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The GDL (formally CPE) is a conversion course for both non-law graduates and graduates with non-qualifying law degrees. Once you have completed this academic stage of your legal training, you can begin your professional training for a career in law either as a solicitor or barrister.

The GDL at Oxford Brookes University provides a solid academic foundation from which to proceed into the legal profession. You will enjoy exceptional levels of support from experienced teachers many of whom are leading researchers in their field. We place a great emphasis on the essential legal skills of problem solving and legal research which are so highly valued by employers.

Distinctive Features

• Top-quality teaching by experienced university academics
• Close, supportive and collegiate learning environment with extensive contact time
• Focus on essential legal skills such as problem solving and legal research
• Opportunity to develop practical skills such as mooting and client interviewing
• Part-Time students fully integrated with two full days teaching per week
• Validated by the Joint Academic Stage Board of the SRA and Bar Council

The School of Law is located in Headington Hill Hall, a beautiful Grade II listed mansion dating back to 1771. Situated just a mile from Oxford’s beautiful and historic city centre, the hall has extensive gardens for students to enjoy which command stunning views over Oxford.

Undertaking your legal studies at Oxford Brookes means you will be learning from experienced, qualified university teachers. You will also have access to the many other university facilities such as student accommodation, unparalleled library and IT resources (including access to the Bodleian Law Library, a fully-fledged student careers service, a nursery, medical and dental services and other student support services such as academic and personal counselling. You will also have the opportunity to take advantage if the range of outstanding sporting facilities and leisure activities that Oxford Brookes has to offer. For more information visit www.brookes.ac.uk/studying

There is no substitute for regular face-to-face contact with tutors. As a university we understand the need for greater teaching contact time through lectures, workshops and tutorials. The course is taught over three terms and assessment (coursework and examination) is spread throughout the year to enable you to monitor your progress effectively and to allow your tutors to provide you with the support you need.  Oxford Brookes has a long- established reputation for top- quality teaching.

Students on our GDL enjoy exceptional pass rates and a significant proportion of those GDL students who intend to become barristers gain prestigious scholarships with the Inns of Court.

In addition to skills training covered in your course, you will have the opportunity to hone your practical legal skills and take part in national and international competitions.

In addition to skills training covered in your course, you will have the opportunity to hone your practical legal skills and take part in national and international competitions.

Pro Bono

Winner of the National Pro Bono prize, the School of Law pro bono scheme was setup in 2001-2002 by two LPC Students. Pro Bono provides a valuable introduction into the world of legal practice and involvement in pro bono work helps demonstrate your commitment to potential employers. We have collaborated with a large number of charities including:

• Amicus
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Family Courts Service
• Human Rights and Citizenship Teaching
• Oxford Brookes Translation Service
• CAFCASS (Children and family Court Advisory and Support Service)
• Oxfordshire Family Mediation Service

Client Interviewing                   

Client interviewing is one of the key skills which every lawyer needs which is why students on the GDL can take part in our annual client interviewing competition. In recent years Oxford Brookes students have gone on to win the regional and national finals of the Client Interviewing Competition of England and Wales. In 2010 the Oxford Brookes Team represented England in the finals in Hong Kong coming second in the world.

Mooting

Mooting is a must on the CV of any aspiring barrister, solicitor or advocate. It gives you the chance to test your advocacy skills in a safe but exciting environment and the opportunity to hear other students argue and learn from the questioning of judges. In recent years the School of Law has performed consistently well in national mooting competitions.

Research Seminars

During semester time you can attend seminars and conferences hosted by the Centre for Legal Research and Policy Studies. Oxford Brookes also offers a full calendar of guest lectures across a wide spectrum of interests. See www.brookes.ac.uk/events

With its mix of ancient and modern, there is so much to enjoy in Oxford - whether it's exploring a museum or gallery, or looking to unwind after a hard day's studying.

Oxford is one of the world's most beautiful cities with an abundance of historic buildings that would take a lifetime to explore. With over 30,000 students, Oxford is not only a centre of education and learning but it is also a rich cultural hub with a wealth of cinemas, theatres and museums, far exceeding any other city of its size. With its culturally diverse population, Oxford offers a world of dining opportunities as well as bars, clubs and typically English pubs famous for their legendary customers including JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

Performances of live music range from classical concerts at the intimate Holywell Music Room to jazz, reggae, rock and indie at venues such as the O2 in Cowley Road - the heart of the city's music scene. Oxford has over 50 parks, meadows and nature reserves to discover as well as Britain's oldest botanic garden - ideal spots for a quite walk or picnic with friends. Of course, your time in Oxford wouldn't be complete without a spending a summer's afternoon rowing or punting on the river.

Oxford has much to offer lawyers and is known throughout the world for its heritage, its beauty and most of all as a city of learning. It is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across a range of law topics within the university, the city of Oxford and in nearby London.

In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, students on our professional courses have access to the unparalleled legal holdings at the world-renowned Bodleian Law Library and may also attend the Careers and Law Fairs held at Oxford University where you can meet some of the country's top recruiters and employers.

Oxford has a thriving legal community and is attractive to many leading law firms due to its position in the Thames Valley and its proximity to London. Being right at the centre of the UK's most successful economic region means you are ideally placed to approach this range of local and City of London legal firms for training contracts and future employment. Regular buses link Oxford to the centre of London - so making contact and attending interviews is easily achieved.

TUITION FEES

UK/EU

Full-time: £7,000 
Part-time: £3,570

International

Full-time: £7,000

Part-time: £3,570

Part-time fees are for year 1 only, unless otherwise stated. Fees increase annually by approximately 4%.

Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
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Oxford Brookes gas many clubs and associations covering a wide range of interests and activities. Whatever your hobby or pursuit you are sure to find like-minded people with whom to share your interests.

Whether you want fun, affordable exercise, enjoy team sports aspire to compete at national level, Oxford Brookes has first class facilities across its three main campuses including one of the UK’s best climbing walls, a 25 metre indoor pool and our recently upgraded gym at the Centre for Sport. There are also a number of grass and all weather pitches for football, rugby, hockey, lacrosse and netball.

There is a lively Law Society to widen your interests and introduce aspects of law not covered formally. Examples of events hosted by the Law Society include:

• Wine tasting
• Annual Christmas Ball
• Talks from leading lawyers
• Visits to the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice
• Trips to the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights

We recognise that undertaking further study and training is a significant investment and we take your career aspirations very seriously. Careers support is offered both within the School of Law and as part of the wider university services. Specialist Careers Counsellors at our Careers Centre offer a range of activities and support from mock interviews and workshops, through to employer events, help with applications and even psychometric testing. Visit www.brookescareerscentre.co.uk

You will be joining a thriving and welcoming community of academic lawyers and legal practitioners. Our students form strong working relationships with tutors and benefit from a collegial atmosphere and supportive, collaborative culture. The peer networks you form during your studies will serve you well in your future career and you will also have the opportunity to benefit from our established links with local and national partners. The Law School hosts an annual Thames Valley Law Fair attended by leading law firms in the region and providing you with the opportunity to make yourself known to potential employers, and possibly secure that training contract.