External summary

It also offers a flexible route to further postgraduate study as successful students can choose to transfer credits gained to one of our LLM programmes.

This certificate provides a flexible way for legal professionals, policymakers and practitioners in the private and public sectors to develop the confidence and study/research skills upon which further study in law, or a relevant career, can be built. It also offers a flexible route to further postgraduate study as successful students can choose to transfer credits gained to one of our LLM programmes.

The programme enables you to engage with a range of subject areas within the discipline, which may include:

• Commercial law
• Information technology law
• Intellectual property law
• Medical law

Educational aims of programme

The PG Certificate in Law enables the student to engage with a range of subject areas within the discipline.

The programme aims to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of specific areas of law, which may include commercial law, information technology law, intellectual property law, medical law, and innovation and competition law.

The broad educational aims are to promote critical and evaluative skills; to generate independence of thought; to foster a sound understanding of legal issues; and to offer insight into the ethical, social and theoretical contexts within which legal issues occur. 

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

The detailed knowledge acquired by students will vary depending on the modules they choose.

The module subjects are intended to equip students with an advanced knowledge of substantive law, and of its place and role within a domestic, regional and international context, laying a foundation for a specialised dissertation.

Each module will aim to foster the acquisition of advanced level knowledge of the key concepts, theories and debates in its particular area, placing that knowledge in an interdisciplinary, comparative, social, philosophical and/or historical perspective.

By the end of their studies for this degree, students will have acquired a high level of knowledge in the fields that interest them, a sophisticated awareness of the problems in the area and of the differing approaches to their solution.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

By the end of the programme the students will develop:

• the capacity to engage with and participate in the existing debates in their chosen areas of study;

• the ability to select and deploy appropriate research techniques with a view to developing their own arguments and reaching conclusions that constitute a contribution to the current debates;

• the ability to critique other authors’ contribution to the scholarly debate and suggest alternative approaches.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

By the end of the programme students will have acquired:

• the ability to independently assess the relevance and importance of primary and secondary sources and to construct alternative interpretations and views based on the student’s own understanding and argument;

• the capacity of discerning, without continuous supervision, the appropriate research techniques and methods most suitable to the legal standards and policy approaches that are relevant in specific contexts and cases and of suggesting solutions to a given problem;

• the ability to question current legal rules and to critique the outcomes of specific cases with a view to assessing their effectiveness to a given objective;
• an ability to adapt and apply a broad range of analytical tools to new situations.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

By the end of the programme the students will:

• be able to summarise and communicate information and ideas effectively in written form;

• have developed their ability to present research and scholarly work relating to their own and foreign legal cultures;

• be able to utilise a variety of IT and e-communications resources.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

By the end of the programme, students will have the ability to:

• work independently, seeking relevant advice and support when necessary;

• participate effectively in online discussions;
• work constructively as a member of an online community;
• work effectively under fixed deadlines.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

By the end of the programme the students will:

Programme structure and features

The full-time option for the PG Certificate is a 12-month programme commencing in mid-September annually. Students have the option of completing:

• three modules (60 credit points) over two semesters (completing one module in one semester, and two modules in the other semester)

Part-time studies are possible over 20 months, for students wishing to commence studies in September. Students have the option of completing:

• three modules (60 credit points) over three semesters (completing one module in each semester)

PG Certificate students may select modules from the full selection of eLLM modules available (see degree programme table for full details of module options).

There are no compulsory courses for the PG Certificate.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 23 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)

If you completed a CAE or CPE before January 2015 please contact the Admissions Office for the accepted grades.

Approach to teaching and learning

The PG Certificate will be delivered via the Law School’s online learning environment, eScript. Students log into eScript to access their modules and all associated materials, engage with tutors and fellow students in online discussion, and link to library and other online resources.

Each module is structured into ten week-long teaching sessions, each of which will normally require 10-15 hours of reading and research, and online participation.

Students are expected to prepare for sessions in advance by reading materials and works suggested. The vast majority of materials are available either within eScript, or through the Edinburgh University library’s online resources and publicly available Internet resources. During preparation, students will be required to reflect on reading, and prepare for the online sessions.

Each session will comprise a variety of activities. These could include (combinations of) any of the following: questions, answers (or partial answers) to which may be posted on eScript; multiple choice questions; responses to legislative developments; data and opinion gathering, e.g. for use in an assignment; debates; assignments; master classes (access to expert); collaboration (encourage free exchange of information followed by a summary); student ‘brainstorming’ / generation of ideas and problem solving.

Members of staff will encourage and direct participation as the success in creating an effective learning community depends on student participation. While students will be responsible for their own learning, it will be for the academic staff to facilitate that learning within the eScript environment.

Modules are assessed through one essay, 5000 words (60%), one or two pieces of assessed coursework (20%), and student contribution to weekly discussion (20%). Requirements for all module assessment will be outlined to students within the individual modules at the start of each semester.

Degree Programme Table:

COURSE OPTIONS
This DPT has 5 set(s) of course options with the following rules.

Overarching rule collection group: A
Select a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from these collections:

Select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 40 credits from the following list of courses, as available

Notes:Please note that a maximum of 40 credits (two modules) may be selected from any one of groups A, B, C or D.

