gdl course where

by Miguel Rowe 10 min read

What is a GDL?

The GDL is specially designed as the conversion course into legal study. It is the pathway into practice for non-law graduates. If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-law field and want to study law at a postgraduate level you’ll first need to complete this conversion course. With a modular structure, our GDL offers you ...

How long does it take to study for GDL?

Before you start your GDL you will need to complete our online pre-course study programme on legal method (approximately 40 – 50 hours), designed specifically to prepare you for the GDL, so you're up to speed when you arrive. Introductory module. Ethics and Professional Legal Practice.

What is a GDL in Scotland?

English and Welsh universities do offer these type of degrees while the equivalent of GDL in Scotland is a fast-track undergraduate law degree program. Since the intention of a GDL degree is to prepare students for enrolling postgraduate law courses, the structure of GDLs contains pretty much the same content as an LLB degree.

Why are GDLs called law conversion courses?

Based on this definition, GDLs are often called “law conversion courses” because they’re designed to help students from other study disciplines achieve the academic foundation required to study law at the postgraduate level.

How long does it take to complete a part time study program?

In that situation, your study program will take at least two years of study to complete. Quite as you would expect part-time study programs provide you with a certain degree of flexibility, be it in terms of program’s content or length.

Does the UK have a grading system?

By contrast, The UK applies a unique grading system where not all degrees are assessed equal in academic terms. Depending on your total score at the end of the course you will be granted a first, second or a third class degree.

What is a GDL?

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a one-year course taken after you graduate. It is specifically for non-law students looking to convert to law, and you might have heard it called the law conversion course before now. Here’s your ultimate guide to the GDL.

What is the minimum grade for a GDL?

You need an undergraduate degree or equivalent to study the GDL, but there is no limit on what subject you studied. The minimum grade for most GDL programmes is 2:2. You will also need to do the GDL if:

What is the SQE course?

You might have heard of a new course for solicitors called the SQE which is set to replace the GDL and the LPC. It’s scheduled for launch in 2021, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has proposed an 11-year transition period where students midway through their legal studies can qualify under the old or new way. If you’re a non-law student who will graduate in 2021, it’s worth finding out more about the SQE. If you’re a graduate or soon-to-be graduate looking to start your legal path as soon as possible, the GDL is the one for you.

Is GDL competitive?

The GDL is not a competitive course, and it is much less competitive than applying for a training contract. To get a place on most courses you need a 2:2 or higher (at some providers the minimum requirement is a 2:1). You’ll need to include a personal statement and some references in your application.

Do I need to do the GDL?

You will also need to do the GDL if: - You completed a BA law degree or a law degree that did not cover all seven of the core modules. - You have a legal qualification or degree from outside of England and Wales. However, you might be exempt from some of the modules on the GDL if you’ve already done them.

Can I get a GDL without a contract?

If you find yourself without a training contract and don’t want to go for one of the GDL-integrated degrees, there are a variety of bursaries and scholarships available for postgraduate law students. You can apply for one or a combination of these to pay for your GDL.

Is there a deadline for applying for GDL?

There is no specific deadline for applying for the GDL, and some courses even have multiple start dates throughout the year. You shouldn’t leave it late, though, as courses do fill up. All graduate law courses are completed via a website called the Law Central Applications Board (CAB).

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