This programme has been developed for those who have an interest in legal studies and wish to develop their general knowledge of the basic concepts of law.

The programme is particularly suitable for those whose activities involve them in aspects of law and legislation and also serves as a basis for further professional legal study.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Legal Studies - Part 1

1. An Outline of Legal History
2. The English Legal System
3. Constitutional Law

(A Certificate in Legal Studies is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Diploma in Legal Studies - Part 2

1. The Law of Contract
2. The Law of Tort
3. Criminal Law

(A Diploma in Legal Studies is awarded on completion of Parts 1 & 2)

The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies - Part 3

1. Land Law
2. Public International Law
3. Company Law

(An Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies is awarded on completion of Parts 1, 2, & 3)

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies - Part 4

1. The Law of Evidence
2. The Law of Equity & Trusts
3. Jurisprudence

(A Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies is awarded on completion of Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Also
(An Associate Degree in Legal Studies is awarded on completion of Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Programme Objectives

To provide participants with a working knowledge of the law which will enable them to examine a series of legal situations and comment on them with confidence.

Recommended Course Duration

One year of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
Vocational Diploma.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18. Student Registration Applications will only be accepted from those holding one of the following:

1. A degree or post-graduate qualification
2. One or more GCE ‘A’ level passes (or equivalents)
3. Five GCSEs at Grades A, B or C (or equivalents). One of the GCSE passes must be English
4. A BTEC Higher National Award
5. Any qualification equivalent to one of the above.

The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy for mature students in employment (those over 21 Years of age). It should however be noted that the examinations call for a high standard of written English.

Certification
On successful completion of the examinations students are awarded the ICM Associate Degree in Legal Studies.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text.

The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.