Can you get funding for the PGDL?

Jul 08, 2022

Written By Natasha Jones

Are you considering converting to law to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister? Surprise surprise, the PGDL is not cheap! Join us as we explore the funding options available for PGDL students.

The PGDL: what is it?

In case you were wondering what the PGDL is, and how it differs from the GDL, allow us to explain. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law – or PGDL – is a law conversion course for aspiring solicitors and barristers who did not study the LLB in law.

The PGDL was launched in anticipation of the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Under the SQE route to qualification, the PGDL is one optional aspect of training non-law graduates can undertake to begin preparation for the SQE assessments. The PGDL differs from the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in that it is designed to cover the areas of law tested on SQE1.

Still in the dark about the SQE? Visit our dedicated SQE course page for a deep dive into this new route to qualifying as a solicitor.

PGDL fees

Like the GDL, the PGDL is an expensive course. At the University of Law, course fees for the 2022/23 academic year amount to £12,550 in London and £10,100 outside of London. Similarly, at BPP University, Londoners and online students are looking at fees of £12,296 for the 2022/23 academic year, compared to just under £10,000 elsewhere in the UK. And like the GDL, the PGDL is not eligible for a postgraduate student loan from Student Finance. So what are your options?

Funding options

Scholarships and bursaries

Both the University of Law and BPP University offer a range of scholarships designed to provide full or partial funding for the PGDL. Various scholarships can be sought, awarded for feats such as academic excellence, aptitude for a career in law, and demonstrating potential as a future leader.

Scholarships are also available on a needs basis, for candidates in a demographic that is under-represented in higher education. Candidates from low socio-economic backgrounds, candidates with refugee status, candidates with a disability, and candidates with caring responsibilities should consult their provider for scholarship and bursary options.

Third party loans

Although government-funded loans are not available for the PGDL through Student Finance, it is possible to obtain personal loans from reputable lenders. These lenders specifically offer personal loans to finance education.

Before choosing this funding option, be sure to check with your provider to see if there are any specific lenders they work with. If not, you should always check whether a particular provider is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Upgrade to a Master’s degree

Check with your provider whether it is possible to upgrade your PGDL to a Master’s degree by opting to study an extra module. This will make the course eligible for a postgraduate student loan up to a maximum of £11,570.

If you choose to upgrade, after enrolling, your loan will be paid into your designated bank account in three instalments throughout the academic year.

Payment plans

For students who have no other option but to self-fund the PGDL, check whether your provider offers payment plans that allow you to break up the fees into smaller instalments.

Although self-funding the PGDL is not ideal, payment plans can help to make the payments more manageable.

PGDL/CPE