS55DB)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: contractual drafting; contracts of sale; consumer contracts; Heads of Terms and offers; common law and implied terms; Share Purchase Agreement and Boilerplate clauses: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006; intellectual property; warranties and indemnities; Bribery Act 2010; assignation, assignment, novation and variations; exiting commercial contracts. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, analysing key risk areas in relation to technical and legal matters, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Corporate Finance and Acquisition (LS55DC)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: a role play scenario where students will work in groups acting for the purchaser and seller throughout the key stages of an acquisition transaction; drafting preliminary documentation; creation of a company as an acquisition vehicle; financial aspects of the deal; diligence and disclosure; the Share Purchase Agreement; the completion process including a mock completion meeting and post completion matters. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Family Law (LS55DE)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: taking part in role play scenarios relating to disputes involving divorce, cohabitation and parental rights; taking instructions in a family law dispute; writing positional letters; drafting appropriate court documentation; negotiations which involve the parties and solicitors; interim interdict hearing; and child welfare hearing. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, client care, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Energy Law (LS55DF)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover: the oil and gas licensing regime; the broader context within which the oil and gas industry operates; Joint Operating Agreements; exclusivity agreements; Joint Bidding Agreements; exclusion/indemnity clauses and risk allocation; access to infrastructure; renewable and planning issues; servitudes; health & safety and the environment qualifying disclosures and protected disclosures; the legal framework concerning decommissioning; the role of the media with particular reference to the Brent Spar incident; regulatory issues and responsibilities in the event of an oil rig disaster. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Employment Law (LS55DG)
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15 Credit Points
Employment Law: Tribunal Practice and Procedure
The course will cover preparing and representing clients at Employment tribunals, and to develop advocacy and communication skills in dealing with and representing clients involved in employment disputes. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients; client and witness interviews; advocacy skills; drafting, negotiation, and transaction based research.
- Public Administration (LS55DH)
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15 Credit Points
The course will cover an overview of the institutions of Public Law; an examination of planning law; issues dealing with education, housing and social work; an examination of Equality and Human Rights law. The course will include a themed case study (e.g. Gypsy Travellers) which will be reviewed throughout the duration of the course. Key skills will also be covered such as communication with clients, drafting, negotiation, advocacy skills and transaction based research.
- Advanced Criminal Litigation (LS55DJ)
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15 Credit Points
The course will build on the knowledge and experience students gained from the core Litigation course. The course will cover: the conduct of specific cases which will involve the preparation and conduct of a trial and an appeal: client interviews; witness statements and examining witnesses; preparation of different types of criminal pleadings and appeals. Students will practice by role play the skills required to prepare and conduct criminal cases in the sheriff court:
The course will provide opportunities to enhance skills in the preparation, management and delivery of Criminal cases and to develop key advocacy skills.
- Negotiation and Mediation (LS55DM)
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15 Credit Points
The course will develop knowledge and skills in both theory and practice on aspects of negotiation and mediation. The course will cover preparation for both a negotiation and a mediation and students will have the opportunity to conduct formative negotiations and mediations during the course.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- All Students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £10,200
Funding Opportunities
The Vikram Reddy Memorial Scholarship offers £1,000 in total for one year, either as a maintenance award or as a contribution towards tuition fees.
The scholarship is open to applicants holding an offer of admission for a campus-based, full-time Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLC) starting in September 2026. Applicants must be permanently domiciled in the UK and classified by the University as Home or Rest of UK for tuition fee purposes. Application deadline is August 9th 2026.
Scholarships
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
As a programme of professional study and performance the learning and teaching methods employed ensure active engagement with 'real life ' tasks and professional issues within a secure and supportive, yet challenging environment. Transaction based learning is at the centre of learning and teaching on the Diploma. Each course has been designed to include scenarios which mirror situations that students are likely to encounter as trainees. The teaching approach is to coach rather than to provide direct instruction. Throughout the Diploma a variety of teaching and learning methods are used which have been chosen as the most appropriate to achieve the relevant learning outcome. The majority of classes will take the form of small group seminars. 'Learning by doing' is key to acquiring professional skills. Much of the learning on the DPLP centres around student preparation which usually involves preparing material related to a scenario designed to mirror a real life situation.
