Converting to law

Switching to a legal career might seem overwhelming, especially if you didn’t study law at university, but it’s a very common path. Every year, thousands of non-law graduates and career changers take law conversion courses to get on track for a future as a solicitor or barrister. You don’t need any insider connections, just ambition and a clear game plan.

GDL, PGDL and more

Law conversion courses go by a few different names. The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) are the most common: think of them as intensive crash courses that cover the core legal subjects you’d study in an undergraduate law degree. 

You may also hear terms like "legal conversion course" or “graduate entry law”. The aim is the same: to get you ready to move on to the SQE (for solicitors) or Bar Course (for aspiring barristers), even if you’ve never studied law before.

Law conversion courses glossary

 Need a hand figuring out which path fits you best? Keep reading: we’ll break down the options and next steps throughout this guide.

Law conversion courses UK

Law conversion courses in the UK let graduates with non-law degrees pivot into the legal profession within a year or two. Whether you want to study full-time, part-time, online, or in-person, you’ll find options at universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Top providers offer both the PGDL and GDL, plus newer courses like the MA Law (Conversion). The choices are broad, but we can help you narrow them down.

Law conversion course London

London is a hub for legal education, with many leading universities and specialist law schools offering law conversion courses. Whether you’re after the GDL, PGDL, or MA Law (Conversion), you’ll find a range of options to suit your needs. 

Studying in London also gives you great access to networking events, guest lectures from top law firms, career fairs, and even potential mini-pupillages or work experience. Top providers in London include The University of Law, BPP University, City, University of London, and the University of Westminster. 

Things to consider:

- Living costs are higher, but you’ll be close to the action, with more chances for legal work and networking.

- Check commuting options and local campuses. Some courses are based in central London, but others have multiple locations outside the city centre.

- Ask about links to London law firms, SQE preparation, and student support as you compare your choices.

Law conversion course online

If flexibility is your priority, online law conversion courses let you study from anywhere in the UK (or even internationally). Many top universities now offer the PGDL and MA Law (Conversion) fully online or as blended learning, so you can fit your studies around work and other commitments. Online courses from providers like The University of Law, BPP University, Northumbria University, and the University of Essex cover the same qualifying legal knowledge as their on-campus versions. You’ll get interactive lectures, real-time seminars, and support from tutors, as well as digital resources and virtual networking opportunities. Things to consider: - Check how teaching and assessments are delivered: live sessions vs recorded, online exams, and group work. - Look for access to student support services, careers advice, and practice materials for the SQE. - Make sure the course is “SQE-aligned” if your aim is to become a solicitor.

Top UK law conversion course providers

BPP Law School - leading provider

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Leeds Beckett University

Manchester Metropolitan University

Nottingham Trent University

Oxford Brookes University

Swansea University

University of Brighton

University of East Anglia

The University of Law - leading provider

University of Sheffield

University of Strathclyde (Scotland) 

University of Sussex 

University of Wolverhampton 

Tip: Before you apply, always check course assessments (some are exam-heavy, others rely on coursework), what career and wellbeing support is on offer, and how well each course lines up with new SQE requirements.

How do conversion courses work?

Typically, law conversion courses condense the essential knowledge from a traditional law degree into an intensive programme, often lasting one year full-time or two years part-time. 

You’ll study key subjects like contract law, criminal law, and public law, using lectures, seminars, and problem-based learning. Most courses finish with assessments such as exams and coursework to demonstrate your understanding.

Depending on the provider, you might also have the option to attend skills workshops, join mooting competitions, or access careers support. After completing your conversion course, you'll be ready to move on to solicitor training (via the SQE) or apply for Bar training, depending on whether you’d like to be a solicitor or a barrister.

What is a law conversion course?

