Law (Full-time) Graduate Diploma
- Level(s) of Study: Professional
- Start Date(s): Monday 13 September 2021 (subject to minimum numbers being met)
- Duration: 1 year
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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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 Legal Practice Course or Bar Professional Training Course and a career as a solicitor or barrister in the UK. The course is approved by the Law Society and Bar Standards Board.
Why choose this course?
- We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including NLS Legal for the local community.
- Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on Nottingham Law School's highly regarded LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC). Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also looked upon favourably for a place on our LLM Bar Professional Training Course. 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.
- You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff.
- Scholarships are available.
- Our summer schools programme will provide you with an insight into international law.
- We offer excellent careers support, through our dedicated Employability team.
- Every student will take part in career enhancing opportunities during the course of the year.
- Lectures and seminars are designed to encourage interactive learning, as our students learn in small groups.
- 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
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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Careers and employability
Your future career
Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place on our excellent-rated LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) for intending solicitors. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
At Nottingham Law School we do not view the GDL in isolation, but as part of a two-year programme with the LLM LPC or LLM BPTC. We have a dedicated careers and placements 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.
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.
Continuing professional development
Nottingham Law School 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.
There are opportunities to get involved with pro bono projects and NLS Legal, which enable you to gain practical legal work experience.
Our aim is to provide reliable, high-quality legal advice and information to the local community and individuals in need. It also provides practical experience for you to undertake your professional legal training at Nottingham Law School.
Successful completion will guarantee you a place on our highly regarded LLM LPC.
Campus and facilities
How to apply
Ready to join us? Just click the Apply button at the top of this page. This will take you to the Central Applications Board. Make sure you have checked the entry requirements above carefully before you start!
Applications open in the autumn of the year preceding commencement of the course in September. Applications can be made throughout the year.
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.c
Decided on this course? Click the Apply button at the top of this page now. This will take you to the Central Applications Board.
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.