National firm Beachcroft Wansbroughs has teamed up with the University of the West of England to launch what they claim is the first jointly sponsored postgraduate diploma in commercial property.

The diploma, which also counts towards a Masters degree at the university, has been created by the firm to boost its property practice group.


The diploma can be completed by solicitors during the first four years after they have qualified and consists of six two-day courses, plus a written and an oral assessment. Seven lawyers have just been awarded the diploma, with another 15 expected to finish shortly. A further 31 candidates have recently commenced the programme.


Michael Bothamley, head of the group, said: 'It is important that our lawyers combine commercial skills with their legal expertise. The diploma gives them a practical understanding of the commercial marketplace, as well as covering the variety of legal considerations in a transaction.'


Meanwhile, the firm's partners have voted to convert to a limited liability partnership and change the name to Beachcroft on 30 April 2006.