The Common Professional Examination (CPE) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL) are conversion courses enabling non-law graduates to undertake the academic stage of training prior to undertaking the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the Bar Vocational Course (BVC). The CPE/PgDL can be studied over a period of either one year (full-time) or two years (part time/distance learning). For exemption purposes, the CPE and PgDL are in effect the same in that both are recognised by The Law Society, the governing body for solicitors, and the General Council of the Bar, the governing body for barristers. The main difference between the two is that the PgDL entitles you to a Diploma in its own right, which can be useful for prospective employers, and some of the PgDLs have modernised the approach taken to the content and delivery of their courses. Successful completion of either course puts you on an equal footing with law graduates. Both courses are monitored by the CPE Board to ensure that standards are maintained. There is no national 'rating' system for CPE/PgDL courses, but there is for LPC courses (monitored by The Law Society). As the course is often a stepping stone to the LPC at the same provider it is worth checking on the rating given to the LPC. How do employers perceive a converter?Many law firms/chambers see non-law graduates as adding value in terms of a broader knowledge base, maturity and commitment. Some firms are looking for students with particular prior expertise such as languages, sciences or business, and many appreciate the general extra value and commitment to a long-term career that non-law graduates have. However, the course is generally not recognised abroad, for those wishing to work overseas (other than through the branch office of a UK firm). About the courseWherever possible the course is given a realistic/practical slant in preparation for the LPC or BVC year. The CPE Board dictates that students are taught and examined on 'the seven foundations of law'. These comprise: - 1. Obligations I (Contract)
- 4. Constitutional and Administrative Law
- 7. Law of the European Union
All courses are also required to demonstrate coverage of an additional area of law, which goes beyond the seven core subjects. This eighth element is covered in a variety of ways depending upon the provider. Examples include business law, evidence, environmental law, and public law. Many providers assess this eighth element by way of an independent research project or mini-dissertation. Within the CPE Board's framework, course providers have the flexibility to individualise their courses in terms of methods of teaching and assessment. At the start of the course students are introduced to the English legal system, legal method, how to get the best out of a law library, sources of reference/materials, IT, research skills, and so on. This period varies from institution to institution but normally lasts between two and four weeks. TeachingAll courses last 36 weeks, in theory. On the full-time course around 30 weeks will be devoted to teaching. Students are supposed to cover 1,645 hoursof study - the equivalent of two year's undergraduate study - in one year. This translates to an intensive workload of approximately 45-50 hours of study per week (though much of this will be accounted for by independent study in preparation for classes and written work). Most courses deliver the programme through the traditional format of lectures and tutorials - though these can come in different guises, such as seminars, workshops, and larger group sessions. There is significant emphasis on independent research and learning. Full-time courses tend to have at least one lecture per subject per week and no less than one tutorial or seminar per fortnight. Most courses assess the programme by a combination of continuous assessment through ongoing courseworks or tests in the core subjects (plus the research project in the additional area of law), and by way of exams. At least 50% of the assessment must be in relation to the exams. Some courses examine on a semesterised basis in January and June though most examine only in June. Skills such as advocacy and drafting are not formally assessed (as these are covered on the LPC/BVC) but some programmes do incorporate elements of these. The distance learning programmes cover the same or similar ground over two years, splitting the exams so that usually three subjects and the research project are covered in one year, and the other four subjects in the other year. Which provider?Over 30 course providers throughout the country offer the CPE/PgDL by different study routes: full-time, part-time, distance learning or via part-time, distance learning or via the Internet. Your own personal circumstances may dictate which mode of study you follow and where you undertake the course. Other factors may also influence your choice: - Some courses offer the programme in conjunction with the LLB undergraduate programme, but others have more 'tailor-made' courses
- Many LPC providers guarantee places to successful CPE/PgDL students and favourable consideration for entry to the BVC
- Some firms specify where you study the LPC. The 'Big Eight' in London have recently limited this to Nottingham, BPP and Oxford
- The course provider's pass rate, reputation in the legal marketplace, facilities, percentage of students who secure a training contract or pupillage, availablity of staff and careers advice
- The rating of the LPC (the BVC courses are not currently rated by the Bar Council)
Financial assistanceMany law firms (especially the City and larger provincial firms) offer sponsorship in the form of payment of fees and maintenance grants for both the CPE/PgDL and LPC years. Check with individual firms as to what they offer - lists of firms that sponsor are available in various sources - The Lawyer and LegalWeek produce up-to-date information in special student editions published twice-yearly. Other forms of financial aid are available in the form of loans, LEA grants and charities. How to applyApplication for entry on to the CPE/PgDL course needs to be made in your final year of undergraduate study. Some of the more popular providers become full quite quickly and cannot consider late applications. Full-time applications should be made via the Central Applications Board (CAB) and part-time and distance learning applications should be addressed to the individual course providers. As soon as you decide that a legal career is for you contact the CAB who will provide guidelines and information including opening and closing dates for course applications. Jean Bunn:Marketing Co-ordinator, Nottingham Law School Nigel Firth:PgDL Course Leader, Nottingham Law School The General Council of the Barwww.barcouncil.org.uk The Law Societywww.lawsociety.org.uk The Lawyerwww.the-lawyer.co.uk Legal Weekwww.legalweek.net Trainee Solicitors' Group113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL Central Applications Board (CAB)PO Box 84, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1YX Tel: 01483 451080 | 
