Frequently Asked Questions

Q: To whom do I return the completed IPDP application form?

A:  The College of Law handles registrations and payment/ administration matters for the programme.  Once you have legibly completed all the questions on the application form it should be returned along with payment directly to the College of Law at the following address:
International Practice Diploma Programme
The College of Law of England and Wales
Braboeuf Manor
Portsmouth Road
St. Catherine’s
Guildford
Surrey
GU3 1HA
Tel - +44 (0) 1483 460 200
Fax - +44 (0) 1483 460 306

Please not that if you wish to apply for a scholarship, you must complete and file two separate forms – (i) a scholarship application form and (ii) an IPDP application form.  While the IPDP application form is sent to the College of Law, the separate scholarship application form should be sent to Sibylle Duell at the IBA. More information on applying for a scholarship is given below.

Q: How many hours a week do I need to devote to successfully complete a module in this programme?

A: The IPDP modules have been designed for 26 weeks of study.  Most participants find 5 to 10 hours per week of study sufficient. It is, however, very much down to each individual to decide how much time he / she can commit to study for the module.

Q: Do I need to be in London at any point to participate in this programme?

A: There is no need to be in London at any point during this programme.  All modules are designed entirely using distance-based learning tools.  All materials, including study materials and examinations / assessments are provided to you by mail or e-mail.  

Q: How many assessments / exams will I need to complete as part of the programme?

A: After ten weeks of study of each module a formative assessment is offered.  The formative assessment is not compulsory but will be marked by College of Law tutors and returned to you with comments to help you prepare for the written summative assessment at the end of the module. On passing the summative assessment you will be awarded a Practice Diploma in that subject area. All assessments are written and must be answered in English. All study materials are also in English.
Please note that if you have been awarded a scholarship or wish to receive CLE / CPD points through the Law Society of England and Wales, the completion of the formative assessment is compulsory.

Q: I’m concerned that the course materials will not reach me if they are sent by mail.  What do you suggest?

A: If you live abroad, the module fee includes postage of the study packs(s) by Air Parcel which normally takes at least seven working days after despatch to arrive in Europe and ten working days for delivery to the USA. If you would prefer your materials to be sent to a non-UK address via an international courier service, please add £40 per module (a space for this option is included in the application form). Courier service requires a street address and not a PO Box. Please note that the study pack is bulky and delivery may require signature.

Q: Does completion of an IPDP module give me any practice rights?

A: The award of an International Practice Diploma does not give practice rights in any jurisdiction to the successful applicant, although CLE/CPD points may be available (see question below). If an individual wishes to practice in any particular jurisdiction he / she must conform with such admission regulations as may be issued by the relevant regulatory authorities in the jurisdiction concerned.

Q: Can I receive CLE/CPD points for successfully completing a module?

A: The programme is accredited by The Law Society of England and Wales. Solicitors in England and Wales may claim up to 75% of their CPD requirement and up to 12 hours for each year in which a Diploma is undertaken if the individual completes both the formative and summative written examinations. The number of CLE/CPD points/hours available may vary for other Bar Associations and Law Societies depending on their specific criteria.  While many Bar Associations and Law Societies do recognise CLE/CPD accreditation by the Law Society of England and Wales, it is your responsibility to check with your relevant association, society or authority as to whether the Law Society of England and Wales accreditation will be recognised in your jurisdiction.

Q: What is the IELTS system?

A: IPDP modules have been written with the expectation that you have a minimum standard of English language competence broadly equivalent to Band Score 7.00 - or above - on the IELTS (International Language Testing System). 
Band 7 standard consists of operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. An individual at this level generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
When enrolling in the IPDP, it is not necessary for you to prove that you have this level of competence, but by signing the application form you confirm that you are comfortable with written English at this level (there is a statement to this effect on the application form). Further information on the IELTS can be obtained from your local British Council office.

Q: Can I take more than one module at a time?

A: While we do not generally restrict the number of modules in which you may enrol at any one time, we encourage you to successfully complete a single module before enrolling for multiple modules.
Please note that if you are applying for a scholarship, scholarships are awarded per module and subsequent scholarship awards are based on your successful completion of the previous module.
 
Q: Do I need to be an IBA member to enrol in the IPDP?

A: You do not need to be a member of the IBA to enrol on this programme although the IBA would, of course, welcome your interest in membership. For further information on IBA membership please contact the IBA at:
International Bar Association
10th Floor, 1 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1AT
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 207 691 6868
Fax: +44 (0) 207 691 6544
E-mail: member@int-bar.org

Scholarship Programme

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a scholarship?

A: At the present time, all IPDP scholarships are provided by the IBA Educational Trust.  The following criteria are taken into account by the Educational Trust in determining whether to award a scholarship:

• You must be 35 years old or under at the time the module begins;
• You must be admitted to legal practice;
• You must be sufficiently fluent in English to complete the coursework, including the written assignments;
• If membership in your national / local bar association or law society is required, you must be a member in good standing.
• You must show evidence of inability to pay for the module yourself (financial need);
• You must be a national resident in one of the countries listed: Alternatively please CLICK HERE to view the chart

Q: How do I apply for a scholarship?

A: Once you have determined that you are eligible you should download the scholarship application form from this website or, if you are unable to do so, contact Sibylle Duell at the IBA to have one sent to you. In order to be considered for a scholarship, the scholarship application form must be legibly completed in full and returned with two reference letters and any other supporting documentation you feel will assist your application to: 
Ms Sibylle Duell
International Bar Association
10th Floor, 1 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1AT
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 207 691 6868
Fax: +44 (0) 207 691 6544
E-mail: ipdp@int-bar.org  

When you have been awarded a scholarship, you will receive a letter of confirmation from the IBA which will provide you with a scholarship number. This number must be entered in the payment part of the IPDP module application form (please note that the scholarship application form and the IPDP module application form are two separate forms) which you should then return to the College of Law with the remainder of the payment due. A full scholarship covers 85 per cent of the cost of the module including the courier fee.

Please note that a scholarship award does not necessarily guarantee that an applicant will be accepted onto the IPDP or any particular IPDP module.