A law conversion course is a postgraduate program for graduates with a degree in a subject other than law, who want to move into the legal field. Sometimes called the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law), PGDL (Postgraduate Diploma in Law), or MA Law (Conversion), it covers the foundations of legal knowledge required to progress to professional training.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the legal understanding and analytical skills needed to take the next steps towards becoming a solicitor or barrister, even if your undergraduate degree was in a completely different subject.

What is a law conversion?

A law conversion refers to the process of switching from a non-legal academic background into the legal profession. It’s a term used to describe both the act (making the career change) and the specific educational pathway you take (usually a law conversion course). 

Essentially, a law conversion opens up legal careers to graduates from any background, making law accessible to those who decide to pursue it after their first degree.

Deciding on a law conversion course 

Choosing the right path into the legal profession depends on your career ambitions and academic background. Whether you’re certain you want to become a solicitor, aim to be a barrister, or are still deciding, this decision tree will guide you through your best next steps. Check it to see which route makes sense for your goals.

I want to be a solicitor

Step 1: Check if you have a qualifying law degree

- Yes? → Go straight to SQE preparation (skip conversion)

- No? → Take an SQE-aligned law conversion course (e.g. GDL, PGDL, MA Law Conversion)

Step 2: Complete SQE1

Step 3: Complete SQE2

Step 4: Complete 2 years of qualifying work experience (QWE)

Step 5: Apply for admission as a solicitor

I want to be a barrister

Step 1: Check if you have a qualifying law degree

- Yes? → Apply directly to a Bar Training Course

- No? → Take a law conversion course (e.g. GDL, PGDL, MA Law Conversion), making sure it covers Bar Standards Board (BSB) requirements

Step 2: Apply for membership in an Inn of Court

Step 3: Complete a Bar Training Course

Step 4: Secure and complete a pupillage (1-year training in chambers)

I’m not sure yet

Step 1: Take a law conversion course (GDL/PGDL/MA Law) that is both SQE-aligned and meets Bar requirements, as most full conversion courses do

Step 2: Explore both solicitor and barrister career options via careers services, open days, and mini-pupillages

Step 3: After your conversion course, decide on your next step:

- If solicitor: Take the SQE and follow the solicitor pathway

- If barrister: Apply to the Inns of Court, proceed with Bar Training

- If not law: Your conversion can also open up alternative legal or business careers

Many law conversion courses are now designed to keep your options open, so you can decide as you learn more about each role. Speak to a course provider about dual-track options if you’re undecided.

Aspiring solicitors

If you’re aiming to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, your journey is now shaped by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). 

Graduates without a law degree typically start with a law conversion course, such as the PGDL or MA Law (Conversion), to build a solid foundation in legal knowledge. Most providers specifically tailor conversion courses to prepare you for qualifying exams.

After your conversion, you’ll move on to SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, covering both legal knowledge and practical skills. Alongside these exams, you must complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE). 

Do I need to complete a law conversion course?

If you want to become a solicitor but didn’t study law at uni, a law conversion course is your chance to bridge the gap. These courses cover all the legal essentials and give you the know-how you’ll need for the qualifying exams.

But it’s not just about ticking exam boxes. You’ll pick up the research, writing, and analytical skills that law firms actually want. Once you finish, you’ll be set to tackle the SQE1 and SQE2, and start building your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) on your way to becoming a solicitor.

Can you do a law conversion course with any degree

Yes! Most law conversion courses for aspiring solicitors welcome graduates from any subject, as long as you’ve got a recognised undergrad degree (usually a 2:2 or above). It doesn’t matter if you studied history, engineering, or media – these courses are made to bring you up to speed on the legal basics, so you’re ready for solicitor training.

Top 5 myths about working in the law 

1. “You need a law degree to become a solicitor.”

You don’t! With the SQE route, graduates from any subject can qualify as solicitors. Law conversion courses fill in the gaps.

2. “Law is just for top private school students.”

Absolutely not. The legal profession is becoming more diverse every year, and there are plenty of routes in, no matter your background.

3. “Legal work is all courtrooms and drama.”

