The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), formerly known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), serves as an essential bridge for non-law graduates aiming to transition into the legal profession in the United Kingdom. This intensive course provides a comprehensive understanding of core legal principles, preparing students for further vocational training to become solicitors or barristers.

Course Structure

The PGDL curriculum encompasses foundational areas of law, ensuring that students acquire the necessary legal knowledge and practical skills. While specific module names and structures may vary across institutions, the core subjects typically include:

  • English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including EU Law): An introduction to the UK’s legal framework, the role of courts, and constitutional principles.

  • Tort Law: Exploration of civil wrongs and liabilities, focusing on negligence, defamation, and nuisance.

  • Contract Law: Study of legally binding agreements, contractual obligations, and remedies for breach of contract.

  • Criminal Law: Understanding of offenses, defenses, and the criminal justice process.

  • Administrative Law and Human Rights: Examination of public law principles, judicial review, and protection of individual rights.

  • Land Law: Insights into property rights, land ownership, and related legal issues.

  • Equity and Trusts: Focus on equitable principles, trust creation, and fiduciary duties.

  • Law of Organisations (including Company Law): Study of business entities, corporate governance, and related legal frameworks.

  • Skills and Behaviours (non-credit-bearing): Development of professional attributes essential for legal practice, such as research, writing, and advocacy skills.

For instance, the University of Law’s PGDL program offers these modules, emphasizing practical application through workshops and problem-based learning.

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Entry Requirements

Admission to PGDL programs generally requires:

  • A UK undergraduate degree (usually a 2:2 or above) in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification.

  • Proficiency in English, demonstrated through academic qualifications or language tests.

Applicants without a law degree should consult the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) for additional guidance on legal career pathways.

Course Fees

Tuition fees for the PGDL vary depending on the institution and location. On average, fees range from £8,000 to £12,500, with London-based courses often at the higher end of the spectrum. Additional costs may include accommodation, travel, study materials, and living expenses.

Assessments

Assessment methods in PGDL programs are diverse, aiming to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Common assessment types include:

  • Written Examinations: Essays, problem questions, and multiple-choice questions.

  • Oral Assessments: Moots, presentations, and advocacy exercises.

  • Coursework: Research papers, case studies, and reflective portfolios.

The University of Westminster, for example, utilizes a variety of authentic assessments, including advocacy and case study analyses, to mirror real-life legal challenges.

Progression After PGDL

Completing the PGDL opens several pathways for aspiring legal professionals:

  • Solicitors: Graduates can pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, which involves passing SQE1 and SQE2 exams and completing qualifying work experience.

  • Barristers: Graduates may opt for the Bar Practice Course (BPC), followed by a pupillage, to qualify as barristers.

It’s important to note that while the PGDL provides foundational legal knowledge, additional training and assessments are required to develop practical legal skills necessary for practice.

PGDL and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

The introduction of the SQE has transformed the qualification process for solicitors. The PGDL aligns with the SQE’s Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) requirements, covering essential legal topics assessed in SQE1. However, completing the PGDL does not automatically grant exemption from SQE1; graduates must still pass the exam. Some institutions offer SQE preparation courses post-PGDL to facilitate this transition.

Differences Between PGDL and GDL

Prior to the SQE’s implementation, the conversion course for non-law graduates was known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). With the advent of the SQE, many universities updated their curricula to align with the new assessment framework, leading to the rebranding of the GDL as the PGDL. This change reflects a curriculum designed to meet the SQE’s requirements, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the new qualification process.

Where to Study PGDL

Numerous universities and legal education providers across England and Wales offer PGDL courses. Some notable institutions include:

  • University of Law: Offers both full-time and part-time PGDL options, with locations across the UK and online study opportunities.

  • Nottingham Trent University: Provides a PGDL program with a focus on practical legal skills and client-based scenarios.

  • University of Westminster: Offers a Professional Legal Practice PGDL, emphasizing experiential learning and professional development.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend open days and review course structures to select a program that aligns with their career goals and learning preferences.

How to Apply for the PGDL

Below is a general application process for a PGDL course.

1) Register on LawCAB

2) Pick the PGDL course and an online application form is created for you

3) Complete the form, which includes the following sections:

  • Basic personal details including contact details, nationality, languages, and any special requirements
  • Career path (be it solicitor, barrister, or undecided)
  • Institution selection (you can select up to 3)
  • Qualifications from A-Levels upward. If you have an LLB from abroad or if your undergraduate degree was over four years ago, you need to provide your transcript
  • Employment history
  • Personal statement

4) Nominate a referee, usually an academic tutor if you are a student or a current or recent employer if you are employed. Otherwise, a regulated professional (for example, a teacher, doctor, lawyer, accountant) who knows you well enough can provide a reference in support of your application

5) Pay the application fee (£25) via Stripe secure online payment processing

6) Submit the form

7) Reference request. When you have submitted your form, the person you have nominated as a referee will receive an automated reference request. Your form is NOT released to the institutions until your referee has submitted a reference. It is your responsibility to check that the referee has received the reference request.

8) Reference submitted

The personal statement forms part of the criteria and assessment when universities decide whether or not to offer you a place on their course. It is a motivational statement/short essay that gives you the opportunity to tell the universities about yourself. It should be generic as the same one will be sent to all of the institutions that you have selected on your form.

