What is a PGDL?

Nov 01, 2024

Written By Natasha Jones

With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), the route to qualifying as a solicitor is changing. One product of this is the Postgraduate Diploma in Law, or PGDL. Keep reading for a rundown of what the PGDL is and how it differs from the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

The PGDL

The PGDL is one of several law conversion courses offering non-law graduates the opportunity to progress to become a solicitor or barrister.

It was specifically launched in advance of the SQE’s introduction to replace the GDL and is offered by both the University of Law and BPP Law School.

The route to qualify as a solicitor is changing

The SQE was introduced on 1 September 2021 as the new route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Under the SQE route, aspiring solicitors must:

- Have a degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject

- Have two years of full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience Pass the SQE assessments (SQE1 and SQE2)

- Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements

How you should prepare for the SQE assessments is not specified. Because of this, candidates can explore a variety of possible SQE training options.

Under the SQE route, the PGDL is one optional aspect of training non-law graduates can undertake to transition into legal study in preparation for the SQE assessments. After studying the PGDL, aspiring solicitors may also wish to progress onto additional courses designed to further prepare them for the SQE assessments.

For more information about the introduction of the SQE, visit our dedicated SQE course page.

For those in the transitional cohort qualifying as a solicitor under the LPC route, the PGDL can also be studied as an alternative to the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). In most cases, if you want to take the PGDL to study under the LPC route, you must have accepted an offer by 1 September 2021.

Additionally, the PGDL can be studied by non-law graduates before they take the Bar Practice Course – the postgraduate course pursued by aspiring barristers.

Structure of the PGDL

Like all law conversion courses, the PGDL is a compressed version of a qualifying law degree. It gives those with a degree in another subject a grounding in the foundations of legal knowledge and key professional skills you’ll need as a lawyer.

Although it is similar to the GDL, the PGDL is specifically designed to cover the areas of law tested on SQE1 – one of the SQE assessments. In this sense, the PGDL differs from the GDL. For example, Company Law is not a compulsory module on the GDL, whereas it is on the PGDL. This is because SQE1 tests knowledge of ‘Business Law and Practice’.

The exact makeup of the modules you’ll study on the PGDL will differ between providers, although the substantive content remains the same. Broadly speaking, modules include:

- Contract Law

- Criminal Law

- Land Law

- English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including Retained EU law)

- Tort Law

- Trusts

- Law of Organisations

Entry requirements

Entry requirements to study the PGDL differ between providers, but applicants are generally expected to have a degree (or equivalent qualification) with at least a 2:2 or above.

Your degree can be in any subject and does not have to be law related.

Mode of study

At both the University of Law and BPP Law School, the PGDL is offered as both a full-time and part-time course. At the University of Law, there is also the option to study the course online.

For more information about the PGDL, including funding options and what happens after the PGDL, visit our PGDL course page.

PGDL/CPE