Staffordshire University Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE/LLB)

Staffordshire University CPE Application Form

About this course

A speedy route for non-Law graduates (and others with appropriate qualifications/experience) to gain a Law qualification, and complete the academic stage of legal training.  On completion of the course, it enables you to progress to the Solicitors' qualifying route, the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or to the Barristers' qualification, the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).    Alternatively the course can provide a valuable Law qualifications in its own right, and is very helpful for those who wish to go into business or careers where a knowledge of the law is needed.

On completion of the course  students are awarded the Graduate Diploma in Law and the LLB (CPE).

Subjects covered are:

Contract
You will study how contracts are made and the different kinds of terms used in contracts.  The subject also looks at the factors which can make contracts invalid and the various remedies available when people break their contracts.

Tort
This subject covers ‘civil’ wrongs for which people require a remedy.  There are many torts, such as negligence (drivers, doctors etc), unsafe premises, trespass, and defamation of character.  Torts are committed every day and it is essential that victims are protected.

Constitutional & Administrative Law
The focus in the first semester is upon Constitutional Law.  We begin by asking what a constitution is, and consider the nature and sources of the UK Constitution.  Fundamental constitutional doctrines, such as Parliamentary Sovereignty and the Separation of Powers, form a crucial component of this module.  Administrative Law is covered in semester two, with a particular focus on police powers, public order and judicial review.

European Union Law
In this module students will explore the institutional structure of the EU, the law-making procedures, and relationship of EU law to national law.  In the second half of the module, students will study 3 important areas of substantive EU Law with the aim of being able to apply legal rules to factual scenarios.

Land Law
This module looks at the rights which can exist in land such as leases, rights of way, mortgages, freehold and leasehold. Land is permanent and so these rights need some degree of permanent protection.  This is achieved by the system of land registration which is considered throughout the module.  Practical issues are considered and the aims are to provide the intellectual stimulus of studying a fascinating area of law and to provide an insight into how land law works in practice.

Equity and Trusts
Equity is one of the great themes of English Law and has influenced the development of, in particular, contract law and property law.  The fundamental idea is to prevent a person from benefitting from their unconscionable conduct.  Equity is examined as a topic on its own and also in relation to the great creation of equity, the trust.  At this point the focus of the module switches from an examination of general ideas to the actual workings of trusts in our society and so this module provides an interesting combination of the theoretical and practical.

Criminal Law
The module begins with a consideration of general elements of liability.  We then move on to focus on specific offences and defences.  The course includes consideration of homicide, the non-fatal offences, criminal damage, theft, burglary, blackmail and a range of defences.  Focus on theoretical issues, such as underlying principles and human rights, is also included.

Employment Law
This features coverage of express and implied contractual terms, statutory minimum rights, wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal.  Discrimination law explores the laws which prohibit discrimination on grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.

In addition, the English Legal System and the use of Legal Sources and Research Skills are studied during the course.

This programme is available in the following modes of study:

• Tuesday and Thursday evenings (18.00-21.00)

Entry requirements

This is normally by application to the Admissions Tutor.  A degree or equivalent is required in most cases.  Students with degrees or equivalent qualifications awarded by an institution which is not in the UK or the Republic of Ireland need to apply to either:

The Law Society, Ipsley Court, Redditch, Worcs  B98 0TD  Tel: 0870 6062555  www.sra.org.uk 
The Bar Standards Board, 289-293 High Holborn, London WC1V 7HZ  Tel: 0207 611 1444  www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Assessment

This is by a three-hour examination in all subjects, except Employment Law, where assessment is by a 5,000 word assignment and Legal Research and Skills by a 3,000 word assignment. 

What next?

Please call 01905 743456 for more information.

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For help applying call 01905 743456