Postgraduate Diploma in Law PGDip
- Level(s) of Study: Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Full-time 1 academic year / 2 academic years Distance learning
- Study Mode(s): Distance learning / Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021). -
100% of Graduate Diploma in Law (full-time) students are in high-skilled jobs within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21).
Why choose this course?
This course is designed for non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) provides you with the foundation of legal knowledge and skills required for your legal training. For aspiring barristers, it satisfies the Bar Standards Board’s academic requirements to permit you to commence the vocational stage of training (e.g. the Barristers Training Course). For aspiring solicitors, it provides a solid grounding in the fundamental legal knowledge and skills required for key parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
This course provides a thorough consideration of the foundational law subjects, whilst allowing you to keep your options open before deciding which branch of the legal professions (solicitor or barrister) to train for. Beyond the core subjects, you will also have the opportunity to undertake practical experience at an early stage in our award-winning NLS Legal.
You will be taught by our outstanding teaching team, consisting of both experienced legal professionals and leading researchers in Law.
Why study at Nottingham Law School?
- We have a long-established reputation for delivering excellence in legal education.
- We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including NLS Legal.
- Every student will take part in career enhancing opportunities during the course.
- We offer excellent career support, through our dedicated Employability team.
- Lectures and seminars are designed to encourage interactive learning, as our students learn in small groups by supportive teaching staff.
- You will have a dedicated personal tutor. We get to know our students and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.
- We are a full-service Law School. At the end of your PGDL, you will be able to continue your legal training with us, whichever branch of the profession you decide to train for. On the basis of their positive experience, many of our students choose to stay with Nottingham Law School to complete the next stage of their legal training.
- Scholarships are available.
- Our summer schools programme will provide you with an insight into international law.
- You will have all the facilities a large Law School can offer plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers an outstanding library, IT support, sports, language and student union services.
- 95% of law students said the course is intellectually stimulating (PTES 2023)
- 95% of law students said there is appropriate access to online library resources (PTES 2023)
- NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22).
What you’ll study
Careers and employability
Your future career
Successful completion of this course allows you to progress onto our excellent-rated LLM Legal Practice Course (LLM LPC) for students who have accepted a place on our PGDL before the 31st August 2021 or onto one of our courses preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
We have a dedicated Employability team who will support you in your search for work experience, pupillage and other opportunities. We ensure we provide the support required to give you the best possible start to your legal career:
- Our Employability team provide seminars with advice about applications and interview techniques.
- We will review your applications and formulate individual career plans. We also provide a practical interview preparation service.
- We provide a mentoring scheme with trainees from local law firms to provide support and guidance and a personal view of what to expect from life in the profession.
- We provide opportunities for mooting and advocacy practice before local magistrates.
- Employability and commercial awareness are given appropriate focus, which provides a true bridge into practice.
Many firms will appreciate your well-rounded knowledge and the commitment demonstrated by completing the PGDL, 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
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you, and our SQE Preparation courses, including our Masters course for non-law graduates and what it means for you.
Students who have completed, started or accepted an offer to start on the PGDL by 31 August 2021 have the option to qualify through the existing route and take the Legal Practice Course or choose to take the new SQE route to qualify.
Further information on the SRA's transitional arrangements can be found via their website.
Campus and facilities
How to apply
Applications for the full-time and distance learning courses are to be made online via the Central Applications Board. For further information on application you can also contact the Central Applications Board at: applications@lawcabs.ac.uk
Application closing date
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.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Good luck with your application!
Applications for the full-time and distance learning courses are to be made online via the Central Applications Board. For further information on application you can also contact the Central Applications Board at: applications@lawcabs.ac.uk
For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page
For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Application closing date
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.