Is the GDL harder than a law degree?

Essentially, you’ll be condensing three years worth of LLB course content into just ten months, so yes, the conversion course is likely to be difficult! Passing it takes huge commitment and academic talent, so graduating with the qualification is a great achievement.

How long should GDL personal statement be?

1,500 to 2,000 words

How long is the GDL course?

The Graduate Diploma in Law, known more widely as the GDL, is a one-year full time law conversion course (or two years part time) which brings students up to date with the knowledge they need to become a lawyer. The course may also be referred to as the Common Professional Exam (CPE).

What is a GDL equivalent to?

Law conversion courses such as the GDL provide non-law graduates with a diploma equivalent to a law degree. They take one year to complete if studied full time, and there are also options for flexible part-time study over two or more years.

What qualification does a GDL give you?

Graduate Diploma in Law

Is a GDL a Masters?

GDL or LLM The Master of Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Law are different qualifications in the field of law, but they are similar, in that they are both postgraduate legal courses.

Is GDL being scrapped?

After September 2021, the GDL will cease as a qualification route and you’ll need to take an SQE1 preparation course. For non-law graduates, qualifying under the new system may look something like this: study for a three-year non-law degree.

Is GDL a degree?

The Graduate Diploma in Law/Postgraduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination (GDL/PGDL/CPE) is a postgraduate law course in England and Wales that is taken by non-law graduates (graduates who have a degree in a discipline that is not law or not a qualifying law degree for legal practice) wishing to become …

Is the GDL a qualifying law degree?

GDL stands for the Graduate Diploma in Law. This is a year-long full-time mandatory course for all graduates who didn’t study a qualifying LLB degree. If you’re a non-law graduate who has heard their calling to a law career, then you will have to be up-to-speed about this essential qualification.

Do law firms pay for GDL?

Many large and medium-sized commercial firms provide financial support for the LPC and the GDL but to be eligible for this you’ll have to have a training contract lined up with them and attend the institution of their choice for the LPC.

Can I get student finance for GDL?

Unlike with an undergraduate or masters degree, unfortunately, you can’t use student finance for GDL courses. If you secure a training contract before you start the course, for example, your law firm may cover your course fees through what’s known as law firm sponsorship, and even offer a living allowance.

Do you have to do LPC after GDL?

GDL pros: The course will qualify you to proceed with either the LPC or the BPTC. The GDL is the speediest way of getting the qualification you’ll need to progress to the LPC or BPTC if you’re coming from a non-law degree background. The GDL is a well-established step on the way to the LPC or BPTC.

Can you be a solicitor without the LPC?

It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career. After your law degree, you must complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

How do I fund a GDL course?

Funding the GDLSponsorship from a law firm. If you’re one of those lucky souls that manage to secure a training contract before you embark on your GDL, in many cases your law firm will pay your fees for both your GDL and LPC courses. Department scholarships. Other funding options…

Where is the best place to do a GDL?

Most part-time placesNottingham Trent University (GDL) 220.London Metropolitan University (GDL) Manchester Metropolitan University (GDL) Oxford Brookes (GDL) Bristol Law School at UWE (GDL) De Montfort University (GDL) Liverpool John Moores University (GDL) Leeds Beckett University (GDL)

Do Chambers pay for GDL?

Not only will such firms cover the cost of course fees (LPC and usually GDL too), they may well give you a few thousand pounds towards the cost of living. If you’re training to be a barrister you can apply for a range of GDL and BPTC scholarships from the Inns of Court.

Do training contracts pay for GDL?

If you secure a Training Contract with a firm, many will financially support you throughout your studies. Baker McKenzie will pay your GDL course fees and provide a maintenance grant of £6,000 towards living expenses. A number of firms will hold presentations and skills sessions at the main GDL course providers.

How do people afford LPC?

The most common way of law students getting LPC funding is through gaining a training contract with a law firm that sponsors their further study. Generally law firms will not only pay your LPC costs, but also provide you with a maintenance grant or loan to help you with your living costs while you study.

How do I get a training contract before GDL?

How to get a training contract before GDL? If you are a non-law student, you can start applying for training contracts in your final year of university. Most law firms accept and support non-law students throughout their GDL, LPC and training contract.

Can I become a solicitor without a training contract?

You can apply for exemption for the period of recognised training. This means that you could qualify as a solicitor without having to do a training contract.