Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies - Barrister
Academic Year 2017/18
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies - Barrister |
Final Award |
Postgraduate Diploma |
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Programme Code |
PLS-PC-BAR |
UCAS Code |
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JACS Code |
M250 (DESCR) 100 |
Criteria for Admissions LAW GRADUATES: Any person who has obtained, or who will prior to enrolment at the Institute have obtained, a degree in Law recognised by the Council of Legal Education. |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Part Time |
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Type of Programme |
Postgraduate |
Length of Programme |
2 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
120 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Institute of Professional Legal Studies |
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School/Department |
Institute of Professional Legal Studies |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Law (2015) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations Yes. Marking scheme exempt. Distinction – 80%, Commendation – 70%, Pass – 50% |
Programme Specific Regulations The course leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies is an intensive vocational training course, is studied full-time over a one-year period, leading to admission to the legal profession. Bar trainees study for one academic year before completing a year’s practical experience in the form of a Bar pupillage. A limited number of Bar trainees may be allowed to take the course over a period of two years. |
Students with protected characteristics No barriers to access or progression for any protected group |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
To provide trainees with a critical awareness and a systematic understanding of the law and procedures involved in the main areas of practice encountered in this jurisdiction.
To provide trainees with the knowledge and understanding required to operate at the forefront of legal practice in this jurisdiction
To provide trainees with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the outworking of professional ethics informing these areas of practice
To equip trainees so that they can understand and critically evaluate the documents commonly encountered in these areas of practice.
To enable trainees to deal with complex issues, carry out effective research and communicate effectively both in writing and orally.
To enable trainees to evaluate and develop appropriate practical methodologies and utilize these in their careers in the legal profession.
To provide trainees with the opportunity to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies which is a necessary component of qualifying as a barrister in this jurisdiction.
To equip trainees with the skills necessary to sustain future professional development.
To fully prepare and equip trainees for the first three years in practice as barristers.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate information; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Show sound judgement based on accurate and informed research distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant factual and legal information; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Apply appropriate and self-acquired legal knowledge to practical legal problems; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Utilise current relevant methodologies and techniques appropriate to advocates acting in a number of different courts and tribunals; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Analyse cases in criminal and civil litigation in an informed and focused manner and develop appropriate strategies to handle the material issues identified; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Evaluate and critique a variety of opposing jurisprudential methodologies; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Comprehend and critically evaluate the documents commonly encountered in the areas of practice studied and make appropriate modifications to tailor documents to deal with specific fact situations; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Communicate in a coherent and relevant manner which Identifies and fulfils clients’ legitimate needs and expectations. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Utilize appropriate and constructive self and peer appraisal methodologies. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ intellectual skills are developed generally through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, workshops, advocacy and negotiation exercises, mock trials, role play, independent preparation for tutorials and practical exercises, problem solving scenarios, trainee presentations, trainee and tutor-led discussions. Further opportunities for the development of intellectual skills are offered by oral and written feedback to individual trainees on written work, draft legal documents and oral presentation, one-to-one reviews of recorded advocacy exercises, the opportunity to participate in national and/or international mooting, client counselling and negotiation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement reports. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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A critical awareness and systematic understanding of the law and procedures involved in the main areas of practice encountered in this jurisdiction; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ acquisition of knowledge in these areas is achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical exercises, mock trials, role play, structured visits to the courts and various other legal agencies, independent study and preparation, and through ongoing contact with legal practitioners. Methods of Assessment Trainees’ knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises and class tests. |
A full appreciation of the structure of and methodologies applied in the various Courts and Tribunals in Northern Ireland; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ acquisition of knowledge in these areas is achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical exercises, mock trials, role play, structured visits to the courts and various other legal agencies, independent study and preparation, and through ongoing contact with legal practitioners. Methods of Assessment Trainees’ knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises and class tests. |
A practical comprehension of EU and Human Rights law and their pervasive application in this jurisdiction; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ acquisition of knowledge in these areas is achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical exercises, mock trials, role play, structured visits to the courts and various other legal agencies, independent study and preparation, and through ongoing contact with legal practitioners. Methods of Assessment Trainees’ knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises and class tests. |
