Could the GDL be for you?

Well and good if you had the foresight when you joined university and took law as your graduate discipline. But what about those who managed a degree in a subject other than law and yet want to be a lawyer? 

The answer lies in taking up a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Common Professional Examination (CPE) as it is also known. The Graduate Diploma in Law allows non-law graduates, or those still studying for a non-law degree, a gateway to a vocation as a Solicitor or as a Barrister. 

The course normally runs for a period of one year, but can also be completed over a two-year period with part-time learning by those who are otherwise engaged and unable to devote their time to a full-time course.

So are you Eligible?

The qualifications required for taking up the GDL are:

(a) a degree from a recognised UK institution or a graduate degree from any overseas institution which is recognised by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) as equivalent to a UK degree. Honorary degrees are not included in this classification.

(b) Academic and/or vocational qualifications accepted as a degree equivalent by SRA;

(c) Fellow or member of the Institute of Legal Executives and are over 25 years of age.

What's involved?

The GDL is a detailed and intensive study of law which compresses the undergraduate law degree into a course completed in one or two years, depending on whether you take a full-time or part-time course. The GDL covers the basic tenets and principles of law, statutory requirements and usage and an in-depth and exhaustive look at case-law and history. 

In brief, the various topics covered under the GDL are: (i) contracts – commercial or otherwise, obligations, enforcement and remedies for breach; (ii) torts – civil wrongs leading to a loss or damage to the victim, reparations for wrongs, etc; (iii) crime – various offences, degree of violence or damage caused, enforcement of law & order and penalties and punishments; (iv) equity & trusts; (v)European Union law; (vi) property & estate law; and (vii) public law – the judicial & legal process, judicial review, constitutional principles, human rights & liberties, discrimination, etc.

The course schedule lasts over a period of 36 weeks, with 45 hours of lectures, tutorials and self-study per week. For the full-time course, the assessment process includes a three-hour final exam on each of the seven subjects, to be cleared in one sitting.

Who offers the GDL?

There are several recognised institutions which provide the GDL curriculum and it is crucial for students to conduct extensive research on the offerings of each provider to pick the one which suits their needs best. 

A few important considerations that should be a priority during this process are whether the provider also offers the subsequent Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocation Course (BVC) which are mandatory requirements to get a full licence to practice law. 

Also important are the kind of coursework and tutorial support provided, placement programmes, if any, career counselling, tie-ups with law firms, and the general campus buzz and reputation of the provider among students and legal professionals. 

For more information on these individual providers, go to our ‘Course’ section where all institutions are extensively reviewed. 

How do I apply?

GDL applications should be submitted through the Central Applications Board (CAB) and be sent in as early as possible, latest by 1st February. Forms can be downloaded from http://www.lawcabs.ac.uk, and confirmation of enrolment will be provided by the institutions during March and April. 

It also makes sense to apply to those institutions which provide a guaranteed placement for the LPC or BVC upon successful completion of the GDL.

 
19-09-2009