About the course
This is a one year full-time conversion course for non-law graduates who wish to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. Successful completion of the course allows candidates to proceed to the LPC or BPTC. It is also available by distance learning. Overseas students should note that the GDL is usually only recognised as a qualifying law programme within the UK.
Why choose this course?
- It provides non-law graduates with a route to becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK.
- It's accredited by the Joint Academic Stage Board.
- We offer an award winning pro bono programme, including a Legal Advice Clinic for the local community.
- Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on Nottingham Law School's excellent-rated Legal Practice Course (LPC). Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also looked upon favourably for a place on our Bar Professional Training Course.
- You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff.
- Scholarships are available.
How do you study?
The Law School has a reputation for teaching law in a practical and relevant way. The GDL aims to combine academic study with a practical focus. Lectures and tutorials are designed to encourage interactive learning, where students learn by doing in small groups rather than by passive listening in 'old style' chalk and talk lectures. Fortnightly tutorials are designed to allow time for consolidation and analysis.
Resources and facilities
We have outstanding lecture theatre facilities, which are ideal for our professional courses. Small group sessions also take place in purpose built teaching and syndicate rooms. Our purpose designed Professional Resource Centre provides IT and AV resources, study areas and libraries. New mock courtrooms provide realistic environments for advocacy and mooting.
Lots of GDL providers make claims for their IT delivery - we think that ultimately a course of this complexity needs to be taught by humans and supported by IT rather than the other way round. So, as ever, we generate top quality teaching materials here on site, but we make them available 24/7 through our remote access systems.
Special benefits
Successful students are guaranteed a place on the excellent rated Nottingham Law School LPC. Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also considered favourably for a place on the BPTC.
Students who successfully complete the GDL followed by both parts of Nottingham Law School's LPC or BPTC have the opportunity of obtaining a full LLB (known as a graduate LLB), reflecting the significant effort and achievement of the combination of a GDL and an LPC/BPTC.
Accreditation
The Joint Academic Stage Board (JASB).
JASB
confirmation of eligibility to take a common professional examination (CPE) course.
Open events
We hold open events in autumn and spring each year for anyone considering studying the Nottingham Law School GDL. These events provide the opportunity for you to find out more about the course from academic staff and current students. You can also take a campus tour, view our facilities and take part in a law careers session with our specialist careers advisers. Further details and to book your place.
If you have any queries about this course please contact us.
Contact details
Please note the following information for applicants
Course content
This is a fast track conversion course which effectively covers the seven core subjects of a law degree in one year.
Successful completion of the GDL (full-time) at first attempt, guarantees students a place on our excellent rated LPC and favourable consideration for our high quality BPTC.
The course begins with a three week induction programme giving an introduction to the English legal system, legal method and legal research.
The main teaching programme covers the following seven subjects:
- contract
- tort
- land
- equity and trusts
- criminal and police powers
- constitutional and administrative law
- EU law.
You will also cover an additional area of study as a research project. This is an extended essay of around 5000 words. The main object of this exercise is to improve research skills in an area of interest.
There are six or seven hour lectures and six or seven one and a half hour tutorials per fortnight, plus significant independent study. Class hours are usually between 9 am and 5 pm.
Assessment
It is assessed by a combination of in course assessments (approximately 40%) and end of year examinations (approximately 60%).
Your future career
Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place on our excellent rated Legal Practice Course (LPC) for intending solicitors. It also enables you to progress on to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for intending solicitors.
At Nottingham Law School we do not view the GDL in isolation, but as part of a two-year programme with the LPC / BPTC. We have a dedicated careers and recruitment service, which provides practical advice and will support you in your search for a training contract or pupillage. Many firms will appreciate your well-rounded knowledge and the commitment demonstrated by completing the GDL, and even if you decide not to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister, you will have gained a range of transferable skills that will be highly valued by employers.
Continuing professional development
Nottingham Law School also offers a suite of practice-based practitioner programmes specifically designed to meet the personal development needs of legal practitioners. We offer courses that qualify for CPD with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, in-house training and bespoke programmes. These courses are highly flexible and can be delivered throughout the year both nationally and internationally.
This course does not offer placements, although there are opportunities to gain work experience through involvement in pro bono projects.
Applications for this course are made via the Central Applications Board. To register your interest, please contact the following.
CPE/Diploma in Law Courses
Central Applications Board
PO Box 84
Guildford
Surrey GU3 1YX
Telephone: +44 (0)1483 451080
Applications open in the autumn of the year preceding commencement of the course in September. Applications can be made throughout the year.
The course is only open to those holding qualifications approved by the SRA or Bar Standards Board under the regulations in force from time to time.
