The UCU Diploma in Law Programme (DIL)

The goal of the Diploma in Law (DIL) programme is to train students into appreciating the basic understanding of the law with a view of enhancing their knowledge in the basic foundations of the law that can help them easily navigate through paralegal work as well as various areas of legal support work both in private and public law, inclusive of judicial offices.

The Diploma in Law (DIL) programme is designed to address the concerns of academic ability, employability, professional ethics and complete personal development of the students as reflected in: academic ability; professional ethics; employability; and personal development.

By the end of the Diploma in Law (DIL) program, a learner is expected to demonstrate the following competencies as we seek to produce a holistic professional with: cognitive abilities; necessary personal and inter-personal skills; positive attitude; and personal/spiritual development.

The target group for the Diploma in Law (DIL) programme are non-lawyers in the public and private sector and those that have completed A-Level including, intending paralegals, bailiffs, auctioneers and clerks who wish to get an introduction and firm grounding in the principles and practices of law in Uganda and beyond. 

The duration of the Diploma in Law (DIL) programme is two (2) academic years divided into four (4) semesters of full-time study including, internship.  Each academic year consists of two (2) semesters.

In accordance with the University’s admissions policy on diversity while determining merit for admission, the requirements for students intending to pursue the Diploma in Law (DIL) programme include: Direct Entry/A Level Entrants Scheme; Mature Age Entry Scheme; Higher Education Certificate (HEC); Degree Entry; and any Post O-level Certificate recognized by National Council in consultation with Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) as equivalent to Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education.

The course units which will be offered by Diploma in Law (DIL) programme students are categorised into core and elective. Core courses which are essential to the programme and are offered in the first three semesters and some in the fourth semester of study will be done by all students who have registered for the DIL. The elective courses which are mainly meant to broaden the knowledge and also allow for specialization will be on offer at the preference of the students in the fourth semester of study. It is important to note that every student admitted to Uganda Christian University (UCU) including, Diploma in Law (DIL) programme students are expected to study some general Foundational Core Courses (FGC) aimed at grounding and enlightening students on the core values of Uganda Christian University

The learning cycle for Diploma in Law (DIL) programme courses is listed below.