The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), formerly known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), serves as a pivotal gateway for non-law graduates aspiring to transition into legal careers in the United Kingdom. Offered by institutions such as The University of Law (ULaw), the PGDL provides comprehensive legal education, blending foundational legal knowledge with practical skills essential for legal practice.
Why Pursue the PGDL?
Embarking on a legal career as a non-law graduate offers numerous advantages. The PGDL not only equips students with essential legal principles but also enhances employability by combining diverse academic backgrounds with robust legal expertise. Employers highly value this unique blend, recognizing the analytical and transferable skills non-law graduates bring to the legal profession. Moreover, the PGDL emphasizes practical legal skills through workshops and problem-based learning, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world legal challenges.
Course Structure and Content
The PGDL curriculum is meticulously designed to cover core legal subjects, ensuring a solid foundation for further legal studies or practice. At ULaw, the course includes the following modules:
- English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including Retained EU Law): An exploration of the UK’s legal framework and constitutional principles.
- Tort Law: Study of civil wrongs and liabilities.
- Contract Law: Examination of contractual agreements and obligations.
- Criminal Law: Understanding of criminal offenses and defenses.
- Administrative Law and Human Rights: Insight into public law and fundamental rights.
- Land Law: Focus on property rights and land use.
- Trusts: Analysis of fiduciary relationships and asset management.
- Law of Organisations: Study of company and partnership laws.
- Skills and Behaviours: A non-credit-bearing module emphasizing professional development and essential legal skills.
Delivery Modes and Duration
ULaw offers the PGDL through various delivery modes to accommodate diverse student needs:
- Full-Time On-Campus: Typically completed in 33 to 35 weeks, this mode offers immersive learning with direct access to faculty and resources.
- Part-Time On-Campus: Spanning approximately 24 months, this option allows students to balance studies with other commitments.
- Online: Designed for flexibility, the online PGDL can be pursued full-time over 33 weeks or part-time over 19-21 months, featuring live lectures and interactive online support.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students are generally required to hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2:2 in any discipline or equivalent qualifications. For non-native English speakers, an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, is typically required.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary based on the chosen study mode and location:
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Full-Time On-Campus:
- London: £14,300 for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024; £14,850 for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025.
- Outside London: £11,500 for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024; £11,950 for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025.
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Online:
- Full-Time: £11,950 for courses starting in January 2025.
- Part-Time: Fees are prorated based on the duration of study.
ULaw also offers various scholarships and bursaries to support students financially, aiming to make legal education more accessible.
Career Progression
Completing the PGDL opens multiple pathways in the legal field:
- Solicitor: Progression to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) stages, with ULaw offering dedicated preparation courses.
- Barrister: Advancement to the Bar Practice Course (BPC), equipping students for pupillage and practice.
- Alternative Legal Careers: The skills acquired are also applicable in roles such as legal consultancy, compliance, and in-house legal departments.
ULaw’s extensive network, including partnerships with over 90 of the top 100 law firms, enhances employment opportunities for PGDL graduates.
