Complete PLT while working full-time

IOLT's 24-week Practical Legal Training course is delivered online, so you can build study around work and family commitments while planning the required 20 days of supervised workplace experience.

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Law graduate completing Practical Legal Training while working full-time

Coursework100% onlineStudy without travelling to campus

Course duration24 weeksPlan study and placement together

Workplace experience20 daysSupervised legal work

CommencementAfter your offerApplications reviewed year-round

Can you complete PLT while working full-time?

Yes. The online format gives you flexibility over where you study, but the course still needs protected study time, assessment planning and a workable plan for the 20 days of supervised legal experience.

The best arrangement depends on your job, commute, family commitments and whether your current work can contribute to the workplace experience requirement.

Coursework: reserve regular study sessions rather than relying on leftover time after work.
Assessments: keep capacity for larger practical tasks and deadlines.
Placement: decide early whether you will use an eligible current role, spread placement days, or complete a block.
Employer: discuss leave, flexibility and supervision before your calendar becomes difficult to change.

Three practical ways to plan the 20 days

The course can fit around full-time work, but the workplace experience still needs an approved structure and suitable supervision.

Use an eligible legal role

If you already perform substantially legal work, ask IOLT whether the duties, supervision and evidence may satisfy the workplace experience requirement.

Spread placement days

Approved placement days may be planned around rostered days off, flexible work arrangements or agreed leave where the workplace can support the arrangement.

Complete a placement block

Annual leave, purchased leave or an employer-approved break may give you a clear block in which to complete approved supervised legal experience.

Online does not mean no timetable

The flexibility comes from online delivery and year-round commencement, not from removing the practical work. A sustainable plan usually starts with your employer and your calendar.

Discuss with your employer

A predictable weekly study routine
Leave or flexibility for workplace experience days
Whether your current legal duties may be eligible
Who could provide suitable legal supervision
Busy periods that may affect assessment planning

Build a routine you can keep for 24 weeks

Small planning decisions at the beginning can stop work, assessment deadlines and placement days from competing with each other later.

Protect recurring study time

Use consistent sessions each week rather than relying on whatever time is left after work.

Plan workplace experience early

Confirm the proposed duties, supervisor and timing before leave periods and work commitments become fixed.

Raise problems early

Bring academic, workplace or timing issues to your IOLT support contact before they become deadline problems.

Working and studying PLT FAQs

The main questions to answer before choosing a start date.

Can I complete IOLT PLT while working full-time?

Yes. The online coursework can be planned around employment, but you still need realistic study time, assessment planning and a way to complete the 20 days of approved workplace experience.

Is the whole course completed from home?

The coursework is delivered online. The separate workplace experience requires approved legal work and suitable supervision, which may be on-site, hybrid or in some cases remote subject to approval.

Can my current job count as workplace experience?

It may be considered if the actual duties are substantially legal, the supervisor is suitable and the arrangement is supported by evidence. IOLT must approve it before you rely on it.

Do I need to reduce my working hours?

Not necessarily. It depends on your work pattern, other commitments, assessment schedule and placement plan. Build a timetable before commencing and discuss any required flexibility with your employer.

Are there final written exams?

IOLT's PLT focuses on practical legal work and applied assessments rather than traditional final written examinations. Check the current assessment requirements supplied with your offer for the tasks that apply to your cohort.

Can placement days be completed in a block?

A block arrangement may be possible where the workplace, duties, supervision and dates are approved. Discuss the proposed structure with IOLT before making leave commitments.

Build a PLT plan around your work

Check your eligibility and workplace experience options before choosing the commencement timing that suits your calendar.

Apply now Check eligibility

General information only. Eligibility, workplace experience and admission requirements depend on your circumstances and can change. Confirm the requirements that apply to you before relying on this page.