You as a learner

The course is at the same level of study as you would encounter when studying at a university, i.e. it is a level 6 qualification (meaning of degree level equivalence). This means that during your course you will need to actively engage in your learning; developing your skills and your ability for independent research. In order to get the most out of your course you will need to develop your own skills as an autonomous learner, actively engaging with others as well as taking responsibility for your own  development. This will help to you to learn far more, at a deeper level, and be able to retain this new knowledge for longer.

Learning will not only take place through working independently but also in a variety of other ways; for example actively engaging in discussion and debate during tutor facilitated sessions online. Your thinking, understanding and perceptions will be challenged as you progress through the course and this should bring about new insights and new skills that you can transfer back to the workplace. 

As part of the learning process you will need to reflect upon your learning and insights. Many professional managers and leaders engage in reflective practice and link this directly to their own professional development. Therefore, you are encouraged to record and reflect upon your learning as you journey onwards. This will reinforce your learning, help you identify specific areas for focus and question, link learning together to maximise its impact and enable you to apply your learning and discovery to your own personal situation. This will also assist you when you evidence how you have met the three years supervised practice element required to qualify as a costs lawyer. 

The first step is to establish a reflective journal and to use this to record your learning and experience. Reflective practice helps you to focus on your goals and establish a personal development plan. During the first and third year of your studies you will receive specific guidance on how to make your personal development plan (PDP) work for you. This plan can also be used to evidence your time in supervised practice to support your application to the CLSB to become a costs lawyer. You should consider the Supervised Practice Handbook to ensure you are aware of the assessment process for supervised practice.

Another key element in ensuring your learning is contextualised and retained is the various assignments, seminars and examinations that will be embedded throughout your course. Whether or not these are directly related to your achieving your qualification, they all provide a focus for your learning, pulling together various threads, and give you a real measure of how you are progressing. Don’t forget these elements in your reflective practice.