How much does it cost to do a law conversion course?

Jan 04, 2024

Written By Alyssa Gibbons

While studying a law conversion course is no longer mandatory to become a qualified solicitor, most firms require their non-law student future trainees to complete some sort of conversion course before they embark on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). However, how much can you expect this course to cost?

How much do law conversion courses cost?

There are a number of different law conversion courses on offer. One is the PGDL, or the Postgraduate Diploma in Law. This is offered by a number of providers, and can be taken at institutions in many different locations around the UK.

For the 2023/24 academic year, for example, the PGDL (a 33 week course) costs £13,600 if you study with the University of Law in London, and £10,950 if you study in any of their other locations, such as Exeter, Leeds, or Reading. Part-time options are also available, in case you’d like to work while studying or spread the cost over a long period of time.

There’s also the option for studying for a MA or LLM Law conversion course. Studying a law conversion course at a master’s level means that you’re able to tap into postgraduate student loans. You can currently get up to £12,167 towards a master’s course. The loan will be paid directly to you to spend how you please. More information can be found on the UK government website here.

It’s important to bear in mind that some courses will require a deposit ahead of your first day in order to secure your place. Remembering this means that you’ll be able to budget for it, so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

Ways to reduce costs

If you’ve secured a training contract offer before embarking on a law conversion course, your firm may pay for the course. Many firms even provide you with a grant while you’re studying, to help with living costs. To understand what course you should study and the funding available to you, be sure to get in touch with your firm to discuss further. If you are offered a training contract after embarking on your postgraduate law course, then it’s worth bearing in mind that some firms will reimburse you for your course fees.

That being said, reducing the cost at the time of payment can be really important. If you’re a high achiever and/or you come from a background underrepresented in law, you may be able to secure a scholarship or bursary.

Key providers such as BPP university and University of Law offer a number of scholarships and grants to those who need them in order to study on a law conversion course. Make sure you make a note of the deadlines that are required for these so you have enough time to finish everything.

Part-time work alongside your study can be a great way not only to raise funds but also to gain transferable skills experience that you can include in job applications. Plus, if you complete legal work experience, it will count towards the two years work experience the SQE route requires. Do be wary of the time commitment of your course, however, as well as any visa restrictions that may restrict the amount of hours you’re able to do.

While the cost of a law conversion course can initially be daunting, there are a number of options to help you manage your finances. Hopefully, with some of these suggestions, you feel more confident about how you can fund the course.

Law Conversion Course