Taught course

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) GDip

Institution
University of Central Lancashire · School of Law and Policing
Qualifications
GDL

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree.

Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme and if they have experience.
A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application.
IELTS: Score of at least 6.5 or equivalent.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

If you are a non-law graduate or have an overseas law degree and want to pursue a career in law then this is the course for you. Commended by employers, you’ll lay the foundations of law knowledge necessary to move into legal professions such as a solicitor or barrister.

This course provides a rigorous and challenging learning experience for those with a non-law background to obtain a legal qualification for progression into the legal field.

You’ll develop your legal research, reasoning, and argument skills. You will acquire valued transferable skills in areas such as oral and written communication; group work; advocacy; interviewing and negotiation; critical thinking; and presentation skills. Not only will these skills help you in entering the law profession, they will also enhance your continuing development as you progress throughout your career.

Why study with us

  • Our alumni have achieved great successes, such as winning Law Teacher of the Year, receiving law scholarships from the Inns of Court in London, and more
  • You will be taught by professionally qualified and research active lecturers, with experience in practice as solicitors, barristers, judges and as senior managers in major organisations.
  • Our strong links with employers and research-informed teaching contributes to a cutting-edge learning experience.

What you'll do

  • Each year we organise a dedicated law careers fair which is supported by a range of employers from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to County Councils and solicitors’ firms.
  • Our Pro Bono Law Clinic, Business Clinic and Mediation Clinic give you first-hand experiences of legal practice, providing countless opportunities to deal with real cases.
  • This conversion course allows non-law graduates or international degree holders the opportunity to form legal knowledge needed to become a solicitor or barrister.

Applying

Full-time on campus students should apply via LAWCABS website.

All other students (part-time campus, full or part-time distance learning) should apply directly to the University via the online application system.

The Solicitor Regulation Authority

The Solicitors Regulation Authority have stipulated that you must apply and accept an offer of a place on the GDL by 31st August 2021 to be eligible to qualify as a solicitor via the LPC and Training Contract route. All students accepting an offer after that date will be required to qualify via the SQE1 & 2 examinations and Qualifying Work Experience route. Full details can be found on the SRA website.

Industry links

The School has superb links with the law professions, police and probation services. You’ll enjoy regular visits and talks from leading practitioners, academics, barristers, solicitors and judges. The teaching of our academics is enriched by their professional and research experience, which means your learning will be informed by real world and cutting-edge insights to best prepare you for your career.

Further information

The School of Justice is a long standing and experienced provider of both undergraduate and postgraduate law courses, with a history of over 45 years of providing legal education in the North West of England and now beyond through our distance learning courses. The School was Highly Commended as Legal Education Provider of the Year at the last Solicitors Journal Awards.

Our dedicated and well qualified academic staff are here to support your learning and development. We intentionally keep our cohorts small, prioritising the quality of our teaching and your learning. In this way we can give you the strongest possible academic experience and pastoral support to help you succeed.

Our campus is designed to enrich and stimulate your learning. Small group teaching sessions take place in the grand Harris Building, home of the School of Justice. Larger group teaching takes place in modern lecture theatres. Our purpose-built moot courtroom provides an opportunity to explore and work within a mock-up of a real courtroom, to provide you true-to-life experiences and confidence working in a legal environment. Our Library contains a dedicated Law Library, with extensive e-law facilities providing access to many legal and academic sources to on campus and distance learning students.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • GDL
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1772 892400