- Role play exercises are used to allow students to develop and practice key professional skills such as interviewing a client or taking part in a criminal trial.
- Courses are designed to encourage interactive discussions and presentations.
- Podcasts are used to promote flexibility in teaching.
- This is a practical programme with opportunities to engage with relevant institutions/bodies.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
- There are no written exams on the DPLP course at Aberdeen.
- Assessment is on a combination of written summative assignments, skills based oral assignments and online tests.
- Assessment submission dates are staggered throughout the week to encourage time managements skills.
- Actors are used as mock clients to give students a wide and realistic experience in interviewing clients.
- In Criminal Litigation students participate in presenting pleas in mitigation and conducting criminal trials.
Why Study DPLP - Professional Legal Practice?
- The DPLP programme prepares you fully for legal practice in Scotland.
- In order to practice in Scotland you will need to gain a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.
- Aberdeen School of Law provides you with a Diploma using strong links with the legal profession and ensuring you are a 'fit for purpose' legal trainee from day one.
- We have a strong collegiate working environment which enables you to learn, share and bond quickly.
- Your teaching is complemented by presentations from the law profession with valuable real world insights.
- The course is structured to develop your skills and knowledge continuously, with practical exercises and role playing cementing this learning.
- Role play in a collegiate environment helps you develop your style and approach across core competencies whilst learning from peers.
- At Aberdeen you can benefit from our expertise in specialist areas such as Dispute Resolution and Energy Law.
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
A degree in law from a Scottish university or other institution recognised for this purpose by the Senatus Academicus on the recommendation of the Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate) which includes passes in the Law Society of Scotland's professional subjects or equivalent.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Graduates from the University of Aberdeen must have passes in the following:
- Legal System
- Criminal Law
- Foundations of Private Law
- Contract
- UK Constitutional Law
- Delict and Unjustified Enrichment
- EU Institutions & Law
- The Law of Property
- Family Law
- Commercial Organisations & Insolvency
- Succession and Trusts
- Administrative Law and Civil Liberties
- Introduction to Legal Theory
- Evidence
- Commercial and Consumer Contracts
Less recent graduates of the University of Aberdeen, graduates of other institutions and those who have taken the Law Society of Scotland Exams as a pre-Diploma trainee, should produce evidence of passes in equivalent areas.
Admission will be based on and take consideration of:
- Overall class of undergraduate degree
- Marks obtained in the Law Society's professional subjects at first sitting
- Overall number of subjects not achieved at undergraduate level
- Any other qualifications (undergraduate and/or postgraduate)
- Special circumstances
- Possession of a traineeship
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
Diploma graduates from the University of Aberdeen have been successful in securing traineeships in a range of organisations including the GLSS, local authorities and a wide range of UK firms.
University of Aberdeen Graduates are highly sought after. Throughout the year we welcome speakers from a range of law firms who want to meet and engage with students seeking traineeships. The Careers and Employability Service holds an annual law fair, where law firms and employers provide information about their traineeships and employment opportunities.
The University Careers and Employability Service has a dedicated Law Careers Advisers who is happy to help you make career plans and decisions, find traineeships and placements and provide feedback on applications and CVs. The Advisers can also assist with preparing and practising for interviews, psychometric tests and assessment centres.
We also run a very successful Career Mentoring programme which selectively pairs student applicants with a suitable mentor who will meet informally with them throughout the year, to offer guidance and advice. This programme supports several evening receptions hosted by firms which provide a valuable opportunity for students to mix informally with members of the profession.
Career Opportunities
- Lawyer
Professional Links
We have strong links with the legal profession within Aberdeen and more widely. Many of our additional learning activities are taught by practising lawyers, enabling you to learn first hand about the realities of legal practice.
There is a very active Law Society at the University of Aberdeen that has dedicated DPLP representatives who oversee a very full and varied social and sporting calendar.
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Solomon Nwaulikpe Obulor
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
While studying the DPLP you may have the opportunity to take part in various competitions. In April 2024, Law Diploma students Ailsa Gardyne and Callum Leeson won a prestigious legal competition, Brown Mosten ICCC, beating off international students from 21 countries. In recent years, a team of DPLP students participated as mediators in the 2022 United Kingdom Student Mediation Competition (UKSMC) and in 2021 another team won the Scottish National DPLP Negotiation Competition.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX