How long is the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law at LSLPE?

The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law runs 12 to 15 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. All three modes complete the same case-file portfolio for the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law.

How is the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law delivered?

The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law is delivered on-campus in London, online and by distance learning. Every mode uses weekly case-room seminars and mock court advocacy exercises.

Is the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law UK-recognised?

Yes, the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law is a UK Level 5 award aligned with Bar Standards Board, SRA and CILEX criminal practice standards.

What are the entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law?

The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law expects a relevant Level 4 Diploma, Foundation Year, or two years of criminal law, policing or CPS experience. Case-file portfolios strengthen an application.

What does the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law cost and is funding available?

The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law is quoted on the LSLPE fees page with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation. Admissions issues a personalised funding letter on request.

Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law at LSLPE is a UK Level 5 senior-track qualification running 12 to 15 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes. The programme is aligned with Bar Standards Board expectations on criminal advocacy, Solicitors Regulation Authority guidance on criminal litigation competencies, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives criminal practice benchmarks and Crown Prosecution Service graduate scheme expectations. It carries credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up programmes.

By graduation you will have prepared a Newton hearing brief, drafted a Section 78 exclusion application, argued a mock plea and directions hearing and completed a portfolio of case files on either-way and indictable offences.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with BSB criminal advocacy standards, SRA criminal litigation competencies and CILEX criminal benchmarks.
Case-room seminars using Court of Appeal Criminal Division judgments and CPS legal guidance.
Advocacy sessions in a magistrates' court and Crown Court format.
Case-file preparation workshops using CPS-style bundles.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up programmes confirmed in writing at enrolment.

What You Will Learn

Substantive criminal law including offences against the person, property offences and sexual offences.
General defences including self-defence, duress and necessity.
Mens rea, actus reus and inchoate offences.
Criminal procedure from charge to trial under the Criminal Procedure Rules.
Evidence including hearsay, bad character and Section 78 PACE exclusion.
Sentencing under the Sentencing Code and the Sentencing Council guidelines.
Appeals to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Youth justice and diversion.

Who This Course Is For

Paralegals and legal executives moving into complex criminal case work.
Police officers and CPS caseworkers taking a senior credential.
Aspiring pupil barristers targeting the criminal Bar.
Aspiring solicitors preparing for the SQE criminal practice assessment.
International lawyers advising on UK criminal proceedings.

Career Pathways

Public Prosecutor at the CPS
Criminal defence Solicitor
Criminal Barrister
Legal Executive with a criminal practice
Paralegal in a criminal firm
Legal Adviser in a magistrates' court
Compliance Officer with a financial crime remit
Legal Analyst on criminal justice policy

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year connecting Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law students with the CPS, criminal defence firms and criminal chambers in Temple.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience in criminal law, policing or CPS case work.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
One academic or professional reference.
Applicants with case-file or advocacy portfolios are encouraged to include them.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE is the specialist law, politics and economics division of Harold International College of London, teaching in small tutor-visible cohorts within a short tube ride of the Royal Courts of Justice, the Old Bailey and the criminal chambers of Temple. The Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law reads its subject through the case files, CPS guidance and Court of Appeal judgments that shape English criminal practice.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Advanced Diploma without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum annually against Bar Standards Board and SRA guidance. The programme is a strong foundation for the SQE criminal practice assessment and for pupillage at the criminal Bar.

Apply for Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law

Applications for the Advanced Diploma in Criminal Law open with rolling intakes and admissions responds within one working day. Enrol on a UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma at LSLPE with credit transfer into Bachelor top-ups confirmed in writing at enrolment, and take a credentialed UK step into senior criminal practice. Enrol Now