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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
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Postgraduate Diploma

Programme Code

PLS-PC-BAR

UCAS Code

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.

NON-LAW GRADUATES: Any person who has obtained a degree (other than a degree in law) approved by the Council of Legal Education AND who has satisfactorily completed, or will prior to enrolment at the Institute have satisfactorily completed, a course of legal study approved by the Council of Legal Education.

Applicants for admission to the Institute (except for "recommended students") will be required to sit an Admissions Test and have been admitted as a student of the Inn of Court.

RECOMMENDED STUDENTS
This is a highly restricted category. Details can be obtained from the appropriate professional body or from the Institute.

The following persons may apply for admission as "recommended students" of the Institute:

Any person who has been admitted as a student of the Honorable Society of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland and whom the Inn recommends. Such students shall be admitted only to the course for intending barristers.

PROVIDED that the Council of Legal Education is satisfied as to her/her educational attainments.

The Council of Legal Education may at its discretion limit the number of “recommended students” admitted in any year.

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

2 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

120

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Institute of Professional Legal Studies

School/Department

Institute of Professional Legal Studies

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Law (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

REGULATION INFORMATION

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see 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.

The year-long programme at the Institute is divided into two final parts (Finals Part A - September to December and Finals Part B - January to June) comprising of courses which generally last from one to four weeks. Each course is delivered over a number of morning or afternoon teaching sessions. In turn, teaching sessions are made up of a series of classes such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, mock trials, court visits etc.

Trainees are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the sessions in a course. Absence from any part of a session will be construed as absence from all of that session. It is the responsibility of trainees to ensure they sign the registers of attendance for each class. Other than in exceptional circumstances any trainee who is absent for more than 25% of a course will be referred to the Institute Trainee Progress Committee.

Any trainee who is absent:

(a) for more than eight sessions in Part A and/or
(b) for more than sixteen sessions in Part B
shall be referred to the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee.

Any part-time trainee, or any recommended trainee who is taking the course over a period of more than one calendar year, who is absent

(a) for more than four sessions in Part A of his or her first and/or second academic year or
(b) for more than eight sessions in Part B of his or her first and/or second academic year

shall be referred to the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee.

To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies, trainees must successfully complete all components of courses which make up the programme. In addition, trainees must pass an exit examination at the conclusion of the programme. This examination requires the trainees to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of areas which the trainees had undertaken while at the Institute. The exit examination comprises a written paper and may also comprise an oral exercise.

Trainees whose academic progress gives cause for concern shall be referred to the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee. The Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee shall consist of five members nominated by the Council of Legal Education (Northern Ireland), namely, the Director of the Institute (or nominee), one member of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland, one member of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and two members of the School of Law, having within this membership persons representative of both genders and both communities in Northern Ireland. A quorum for the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee or the Institute Trainee’s Disciplinary Committee shall be three members, one of whom shall be from the School of Law.

Assessment of trainee progress may involve any or all of the following: (a) monitoring of attendance at classes, (b) assessment of tutorial performance, (c) assessment of course work, (d) class tests, (e) oral assessment and (f) formal examinations. Formal examinations are therefore only one part of the assessment process. If an assessment of a trainee’s progress is deemed unsatisfactory that trainee may be referred by the Director to the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee.

All trainees enrolled with the Institute are expected to maintain a professional attitude to their studies at all times, in accordance with the Institute’s Professional Standards Procedures.

In the event of a trainee having been found to have committed an offence under the University’s Academic Offences or Conduct Regulations, and having exhausted all the internal University appeals procedures, the Director reserves the right to notify the Education Committee of the trainee’s professional body and/or the trainee’s master.

Trainees who have been unsuccessful in the main and resit examinations should make application to the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee and their professional body for permission to enrol for examinations of the following year. If permission is granted, enrolment for such examinations shall be upon such terms and conditions (including re-attendance at the course or part thereof) as the Institute Trainees’ Progress Committee may determine.

The pass mark for each course is 50%.

Trainees must obtain a mark of 50% or more in the individual components of assessment within courses.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies is awarded at three levels:

Trainees who achieve an average non-weighted mark of 50% or above, shall be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies.

Trainees who achieve an average non-weighted mark of 70% or above, shall be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies with Commendation, provided none of their marks is below 50%.

Trainees who achieve an average non-weighted mark of 80% or above, shall be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies with Distinction, provided none of their marks is below 50%.

The Institute regulations are available within the Trainee Handbook which is provided to each trainee at the beginning of the course. It is the trainee’s responsibility to familiarise him/herself with the content of the handbook.

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
IPLS trainees, both Solicitor and Bar, are subject to the Fitness to Practice Procedures of the University

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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 & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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;
An understanding of the principles of good practice management;

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 Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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 Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

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

 

 

 

 

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%

Notes

The 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