You may want to cover the following in your personal statement:

  • The reasons for which you are applying for the course
  • What interests you about the course
  • What motivates you
  • Your future career
  • Your skills and achievements and how your personality is suitable for a career in law
  • Your hobbies
  • Your work experience

Although you are allowed up to 10,000 characters (including all punctuation, paragraph breaks etc), you are not expected to reach this cap. Most submitted personal statements are approximately 500-1000 words (3000-4000 characters).

When using examples of experience or skills in your personal statement, you may find it useful to use the STAR technique to structure your example, as you might do so in a cover letter or interview.

STAR stands for:

Situation (one sentence describing the context of your example)

Task (one sentence to describe your individual role)

Action (2-3 sentences on exactly what you did)

Result (one sentence describing the outcome)

The application window for courses will be open from October. You can apply anytime from then if you are in your final year student or if you already have your degree. Applications are usually reviewed on a rolling basis and the application window will remain open until August/September depending on which institution you are applying to and the number of places still available.

If you don’t need a visa, we recommend that you complete your application by the end of July. If you are applying from outside of the UK and need a visa, you should aim to complete your application by the end of May/early June. Applicants for courses starting in January should have their applications completed before Christmas if possible.

PGDL and Employability

One of the primary concerns for non-law graduates considering the PGDL is the potential impact on employability. While entering the legal profession can be highly competitive, completing the PGDL significantly enhances your chances of securing a legal job. Legal employers, whether law firms or chambers, value the PGDL as evidence of a solid understanding of the law.

However, it’s important to note that completing the PGDL alone does not guarantee a job. Practical experience, networking, and additional legal qualifications (such as the LPC, SQE, or BPC) are all important factors in securing employment. Many law firms and barristers’ chambers look for candidates who have practical experience through placements, internships, or pro bono work, as this demonstrates your ability to apply legal principles in real-world situations.

The PGDL program offers several opportunities for networking and exposure to legal professionals. Participating in extracurricular activities, such as mooting competitions or pro bono work, can be valuable in helping you stand out from other candidates.

International Students and the PGDL

For international students, the PGDL offers a great opportunity to gain a UK-recognized legal qualification. However, there are several factors to consider:

  • Visa Requirements: International students will need a valid student visa to undertake the PGDL in the UK. It’s essential to ensure that your visa status is up to date before applying for the course.

  • Tuition Fees: International students typically pay higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. Fees can vary depending on the institution and location, with London-based courses usually being more expensive. It is advisable to research funding options or scholarships available for international students.

  • Recognition of the PGDL in Your Home Country: If you intend to practice law in your home country after completing the PGDL, it’s important to verify with your local law society or bar association whether the PGDL is recognized as a valid legal qualification. Some countries may require you to complete additional qualifications or certification to practice law.

  • English Language Requirements: International students must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through an IELTS score or equivalent qualification, before being accepted into the PGDL program. Each institution may have different requirements, so it’s important to check the specific entry criteria for your chosen provider.

For many international students, the PGDL is an attractive option because it is typically shorter than the two-year accelerated LLB course. Additionally, the PGDL allows students to fast-track their legal education and move on to professional qualifications in a shorter time frame.

Online PGDL Options

For students who may not be able to attend in-person classes, many universities offer online PGDL programs. These online courses provide the same core content as the in-person programs but offer greater flexibility in terms of study hours and location. Students can learn at their own pace while still benefiting from a comprehensive legal education.

Online PGDL programs are typically designed to be as interactive as their in-person counterparts, offering virtual seminars, online tutorials, and forums for discussion. Some institutions, such as BPP University and the University of Law, provide online PGDL options that mirror the content and learning outcomes of their campus-based programs.

While the online format can be beneficial for students who need flexibility, it also requires a high level of self-discipline and time management. Online learners are expected to complete independent study and engage in virtual discussions with peers and tutors. Therefore, online PGDL students should be prepared for a rigorous and self-motivated study experience.

Contact Hours and Study Expectations

For both full-time and part-time PGDL students, the course involves a combination of contact hours and independent study. Contact hours refer to the time spent in lectures, workshops, and seminars, while independent study involves reading, completing assignments, and preparing for exams.

  • Full-Time PGDL: Full-time courses typically span one year, with students attending between 8-10 hours of contact sessions per week. In addition to these contact hours, students are expected to devote 25-30 hours per week to independent study. This includes reading case law, preparing assignments, and revising for exams.

  • Part-Time PGDL: The part-time PGDL option usually takes two years to complete, with students attending fewer contact hours (often in the evenings or weekends). While this allows students to balance their studies with work or other commitments, the expectations for independent study remain high. Part-time students are still expected to allocate a significant amount of time for coursework and exam preparation.

Extracurricular Activities and Networking

PGDL students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities that complement their academic learning. Many universities offer opportunities to participate in pro bono work, mooting competitions, legal societies, and career development events. These activities help students build essential professional skills and expand their legal networks.

Pro bono projects, where students provide free legal services to those in need, are a particularly valuable way to gain practical experience while studying for the PGDL. Many law firms and chambers look favorably on candidates who have been involved in pro bono work, as it demonstrates a commitment to social justice and an understanding of legal practice.

Networking events, such as careers fairs, legal forums, and guest lectures, are also valuable for building connections within the legal profession. These events allow students to meet potential employers, mentors, and colleagues, which can significantly enhance their job prospects upon completing the PGDL.

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