Coventry University is launching a new postgraduate certificate in sports law.

The one-year programme will run for the first time from October 2010, and will be delivered at Coventry University's new London campus located in East India House in the City of London.

The course, which will cost around £3,000, is open to anyone with an LLB or GDL qualification or to non-legally qualified individuals with significant experience in the sports world.

However, Dr Anna Semens, who is leading the new programme's development team, believes that it will appeal most to practising lawyers working in this area.

She commented: "We firmly believe that there is a significant need for such a postgraduate course, and we look forward to recruiting some highly motivated students and delivering some exciting lectures.'

Mel Stein, a consultant to Clintons Law and former agent of footballer Paul Gascoigne, has played a major role in developing the course. He said: 'We believe that the continuing professional development of sports lawyers is essential if they are to stay on top of the challenges they face. By delivering this new programme with Coventry University, we feel that students on the programme will get the best possible education and training to help them do this.'

A drinks evening – featuring Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock as a special guest – will be held at Clintons Solicitors on Monday 17 May to mark the launch.

Meanwhile, Ashurst has signed an agreement with United Arab Emirates University College of Law (UAEU) that will see the law school's students given work experience placements at the firm.

The two-week internships will run out of Ashurst's Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices in June and July 2010.

David Wadham, managing partner of Ashurst Abu Dhabi, commented: "We appreciate this opportunity to partner with the UAEU College of Law and to contribute to the professional development of Emirati law students."

Professor Jassim Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Dean of the UAEU College of Law, commented: "We value the support from Ashurst and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between our two organisations."