Most lawyers spend more time drafting, problem-solving, and meeting clients than making big speeches in court.

4. “It’s impossible to have a work-life balance in law.”

Law can be demanding, but firms are working hard to promote wellbeing. Plus, you’ll find flexible, part-time, and remote options out there.

5. “If you don’t know anyone in law, you don’t stand a chance.”

Many students are the first in their family or school to go into law. Your determination and fresh perspective can be just as valuable as any connection.

Aspiring barristers

If your ambition is to become a barrister, the pathway is distinct and highly structured. Graduates from non-law backgrounds must first complete a law conversion course. This is usually the GDL or PGDL, which covers the Foundations of Legal Knowledge required by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

After completing your conversion, you must join one of the Inns of Court and then move on to the Bar Training Course. Securing a pupillage is essential to practice at the Bar, and gaining legal experience, advocacy practice, and mini-pupillages during your conversion year massively improves your options. Since competition for pupillages is fierce, strong academic results and a commitment to developing advocacy skills are crucial.

Should I do a law conversion course? 

If you want to become a barrister but don’t have a law degree, you’ll need to complete a law conversion course before you can start Bar training. This course covers the key legal foundations the Bar Standards Board requires, and sets you up for what comes next.

Your conversion course is a great chance to build connections, explore different areas of law, and make your pupillage applications stand out.

Is a law conversion course worth it

If you’re aiming for the Bar and haven’t studied law, a conversion course is a must. You’ll get the legal basics you need for Bar training, plus the chance to land mini-pupillages and sharpen your advocacy and research skills.

As pupillage is competitive, this course isn’t just a formality. It boosts your profile, builds your confidence in legal argument, and gives you an edge. Most barristers who took this path see the conversion course as a key step toward a successful legal career.

Law conversion degree

Thinking about switching to law? A law conversion degree is your ticket in. It’s made for people who didn’t study law at uni but now want to become a solicitor or barrister. 

It’s an intense course, but that’s because it packs all the core legal topics into a year or two. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to move on to the SQE, Bar training, or many other options in the legal and business worlds.

Best law conversion course UK

There’s not necessarily a “best” law conversion course. The big names, like The University of Law, BPP, and City, University of London, are popular for a reason. They offer solid teaching, strong links to law firms and chambers, and flexible ways to study in-person, online, full-time, or part-time.

The best course is the one that fits your life and your goals. When you’re exploring your options, think the different course features, like:

- Where is it based and how does that suit your living arrangements?

- Do they help you get ready for the SQE, Bar, or both?

- What’s their careers support like?

- Can you build your CV with pro bono or student-law clinics?

- Visit open days, ask real students, and trust your gut.

Checklist: How to choose your law conversion course

Not sure how to pick the right law conversion course? Here’s a quick checklist to help you narrow down your options and find the programme that fits your goals.

- Figure out your career aims: Do you want to be a solicitor, a barrister, or aren’t sure yet? Some courses are more tailored to one route than the other.

- Check entry requirements: Make sure your degree and grades meet the course criteria.

- Pick your study mode: Decide if you need full-time, part-time, online, or blended learning.

- Consider location: Is the campus easy for you to get to? Would you rather study in a busy city or a quieter spot?

- Compare course content: Look at the modules. Do they cover everything you’re interested in?

- Research teaching style: Are lectures interactive? Do they offer workshops, moots, or practical sessions?

- Look at support services: Does the university have good careers support, mentoring, and wellbeing resources?

- Check links to employers: Are there opportunities for networking, pro bono work, or meeting law firms/chambers?

- Compare fees and funding: What does it cost? Are there scholarships, bursaries, or payment plans?

- Read student reviews: Find out what past and current students say about the course and faculty.

- Visit an open day: Get a feel for the campus, meet course leaders, and ask your questions in person.

- Think about flexibility: Will the course allow you to balance study with work, family, or other commitments?