Applying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice

Applications for the 2025/26 session opens on 21 March 2025.

The application process is very different to UCAS admission to the degree. Each year we issue a guidance note to help Diploma applicants understand the process and additional factors to consider when deciding to do the Diploma, such as employability statistics, funding arrangements and available places

Criteria for admission

The basic criterion for admission at each Diploma provider is grades obtained in those modules designed to meet the Law Society of Scotland’s foundation programme outcomes. These modules map to outcomes that are universally required regardless of which university you study at. However the individual modules that are required can differ in name at each university. You should check with your LLB university law school to confirm what the correct subjects are.  

Criterion for admission is decided by each individual Diploma provider but will include:

• A GPA of your results in the core modules outlined by your LLB university 

 You will have a choice of 2 providers and Diploma providers will take your preference into account when making offers.

How to apply

The allocation of places on Diploma courses is administered by the individual providers, and any specific questions in relation to a particular provider should be addressed to that university. You will have the opportunity to do so at the Virtual Diploma Fair on Wednesday, 19 March. 

If you wish to apply for the Diploma, you need to complete an application, found online for each Diploma provider. This year applicants can apply to up to two Diploma providers. Applicants should complete the application form and submit it to the providers they are applying to. Some providers will also require applicants to complete an online application (information can be found on the providers websites).

When completing your Diploma application you will be asked to select list the Diploma providers you are applying to by order of preference.

Please note, Diploma providers will take your preference into account when making offers.

Should you receive more than one offer, you must select only one offer to accept and decline the other. Should you accept more than one offer, your acceptances will be deemed invalid and you will be removed from the Diploma application process for this academic session.

Please ensure you complete the form carefully and if there are any special circumstances in relation to your application, ensure you detail this in the appropriate section of the form.

Application process timeline 2025

Application period

21 March: Applications for the Diploma open 

9 May: Applications for the Diploma close at 12 noon

Round 1 offers 

9 July: Applicants will be notified whether they have been offered a place by one of their chosen Diploma providers.

16 July: Deadline for acceptance of Round 1 offers

Applicants not receiving an offer of a place in Round 1 will need to wait until the round 2 offers to see whether they are offered a place by one of their chosen Diploma providers. 

Round 2 offers

23 July: Deadline for Round 2 offers to be made to successful applicants

28 July: Deadline for acceptance of Round 2 offers

Round 3 offers

4 August: Deadline for Round 3 offers to be made to successful applicants

6 August: Deadline for acceptance of Round 3 offers

Please note that Diploma providers may set individual, bespoke deadlines for any subsequent rounds (eg Round Four onwards). All of the deadlines are by 12 noon of that date.