Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Laws Legal Practice , Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome. I am the Course Director for the Postgraduate Professional Programmes, including the LLM Legal Practice Course. This Course Handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. It lets you know what you can expect from the course; what is expected of you; the Solicitors Regulation Authority's requirements for the course; the various student support services; and the formal and informal methods by which any matters of student concern can be raised and settled to everyone's satisfaction. Please read this handbook carefully so that you are familiar with its contents. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
In addition, you will find at Appendix 1 to this Handbook a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) sheet which provides lots of detailed information about the course and answers to the questions that students typically ask. Reading this will give you a deeper insight into the LPC. This FAQs sheet is designed as your first point of reference if you have a query about the course.
The course team believes that we provide a challenging and demanding course that equips students for their training contracts and future careers. We also have strong links with the local legal profession including our Professional Mentor Scheme, which is available to each student.
You will find that your course is predominantly concerned with the application of law to practical situations. Many students think that this is an isolated course and that they can almost dismiss their previous studies and start from scratch but you should remember that your previous academic studies are applied in a different way in a practical setting. Don't forget what you have learned previously - you will use the knowledge and skills obtained from your academic stage on your journey to qualification as a solicitor.
I hope that your time with us will be rewarding and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Good luck!
Yvonne Flynn
Welcome to the 2023/24 academic year at Leeds Law School.
We sit in the heart of Leeds, the most important legal centre outside London, and are proud to be part of Leeds Beckett University, a thriving university that puts students first and provides access to many great opportunities. This year we move into our new Law School Building in Broadcasting Place. This will provide academics and students alike with a great sense of home and will mean you will be studying in the most modern law school in the country.
Leeds Beckett University, through its founding colleges, has been teaching law since 1924 and this academic year is particularly special as it marks our centenary. Over the last 100 years we have trained many thousands of lawyers and our alumni have reached the highest levels of legal, academic and business practice. We have alumni who are judges, solicitors, barristers (and King's Counsel), professors and senior academics, managing directors, managing partners and chief executives, and I am committed to helping all Leeds Law School students achieve similar success. Many of our past students return each year as professional mentors, guest lecturers and prize sponsors.
During your studies, you will be taught by an academic team consisting of legal experts and experienced practitioners who shape our teaching programmes with their knowledge and expertise. Our academics also undertake diverse and cutting-edge research across a wide range of specialisms; their work has a positive impact upon society and ensures the content of our courses is at the forefront of legal education.
Our excellent links to legal practice see many prominent figures delivering guest lectures throughout the year, providing opportunities for you to network and hear speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Our 'Law in Practice' lecture series allows you to gain insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice throughout your studies.
As well as supporting your academic development, we want to ensure we give you the necessary skills and experience to progress in your career of choice, boosting your employment prospects and allowing you to challenge yourself, both within and beyond your course. As such, we provide opportunities for you to participate in various extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that are tailored to your ambitions. These include mooting, insight days, networking events and trips to legal London. Our exclusive partnership with Support Through Court and our own Law Clinic will give you unparalleled opportunities to get authentic legal work experience. This personalisation continues in our approach to teaching, learning and assessment.
We maintain excellent relationships with local law firms and non-law organisations and the Law School hosts numerous employment enrichment activities each year, allowing you the valuable opportunity to cultivate relationships with professional contacts from the legal sector and beyond. I would encourage you to take advantage of each and every one of these opportunities, broadening your experience and building lifelong friendships and networks along the way.
At Leeds Law School, we pride ourselves on developing and improving the experience we offer to our students via feedback gathered through surveys, module evaluations and student course reps. If you need help or advice at any point throughout your student journey, our Academic Advisors and Course Administrators will be on hand to support and guide you.
I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year with us; please don't hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help you in any way.
With very best wishes,
Professor Deveral Capps
Dean of Leeds Law School
D.Capps@LeedsBeckett.ac.uk
Deveral Capps, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
To be confirmed at welcome / induction.
Email: LPC@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 8124672 (LPC Course Administrator)
Course Representatives will be elected as part of the course induction.
The Academic Librarians for this course are Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Maria Simões and Jennie Winterburn
Please contact them at: llslibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please ensure that in any email correspondence you include your student ID and the name of your course. To save time you might want to include these details in an automated e-signature.
Please inform your Course Administrator whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course CalendarCourse Overview
The aims of the programme are to:
- meet the Legal Practice Course Outcomes set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority;
- prepare students for work-based learning;
- provide a general foundation for practice in the solicitors' profession;
- enable students to understand and explore concepts of professionalism and the demands of professional practice; and
- give students the opportunity to undertake a piece of research.
On completion of the course, students should be able to commence or continue a period of work-based training with the necessary underpinning skills and knowledge which can then be enhanced and consolidated throughout the period of training and on into general practice.