An enshrined knowledge of and respect for the professional ethics required for practice as a barrister. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ acquisition of knowledge in these areas is achieved through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical exercises, mock trials, role play, structured visits to the courts and various other legal agencies, independent study and preparation, and through ongoing contact with legal practitioners. Methods of Assessment Trainees’ knowledge and understanding are assessed through written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises and class tests. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Provide insightful solutions to legal and practical problems; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The development of these transferable skills is integral to the delivery of the course as a whole. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility and the ability to work effectively in a team; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Oral communication skills are developed through presentations to and discussion in tutorials, workshops and practical exercises as well as by advocacy exercises and role play. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Demonstrate the ability to act autonomously and resourcefully in planning and implementing tasks in a manner appropriate to a professional; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies While the drafting course particularly concentrates on written communication skills they are also an integral part of the majority of courses at the Institute. These skills are developed by the provision of feedback on written work prepared by the trainees. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Opportunities for further development of oral skills are provided by mooting competitions, negotiation exercises and role-play of interviews. Course work, assessed exercises and case preparation facilitates the development of personal skills and time management. In particular aspects of the course the trainees are enabled to reflect, comment on and discuss elements of their own and others’ performances. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Comprehend appropriate issues relevant to finance and matters of numeracy and the effective application of accounting and mathematical principles. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Problem solving and team work skills are developed through case preparation and through problem based and other exercises which require collaboration amongst teams of trainees. Opportunities for the development of information technology skills are provided in training seminars and the accessing of on-line information is integrated into general course provision. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Comprehend appropriate issues relevant to finance and matters of numeracy and the effective application of accounting and mathematical principles. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Numeracy is developed in the Revenue, Accounts and Tribunals courses. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy assessments and course work. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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N/A |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies N/A Methods of Assessment N/A |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
|
Assessment |
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|
|
S1 |
S2 |
|
|
Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Civil Procedure - High Court |
PLS8003 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Practical Evidence - Bar |
PLS8008 |
7 |
3 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Bar Advocacy 1 |
PLS8012 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Bar Advocacy 3 |
PLS8013 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Bar Exit Exam |
PLS8019 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Chancery |
PLS8044 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Wills |
PLS8045 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Bar Conveyancing |
PLS8046 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Accounts |
PLS8049 |
7 |
3 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Revenue |
PLS8050 |
7 |
3 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
County Court - Consumer |
PLS8051 |
7 |
7 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Advocacy/Pleading - Bar |
PLS8054 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Legal Writing and Drafting |
PLS8055 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Consultation/Client Care |
PLS8056 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
Bar Placement |
PLS8060 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Negotiation - Bar |
PLS8061 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Practice Issues - Bar |
PLS8062 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
CAB Placement |
PLS8015 |
7 |
10 |
YES |
4 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Judge Shadowing |
PLS8016 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
4 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Legal Aid |
PLS8017 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Legal Research - Bar |
PLS8058 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Advanced Company Law (elective) |
PLS8073 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Coronial and Forensic (Elective) |
PLS8074 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Company Law and Partnership |
PLS8076 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Insolvency |
PLS8077 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Full Trial Programme |
PLS8078 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
|
|
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Interdisciplinary Training |
PLS8081 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Bar Advocacy 2 |
PLS8082 |
7 |
2 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
|
|
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
PACE in Practice (elective) |
PLS8084 |
7 |
1 |
YES |
1 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Bar Mondays Part 1 |
PLS8087 |
7 |
7 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Bar Master Shadowing |
PLS8088 |
7 |
4 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
100% |
0% |
||
Family Law and Procedure |
PLS8097 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
2 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Criminal Litigation |
PLS8095 |
7 |
12 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
Tribunals and Public Law Part 1 |
PLS8096 |
7 |
3 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Tribunals and Public Law Part 2 |
PLS8098 |
7 |
5 |
YES |
3 weeks |
N |
YES |
0% |
0% |
100% |
||
NotesThe length of our courses at IPLS does not fit in with the duration (in weeks) in the stages and modules section of the programme specification on QSIS. Some of our modules are very short and last for a morning or afternoon session and some less than one week. As the system does not allow for zero to be entered one week has been put in for these courses as well as those which do last one week |