Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00099F
The Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice allows students to complete the practical legal training (PLT) requirements necessary for admission by the Supreme Court of NSW to practise as a lawyer. The UTS PLT program is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) of the Supreme Court of NSW and offers students a university-standard level of teaching, involving interactive exercises such as practice courts, simulated practice transactions and skills training. Career options include lawyer, provided graduates have fulfilled all other academic requirements.
Structure
University law graduates complete three core subjects (18cp), plus 15 weeks of full-time (or equivalent part-time) practical experience (0cp). University law graduates studying this course are given automatic credit recognition for Law Options (6cp). Credit recognition for Law Options (6cp) is not given to students who enter the course after completing the LPAB Diploma in Law. The course can be completed in one session of full-time or one year of part-time study, plus 15 weeks of full-time (or equivalent part-time) approved practical experience. Further information regarding completion requirements is available from the practical experience guidelines and rules. Students who elect to study by distance should refer to the individual subjects with regard to any requirement to attend on-campus intensive block classes.
Subjects
- Legal and professional skills
- Transactional practice
- Litigation and estate practice
- Practical experience
Standard entry requirements
- Recognised bachelor degree or equivalent, or other evidence that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies. Equivalent qualification required is a bachelor degree in law, the Juris Doctor, the LPAB Diploma in Law, or a law qualification from an overseas jurisdiction. Applicants may be eligible to commence their practical legal training (PLT) studies once they have completed all core law subjects and have no more than 2 electives, or 12 credit points of electives, remaining in their primary law qualification. Applicants who wish to commence their PLT prior to the completion of their primary law degree must have the written approval of the LPAB. The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0
- Or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21
- Or AE5: Pass
- Or PTE: 58-64
- Or CAE: 176-184.
Recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW.
Study pathways
University law graduates complete three core subjects (18cp), plus 15 weeks of full-time (or equivalent part-time) practical experience (0cp). University law graduates studying this course are given automatic credit recognition for Law Options (6cp). Credit recognition for Law Options (6cp) is not given to students who enter the course after completing the LPAB Diploma in Law.
Further information
A practical experience work placement is a compulsory and integral component of the course. Practical experience requires students to complete 15 weeks of full-time (or equivalent part-time) practical experience work placement. Students must complete their practical experience work placement within two-and-a-half years of enrolling in Practical Experience. International students must complete their work placement(s) by the end of the session in which they are enrolled in Practical Experience. Further information about the practical experience component of the course can be found at practical legal training program. Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