Students successfully completing the LLM Legal Practice will achieve a LLM award as well as the vocational qualification of the LPC.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
1) Demonstrate and apply research skills appropriately in the context of complex law and legal practice
2) Critically analyse the client's needs and/or objectives, advise the client on the means of achieving those objectives and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the choices available
3) Apply intellectual transferable legal skills as a means of achieving the client's objectives in a range of complex client transactions
4) Demonstrate a deep understanding of the rules of professional conduct with reference to their impact and the capability to apply them in the relevant context
5) Demonstrate critical knowledge and the ability to apply skills specified in the Solicitors Regulation Authority's Legal Practice Course Outcomes, including the ability to integrate and synthesise knowledge and skills in the relevant areas of practice
6) Demonstrate the qualities of the reflective practitioner through ongoing critical evaluation of their learning
7) Demonstrate a critical, ethical, and reflective approach to the responsibilities of a legal professional, and its relation to making complex professional judgements in practice
8) Demonstrate originality in the use of knowledge and the application of theory and techniques through the production of a significant piece of high-level independent scholarship addressing a question in the field of lawThe Level Learning Outcomes are the same as the Course Learning Outcomes.
Assessment & Feedback
On this course students will be assessed by a varied diet of assessments which are matched to the learning outcomes and are primarily transactional in nature. Those deployed are designed to be rigorous, realistic and test the ability to analyse and apply knowledge. They include examinations, practical skills assessments, multiple choice testing and written assignments. The Independent Legal Research Project is an independent study module, which will require the production of a research project of 12,000 words.
Please refer to the LPC course calendar for details of the assessment dates and assessment periods for this course, which sit outside of the standard university academic calendar.
The calendar may be subject to change. You must ensure that you regularly check your individual online timetable and MyBeckett announcements for up-to-date assessment information.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, late submission of assessed work will be treated as a non-submission.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin
Provisional marks on assessed work will usually be released within four working weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. You are encouraged to contact the Module Tutors to make an appointment for individual feedback following a failed summative assessment.
Results from module assessments and decisions on awards are available within within five working days after the date of the Joint Module and Award Board meeting on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
There are three annual Joint Module and Award Boards, usually held in April, July and November. If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
You will receive LPC Transcripts for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Transcripts will be sent to you following the successful completion of each stage. The Transcript sets out your uncapped marks for each subject as well as the number of attempts taken.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt (or at a second attempt unless it is the Independent Legal Research Project) you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, a written or oral examination, when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Unlike other courses resitting students on this course are NOT required to retake an assessment at the next assessment opportunity. It is therefore vital that you check Results Online so that you are aware of your deadline(s) for any re-assessment(s). If you do not comply with a deadline, you will lose an attempt at that assessment.
If you are intending to re-sit an assessment you are required to give written notice to the Course Administrator (LPC@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) of your intention to do so. Notice should be given no later than three weeks before the date of the assessment. If you need to retake an assessment the general position is that you will not be permitted to attend workshops unless you pay to do so. The following support will, however, be available to you:
1. The Module Leader of the relevant subject will advise you about recent changes in the law of which you should be aware;
2. If a formative assessment is available, you may sit this and receive feedback. It is for you to arrange this with the Module Tutor;
3. You may arrange with the Module Tutor ONE feedback appointment for which you should come prepared with a series of questions/matters to be discussed with the tutor.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Prior to and during workshops, and in reflecting upon and consolidating your learning, you will be required to:
Each workshop is supported by written course materials and online learning resources which can be accessed remotely via the University's virtual learning environment (MyBeckett).
No large group sessions will be delivered on the Legal Practice Course. Podcasts will be used to cover more complicated areas of law and issues.
The course (both full-time and part-time modes) will commence with an induction session, which will emphasise to you the professional nature of the course and how the course prepares you for work-based learning and for practice.
You will be provided with a course calendar and workshop timetable at the start of the course.
The LLM Legal Practice may be studied one year full-time or over two years part-time. The Solicitors Regulation Authority prescribes the content of the LPC component in two stages which may be delivered as a combined programme. The requirements for each stage are as follows:
Level 7
At Level 7 you will study a number of core modules that address Stage 1 and three optional modules that comprise Stage 2 of the LPC.
Stage 1 (110 credits, including Core Practice Areas - CPA)
Business Law and Practice (BLP) (15 credits) (CPA)
Litigation - Civil and Criminal (30 credits) (CPA)
Property Law and Practice (PLP) (15 credits) (CPA)
Professional Conduct and Regulation 5 credits)
Solicitors Accounts (5 credits)
Wills and Administration of Estates (10 credits)
Taxation (5 credits)
Skills (each worth 5 credits):
- Advocacy
- Drafting
- Interviewing and Advising
- Practical Legal Research
- Writing
Stage 2 (30 credits - each elective module is worth 10 credits)
Commercial Law and Practice
Commercial Leases
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Employment Law and Practice
Family Law and Practice
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
Private Acquisitions
Independent Legal Research Project (40 credits)
Research project of 12,000 words
The range of vocational electives provides you with a choice of contentious and non-contentious practice areas which all complement and build on the concepts studied in the Core Practice Areas.
