Graduate Diploma in Law

Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Law (also known as the Common Professional Examination) is a 36-week conversion programme for graduates in subjects other than law who wish ultimately to enter one of the legal professions in England and Wales, as well as those law graduates whose degree is non-qualifying. Birmingham Law School is one of only two redbrick universities to offer a GDL/CPE programme. It covers the core subjects required to proceed to the practical stage of legal education.

Key facts

Type of Course: Taught

Duration: 1 year full-time

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

Learn more about entry requirements

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements

Standard English language requirements apply

Contact details

The GDL Programme Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6312
Email: GDL@contacts.bham.ac.uk

How to apply

Applications for this programme must be submitted through the Central Applications Board, preferably using their online application form.

Contact:
CPE/Diploma in Law Courses
Central Applications Board
PO Box 84, Guildford
Surrey, GU3 1YX
Tel: +44 01483 451080
Email: www.lawcabs.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Course fees for 2012-13

  • Home/EU: £6,450
  • Overseas: £12,750

For the most up-to-date information on fees, please visit the School's Graduate-Entry website

Learn more about fees and funding 

Scholarships and studentships
 Scholarships may be available, email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk for more information. 

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

Programme overview

Birmingham Law School is one of only two redbrick universities to offer a GDL/CPE programme. We attract well qualified students who are looking for more than just a conversion course. All lectures and supervisions are given by academic staff, most of whom are internationally or nationally recognised experts.

The workload and the academic standards expected of you are high.

Programme content

This full-time only programme consists of the foundation subjects required of lawyers in England and Wales:

  • Public Law
  • Criminal Law
  • European Law
  • Obligations A (Contract)
  • Obligations B (Tort)
  • Property Law A (Land) 
  • Property Law B (Equity and Trusts),

Other elements which are separately assessed include the English Legal System, Legal Research Skills (also developed through study of the foundation subjects) and an additional area of legal knowledge, which is assessed by an extended essay.

The programme begins with a period of directed reading during July and August. This is followed by a three-week induction course in early September. The main teaching period covers the two semesters of the normal academic year, and the GDL programme ends in June.

Learning and teaching

Teaching is delivered as a mixture of lectures and small-group supervisions and is undertaken by established members of the School's academic staff. A considerable amount of reading outside class contact hours is expected. Assessment methods vary between modules, and could include formal examinations and essays written during the year.

Careers

If you are intending to qualify as a barrister or solicitor, this diploma gives you exemption from the academic stage of the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority examinations in England and Wales provided you pass all the foundation subjects.

A full brochure on our Graduate Entry programmes is available from: The GDLS Programme Secretary, tel: +44 (0)121 414 6312, email: GDL@contacts.bham.ac.uk or visit our  Graduate-Entry Programmes in Law website.

Related links

Birmingham Law School website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/law 

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