Graduate Diploma in Law, College of Law (The)

Course ethos

Our Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) has been designed to build knowledge and skills that more than match a law degree – with a clear focus on preparing you for life in practice. The academic training is built around real-life examples and case studies and our unique ‘Preparing for practice’ module will provide you with practical, skills-based training, as well as an opportunity to develop your commercial and ethical awareness. You can also tailor the independent research work you carry out to reflect the areas of law in which you intend to specialise – enhancing your career prospects. Students who pass our GDL are guaranteed a place on our LPC (as long as they apply within two years), and when you go on to successfully complete your LPC or BVC at the College you’ll graduate with an LL.B law degree, without the need to study or pay for additional modules.

How is the course taught?

The GDL starts with an online pre-course study programme in legal method, designed so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. This covers the English legal system, legal research and other essential skills. You’ll then study our ‘Preparing for practice’ module and the seven foundation subjects: contract law, criminal law, equity & trusts, European Union law, land law, public law and tort.

How are candidates assessed?

You’ll receive regular informal assessments and written and oral feedback from tutors. Your final result is based on: a multiple choice examination on legal method, two pieces of independent research (one on foundation subjects and a dissertation or problem-based report on a legal subject of your choice), and final examinations in each foundation subject.

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