Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) GDL
Overview
Established in 1976, our Graduate Diploma in Law is one of the oldest and most renowned conversion courses with an unrivalled reputation within the profession. The Graduate Diploma in Law is a postgraduate course for non-law graduates intending to start training for a career as a solicitor or barrister.
Why the City GDL?
Why the City GDL?
- Gain a good foundation in law by studying on one of the first CPE/GDL courses for non-law graduates
- Benefit from the expertise of our own prestigious lecturers and leading visiting lecturers from the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge
- Enhance your legal knowledge with our Legal Ethics module, unique to City
- Satisfy the requirements for the Professional Stage of legal training (LPC / BPTC)
- Fast track your legal career at dedicated law careers events for solicitors and barristers
Course Fees:
- Full-time EU: £9,250
- Full-time Non EU: £10,000
Start Date:
September 2012
Entry Requirements
A degree (in any subject), of at least a second class honours standard, conferred by a university in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland or by the Council for National Academic Awards. Or, an approved degree conferred by a university outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and a very good knowledge of the English language.
The rules governing admission to practise law vary from country to country. Before applying, applicants wishing to take the GDL as a step towards becoming a lawyer outside England and Wales are strongly advised to check with the appropriate body in the country in which they wish to qualify/practise that these courses are accepted.
In reaching our selection decisions we will take account of:
- Academic performance
- Evidence of intellectual ability
- Professional and legal work experience
- Personal statement
- Committment to studing law
- References
English Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should hold the following qualifications:
- IELTS: 7 or above
- TOEFL (internet-based): 107 or above
Visa Requirements
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
When and Where
- Start Date:
- September 2012
- Duration:
- 1 year
Course Content
The course teaches you the seven core foundation subjects that you would normally study on an undergraduate law degree in just one year. In addition to the seven foundation subjects, you will also undertake another academic subject - Introduction to Legal Ethics.
We place a strong emphasis on growing your analytical and research skills to ensure you're fully prepared for practice.
Course Structure
The core subjects studied are:
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Contract Law
- Crime
- Equity and Trusts
- European Union
- Land Law
- Tort
In addition to the foundation subjects, you will study another academic law subject unique to City - Introduction to Legal Ethics. This subject allows you to reflect on the ethical challenges that you might face as a lawyer in practice.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching
The seven foundation subjects are taught over one year by lectures and tutorials. Each week you will be expected to attend a two hour lecture in each of the seven foundation subjects and in addition a fortnightly tutorial. Lectures and tutorials will occupy 17-18 hours of your study time each week.In addition to The City Law School's own lecturers, you will be taught by visiting lecturers from other prestigious universities including, the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.
There will also be time for personal study and to prepare for lectures and tutorials. Instruction in the use of legal materials and in legal research methods (including use of electronic retrieval systems) is also an integral part of the course, including The City Law School's award-winning Lawbore.
Assessments
Formal assessment is by written examinations in each of the seven foundation subjects, that take place at the end of the course. To be eligible to sit these examinations you will be required to submit a piece of coursework in each of the foundation subjects throughout the year. Upon successfully completing the coursework and formal assessment for the course you will be awarded the University's Graduate Diploma in Law.Opportunities
As a student at City University London you will have unlimited access to the University Centre for Skills and Career Development where dedicated careers advisors will provide you with tailored advice about your career.
Our strong links with the profession means that we can bring the world of law to you. Throughout the year we organise a variety of events, which give you access to representatives from leading solicitors firms and chambers.Mooting is a great way to develop important legal skills such as research and analysis whilst also learning how to structure a legal argument. At The City Law School we run an annual internal mooting competition where students act as a counsel to argue a point of law before a judge.
Pro Bono is an opportunity to use your time and knowledge to provide legal advice to those who may otherwise not have access to such services. It provides you with invaluable experience and a chance to develop your legal skills further. At The City Law School you will have the opportunity to volunteer to work with one of our Pro Bono volunteering organisations that needs legal assistance.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £9,250
- Full-time Non EU: £10,000
Funding
For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.
For further information and ideas about funding your course, visit Financing your study.
Career Prospects
Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Law qualifies you to progress onto the Legal Practice Course if you intend to become a solicitor or the Bar Professional Training Course if you intend to become a barrister. City Law School GDL graduates are guaranteed a place on our Legal Practice Course and are strongly encouraged to apply for our Bar Professional Training Course (Please note: The Bar Standards Board does not allow providers to guarantee places on this course).As a holder of University's Graduate Diploma in Law you can obtain an LLB degree at City by taking additional course modules by part-time study.
Find out more about City University London
Applications should be made online through the Central Applications Board - www.lawcabs.ac.uk.
Applications can be made from early November each year.
To apply online and for more information visit: www.lawcabs.ac.uk