Diploma in Local Government Law and Practice
The Diploma in Local Government Law and Practice is a one-year self-study course that can help:
- improve your knowledge of local government law and practice
- demonstrate your commitment to the field
- your career progression to more senior posts
Eligibility
There’s a limited number of places on the diploma course each year.
To enroll on the course, you must be a solicitor, trainee solicitor, chartered legal executive or barrister working in:
- a local authority
- a similar agency or authority
- a law firm with sufficient local government law experience
To be awarded the diploma, you must:
- complete three written projects
- pass the final examination
- have at least two years’ experience in local government law, either within a local authority or in a law firm carrying out local government work
How to apply
Applications for the 2025/26 intake close on Monday 22 September 2025.
Read the guidance
Before you begin your application, you must read the diploma prospectus (PDF 406 KB).
Complete the application form
Complete the application form (Word 176 KB).
Pay the course fee
Once we’ve confirmed your place, you will receive enrollment instructions and an invoice.
Course structure
The course is made up of two parts:
Three written projects
All project titles are released at the start of the programme (Wednesday 1 October 2025).
Projects can be submitted on a rolling basis at your own pace.
Feedback on your projects is provided within four weeks of submission.
The final deadline for all submissions is Friday 27 March 2026.
We strongly encourage candidates to spread their submissions across the programme rather than leaving all three to the end.
For example: from October to December, January to February, and February to March.
Final examination
The online exam is on Monday 13 July 2026.
The exam tests the breadth of local government law and practice, drawing on issues covered in both the projects and wider course materials.
When you enroll, we’ll send you detailed guidance to help you prepare and manage your submissions.
Cost
| Fee type | Fee (without VAT) | VAT | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee and examination | £1,895 | £379 | £2,274.00 |
|
Project/examination deferment fee (one year) |
£113 | £23.28 | £136.28 |
| Examination re-sit fee | £103 | £20.60 | £123.60 |
| Project re-sit fee | £103 | £20.60 | £123.60 |
| Extension fee |
£103 | £20.60 | £123.60 |
If you do not have local authority funding, you can apply to the Local Government Legal Society Trust Fund for a bursary. The fund will not meet the full cost of the course.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the diploma, contact us.
Call: 020 7320 5660
Email: lgd@lawsociety.org.uk
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Apply for the course
Apply for the Local Government Diploma 2025/26
The deadline to submit your application is Monday 22 September 2025.