AND

Overarching rule collection group: B
Select a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from these collections:

Select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 40 credits from the following list of courses, as available

Notes:Please note that a maximum of 40 credits (two modules) may be selected from any one of groups A, B, C or D. Each of these groups includes a set of modules belonging to a particular subject area:

AND

Overarching rule collection group: C
Select a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from these collections:

Select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 40 credits from the following list of courses, as available

Notes:Please note that a maximum of 40 credits (two modules) may be selected from any one of groups A, B, C or D. Each of these groups includes a set of modules belonging to a particular subject area:

AND

Overarching rule collection group: D
Select a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from these collections:

Select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 40 credits from the following list of courses, as available

Notes:Please note that a maximum of 40 credits (two modules) may be selected from any one of groups A, B, C or D. Each of these groups includes a set of modules belonging to a particular subject area:

AND

Overarching rule collection group: E
Select a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 20 credits from these collections:

Select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 20 credits from the following list of courses, as available

Notes: A maximum of 20 credits (one module) can be taken from the group E modules in this programme.
**Please note that a course from this collection can only be taken with the approval of your Programme Director.**

The modules listed above refer to the modules scheduled for the 2016/17 academic year and may change. The available choice of modules in any given year may change.

Exit awards / progression

Award of the PG Certificate will be decided, in line with University Taught Postgraduate Assessment Regulations and other guidance, by a Board of Examiners administered in the School of Law and composed of staff teaching on the degree.

Specifically, the normal conditions for awards are as follows:

Candidates must:

Successful Certificate students may progress to one of the eLLM programmes, as long as they have attained an average of 50% or higher in the Certificate.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and learning methods

Our distance learning programmes are delivered via eSCRIPT - our flexible online learning environment developed by the University. eSCRIPT is accessible from any computer via the internet. A fast connection is an advantage, but students do not need any special equipment, applications or plug-ins.

Learning and teaching within eSCRIPT happen 'asynchronously' and the classroom is accessible 24/7. This means that students have the flexibility to log in at any time and study at times and in places convenient to them.

In a typical week on our distance learning programmes, students will be expected to:

Extensive and authoritative learning materials are provided within eScript. These are highly up-to-date and topical, and generally relate directly to academics’ fields of research activity.

Online discussion is central to our distance learning programmes, but we regularly offer a variety of other learning activities to accommodate and reinforce different learning styles. Examples include: multiple-choice quizzes; voting in an online debate; annotating short sections of text; role play activities; and more.

Our academic tutors are all experts in the fields they are teaching. They have the in-depth knowledge and understanding of their discipline, but they are also experienced teachers - in the online environment and on campus.

Students will meet tutors regularly in eSCRIPT, where they will be stimulating discussion, answering questions, offering feedback, and helping to weave individual contributions into coherent new directions. Sometimes their role may actually mean staying out of the discussion - to allow space for students to develop their own ideas.

From time to time, we also involve specialist guest tutors, who come in alongside the regular tutors to lead a focused discussion on a particular topic.

Facilities

Online distance learning students are accorded with full rights as students of the University of Edinburgh, which grants access to a vast range of online resources - amongst the most common legal databases used during the programme would be LexisNexis, Westlaw and HeinOnline.

Certain courses on the programme are accompanied by a text book which is provided to students as part of their programme fee.

Students have access to a range of learning resources, specially developed to meet the needs of those entering our programmes without any background in legal study, or those who may be returning to legal study after a prolonged break. These specialist support materials will extend and refresh students’ knowledge and understanding of the Western legal tradition. They also provide a firm foundation for students to develop essential skills in legal research methods and resources.

An extensive resource bank of podcast lectures in relevant subject areas is also maintained, specifically for students.

Assessment methods and strategies

To successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Law by online distance learning students are required to complete:

Modules offered within the programme follow a consistent assessment structure. Each module has a requirement to write an essay (60%); participate in online discussion and activities (20%); and complete a coursework assignment (20%).

This structure offers students a variety of assessment forms, and assignments tailored to the specific learning outcomes of each module. Students can pursue relevant research interests they may bring to the programme, with the facility to devise their own essay title in agreement with their tutor.

Students provide feedback on global programme matters and on each specific module they take, at the end of every semester they are on-programme. This feedback is used to monitor the effectiveness of our teaching, learning and assessment strategies, and to develop innovative new methods.

Synoptic paper

PG Certificate students have the option of substituting one taught module with a synoptic paper of 7,500 words, weighted at 20 credits.

The purpose of the synoptic paper is to allow students to design and conduct a supervised piece of research and analysis, and a more extensive writing project. 

The paper will overview of an area of law, akin to a primary and secondary literature review, associated with the learning outcomes achieved during the Certificate programme as a whole. Students will also have scope to draw on their professional experience and context.

Each student will be assigned a supervisor for this piece of work.

Supervision will be structured around four key online or internet meetings with a supervisor, to agree:

• title

• structure

• first full draft

• final draft.

Career opportunities

One of the key strengths of the online distance learning programmes is the diversity of the student cohort. Students join from all over the world, and they bring a wide range of professional experience. The programme is an opportunity to engage with each other as well as with the subject matter, and to learn about the practical application of the law in different jurisdictions as well as debate the fundamental principles and theories.

The majority of our students are mid-career, and they often work across international boundaries. Many will already be established in their career, but wish to use the programme to consolidate skills and knowledge accumulated over time.

Graduates of our online distance learning programmes progress to a range of careers in law and related legal fields, including work in local and international firms, government legal departments, other public institutions, international organisations and in academia. The programmes are also an ideal platform for advanced research.

For some graduates, successful completion of the programme will lead to a promotion within their current positions. Others aim to develop a new professional direction altogether. The programme aims to support students in whichever outcome they aspire to, through developing their knowledge and understanding of the law, but also through acquiring transferable skills and, not least, the experience of engaging with leading academics in the field and with fellow students.

Successful Certificate students may progress to one of the eLLM programmes, as long as they have attained an average of 50% or higher in the Certificate.

The profile of online distance learning students, and their needs for career guidance, are recognised by the University careers service, which offers information resources relevant to international and non-Law careers, and the opportunity to arrange individual consultations with students who are based remotely.

Other items

Programme Director: Professor Graeme Laurie (T: 0131 650 2020; E: graeme.laurie@ed.ac.uk)