Programme Specification
PgDip Professional Legal Studies - Barrister
Academic Year 2022/23
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 processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | PgDip Professional Legal Studies - Barrister | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Postgraduate Diploma | |||||||||||
Programme Code | PLS-PC-BAR | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100692 - Legal practice - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Part Time or Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Part Time - 2 Academic Years Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 120 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Institute of Professional Legal Studies |
School/Department |
Institute of Professional Legal Studies |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Law (2015) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. |
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) Yes |
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, negotiation, mediation and by clinical placement. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, coursework, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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, advocacy and skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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, advocacy and skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based 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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placement. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placement. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placements. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placement. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based 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 skills based 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, negotiation and mediation competitions and by clinical placement. Methods of Assessment These skills are assessed through written examinations, course work, practical exercises, assessed exercises, assessment of advocacy and skills based exercises, assessment of trainees’ peer evaluations and clinical placement report. |
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 as part of the Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation and Public Law and Tribunal modules and throughout the course 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 Human Rights law and its pervasive application in this jurisdiction; |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Trainees’ acquisition of knowledge in these areas is achieved in particular in the Bar Advocacy module and throughout the course 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 in particular in the Bar Advocacy module and throughout the course and 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 and skills based 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 and skills based exercises and role play. Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy and skills based 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 Trainees are given the opportunity in the Advocacy module to consider Proessionalism including Ethics. The Advocacy module is an integral part of the course 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 and skills based 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, skills based exercises and role-play of interviews. The Advocacy module is an integral part of the course. 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 and skills based 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 and skills based 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 Business course, Private Client and Public Law and Tribunals modules Methods of Assessment Assessment of these skills is included in a combination of written examinations, practical exercises, assessed exercises, advocacy and skills based 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
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Civil Litigation | PLS8103 | 7 | 17 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 20% | 0% | 80% |
Private Client | PLS8109 | 7 | 6 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 20% | 0% | 80% |
Public Law and Tribunals | PLS8110 | 7 | 11 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Business Law and Practice | PLS8120 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 15% | 0% | 85% |
Bar Conveyancing and Property Litigation | PLS8102 | 7 | 6 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Bar Advocacy | PLS8099 | 7 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 25% | 75% | 0% |
Bar Placement | PLS8060 | 7 | 0 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Family Law and Procedure | PLS8097 | 7 | 6 | YES | -- | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Criminal Litigation | PLS8095 | 7 | 11 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 20% | 0% | 80% |
Bar Skills | PLS8100 | 7 | 8 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Bar Exit | PLS8019 | 7 | 0 | -- | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 0% | 50% | 50% |
Notes
No notes found.