Law (Distance learning) Graduate Diploma
- Level(s) of Study: Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2021 (subject to minimum numbers being met)
- Duration: 2 years
- Study Mode(s): Distance learning
- Campus: City Campus
-
Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Please note: This course is being replaced by our new Postgraduate Diploma in Law course. We are no longer accepting applications for the Graduate Diploma in Law courses.
For non-Law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister, this course is the stepping stone to the LLM Legal Practice Course or LLM Barristers Training Course and your legal career. This flexible, distance-learning course lets you combine study with work and other commitments. Extensive support and 24-hour access to learning resources ensure that you achieve your full potential.
About the course
This is a two-year conversion course designed for non-Law graduates intending to become solicitors or barristers in the UK, or wishing to enhance their career prospects with a legal qualification. The intensive course covers the seven core academic subjects of an undergraduate law degree. It enables progression to the LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC), or the LLM Barristers Training Course (LLM BTC), and a legal career thereafter. This course is also available on a full-time basis. Overseas students should note that the GDL is usually only recognised as a qualifying Law course within the UK.
Why choose this course?
- You have the flexibility to study around work and family commitments.
- There's comprehensive support available that has been highly valued by past students.
- Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on Nottingham Law School's excellent-rated LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC). You can also apply for our acclaimed LLM Barristers Training Course (LLM BTC). We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These courses can reach maximum capacity prior to the course start date.
- Scholarships are available.
- Every student will take part in career-enhancing opportunities during the course of the year.
- 94.4% of our Nottingham Law School postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-18).
What you’ll study
Careers and employability
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam
Starting in September 2021, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a new common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. We’ve been preparing for the implementation of the new SQE system since the SRA decided to make the changes. As the SRA finalise different parts of the system, we are incorporating them into our courses. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you.
Your future career
Although a career in the law is potentially very rewarding, you should be under no illusions that the current market is anything other than highly competitive. However, some firms will prefer you to be a non-Law undergraduate because of your broader knowledge base from previous studies or qualifications; your maturity and commitment; and your practical, relevant, well-rounded legal knowledge gained by studying the core subjects in context on the GDL.
As most city and larger provincial firms recruit two years in advance, it is worth writing to them now in order to see if they will offer you a work placement or an interview. Some will pay your fees if they offer you a training contract. Obtaining some form of work experience is important in showing your interest to potential employers and for finding out what a career in law is really like.
Nottingham Law School has a specialist Careers Service which is available to GDL, LPC, and BPTC students. Careers talks will be given at weekends in the UK. All enrolled students will have access to careers information via their Virtual Learning Portal.
This course does not currently offer placements, but there are opportunities to gain work experience through involvement in pro bono projects in our Legal Advice Centre.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme (ULP).
Campus and facilities
How to apply
Ready to join us? Applications for this course need to go directly to the University rather than through UCAS. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
You must make arrangements for submission of your reference. An academic reference is preferable, but if this is difficult to obtain, a professional reference (e.g. from your employer) will be acceptable. If you have difficulty with either of these, please contact staff at the Law School for advice. One reference is sufficient in the first instance. Please give the name of a second referee, and we will contact them if we need to.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You will find information and advice about applying to NTU on our postgraduates’ guidance pages.
Application closing date
Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Decided on this course? Applications for this course need to go directly to the University rather than through UCAS. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
We advise you to start applying as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
Applications open in the autumn of the year preceding commencement of the course in September. Applications can be made throughout the year.
Applying to NTU
For advice on how to make an application to the University, please visit our see our applying guidelines for international students. You should also check out how to write a good personal statement.
Stressing over your student visa application? Visit our visa information page now.
Application closing date
Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.