In relation to the part-time LPC, Stages 1 and 2 are combined so that at the conclusion of the two-year period of study you will have demonstrated the learning outcomes for both stages.Overall Workload for the Course | |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 264 hours |
Independent Study | 1536 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the Leeds Law School Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) sets the standards for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. This LLM Legal Practice comprises the Legal Practice Course (the LPC) (140 credits) and a dissertation element (40 credits). The LPC is part of the vocational stage of training for those who wish to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales and must be undertaken after the academic stage of training (a Qualifying Law Degree or Graduate Diploma in Law).
A new qualification route, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, was introduced on 1 September 2021. There is a period of transition during which the current route to qualification, including the LPC, remains. Student eligibility to follow the LPC route is subject to the provisions of the SRA, and all applicants are responsible for ensuring they satisfy the SRA requirements for study and qualification via the LPC route - https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/legal-practice-course-route/transitional-arrangements/.
The LPC can be studied full-time or part-time with an authorised LPC provider. Leeds Beckett University is an authorised provider, and this LLM Legal Practice is recognised by the SRA. The aim of the LPC is to prepare students for work-based learning and to provide a general foundation of practice. The LPC comprises two stages: Stage 1 comprises the core practice areas and skills; Stage 2 includes three vocational electives. The vocational stage of training also includes completion of a period of recognised training with an authorised training provider as well as completion of the Professionals Skills Course with an authorised education provider. Students progress through Stages 1 and 2 and receive legal research teaching and supervision in support of their final Independent Legal Research project (dissertation).
There is a strict attendance policy on the course as prescribed by the SRA. If a student's attendance falls below a certain level they may not be permitted to undertake an assessment(s). In addition, the SRA prescribes that students must complete LPC Stage 1 and LPC Stage 2 within five years from the date of the first LPC assessment they attempt.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Team-working, independent learning, development of practical legal skills, employability skills and an understanding of professionalism.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
This course is part of the vocational stage of training and its aim is to prepare you for work-based learning and to provide a general foundation of legal practice
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Each workshop is supported by written course materials and online learning resources which can be accessed remotely via the University's virtual learning environment, MyBeckett. You will be provided with free access to online LPC textbooks in the form of e-books on Oxford Learning Link. Where the LPC manual for a module is not available on Oxford Learning Link, hard copies will be provided. Full details are provided on MyBeckett in the module materials / reading lists.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, with 180 credit points at Level 7 of the Higher Education Credit Framework for England.
The length and mode of delivery of the course is confirmed below:
- 1 year (full-time, campus-based or online blended learning)
- 2 years (part-time, campus-based or online blended learning)
Part-time delivery takes place over two evenings per week. Part-time students will choose one elective module during their first year of study and the remaining two electives during their second year of study. Part-time students commence the Independent Legal Research Project towards the end of their first year of study.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The Course Assessment Regulations are set out in Appendix 2 to this Handbook, and these relate specifically to your course. These cover issues such as assessments, the fit to sit policy and award requirements amongst a range of other issues. You should familiarise yourself with the regulations.
There is a strict attendance policy on the course. Attendance and punctuality at workshops are compulsory. This is prescribed by the SRA. If you are unable to attend a workshop, due to illness or some other good reason, you must email the Module Tutor and the Course Administrator (LPC@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) to inform them and explain your absence. It is your responsibility to ensure that you catch up on any work that you miss.
Please also refer to the Course Assessment Regulations for the effect of non-attendance which specify that if a student's attendance falls below a certain level students may not be permitted to undertake an assessment(s).
You are expected to take responsibility for your learning and to engage fully in the course. As a minimum you must attend all workshops; engage with learning resources; participate in all learning activities; and submit all assessments as stipulated in your module and course information, meeting all deadlines required of you.
Unsatisfactory academic engagement, such as poor/late attendance and/or lack of engagement, will trigger certain actions and may ultimately lead to your withdrawal from the course or not being permitted to undertake assessments. It is, however, understood that there may be good reason why you cannot attend a workshop or engage in your studies for a short time so please contact your Academic Advisor/Course Director as there is a range of support to help you to re-engage when a problem is identified.The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The External Examiners for your course are:
Ashley Lowerson, Assistant Professor, Northumbria University, Chief Postgraduate External Examiner
Gay Wilder, Senior Lecturer, City Law School, City University London
Stephan Ford, BPP University
Dr Alex Nicholson, University of Leeds
Appendices
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