Choosing the right Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is crucial for your conversation into a legal career. In this guide, we compare various PGDL courses to help you find the one that best aligns with your needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s find the best law conversion course for you.
What is a PGDL Course?
A Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a legal qualification primarily designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-law subject and wish to pursue a career in law. It’s also known as a ‘law conversion course’ because it enables students to ‘convert’ their existing degree to a law qualification. The PGDL provides the essential legal knowledge and foundation needed to move on to the next stages of legal training, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in England and Wales, the Legal Practice Course, or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for those aiming to become barristers. It’s important to note that it is not a requirement to become a solicitor or a barrister.
The PGDL intends to bring students up to date with the seven core legal modules on an LLB law degree, including contract law, constitutional law, criminal law, human rights law, European Union law, tort law, and land law. The course is usually just one year long full-time, compared with the typical three-year LLB law degree. The PDGL has replaced the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) from 2020 onwards. Find out how to perfectly answer why you want to study law application questions.
What Universities Provide PGDL Courses in the UK?
More than 40 universities in the UK offer PGDL courses. These include the University of Brighton, City University London, University of East Anglia and many more. Each of these institutions offers unique features and specializations in their PGDL courses, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations in the legal field. It is crucial for you to learn more about each course in order to make an informed decision.
PGDL Course Comparison
Below, you will find a detailed PGDL course comparison between various UK universities.
University  | Location | Full-time or Part-time | Course Fees | Entry Requirements | Special Features |
Sussex | Full-time | £10,500 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Top 20 in the UK for law, range of scholarships available | |
Birmingham Bristol Exeter Leeds Guildford Liverpool London Bloomsbury London Moorgate Manchester Newcastle Reading Nottingham Sheffield | Full-time, part-time, and online campus | £11,500 - £13,600 | Undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in any distinction | Experience of working in practice, taught by qualified lawyers, flexible study available | |
East Anglia | Full-time | £9,750 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Placement opportunities, commercial awareness workshops, mock application interviews, Law Society, pro-bono opportunities | |
Brighton | Full-time and part-time | £10,500 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Dedicated careers service, mentoring scheme which pairs students with professionals | |
Swansea | Full-time | £13,950 | Undergraduate degree awarded by UK institution. | Employability Academy, Centre for Academic Success which offer courses on a range of skills. | |
Oxford | Full-time, part-time | £9,250 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university and evidence of commitment to the legal profession | Mentoring scheme with a qualified solicitor or barrister, mooting, client interviewing workshops | |
Nottingham | Full-time, distance learning | £9,500 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Small class sizes, mock courtrooms, multi-award-winning pro-bono programme through Legal Advice Centre. | |
Newcastle | Full-time | £12,950 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Vulnerable witness training, practitioner advocacy masterclass, mentoring scheme, international mooting. | |
Manchester | Full-time | £11,000 | Undergraduate degree at any level but higher classifications preferred, may also consider those without a degree but appropriate professional experience. | Small class sizes, mock courtrooms, multi-award-winning pro-bono programme through Legal Advice Centre. | |
London | Full-time, part-time | £7,333 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university but favourable consideration given to those with a third. | University of the Year for Graduate Employability for two years in a row, professional links and Employability Service | |
Holloway, London | Full-time, part-time, part-time evening, accelerated option | £7,150 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Received special commendation from the Joint Academic Stage Board (of the SRA and BSB) for exceptional high quality including teaching, management, and careers advice. | |
Leeds | Full-time, distance learning | £9,450 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Distance and flexible learning, taught by professional lawyers, ‘Law in Practice’ lecture series in person and online. | |
London | Full-time | £13,590 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Small class size, one-to-one feedback sessions, advice on CV’s, mock interviews, practitioner panels and networking events | |
Cardiff | Full-time | £11,200 | Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree from UK university | Strong connections with local firms and chambers, one-to-one feedback on applications | |
Birmingham Cambridge Leeds Manchester London | Full-time, part-time and online | £10,700-£13,400 | Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in any subject at any recognised UK institution | Specialist careers advice, employability week, pro-bono opportunities and well-being support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about PGDL courses in the UK.
What is the PGDL level?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a postgraduate level qualification, typically pursued after completing an undergraduate degree in a non-law subject.
What comes after PGDL?
After completing a PGDL, students usually progress to professional legal training like the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar Practice Training Course (BPTC), depending on whether they wish to become solicitors or barristers.
What grade do you need from PGDL?
Generally, a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) undergraduate degree is required for entry into PGDL programs, although this can vary by institution.
Where is the best place to do a GDL?
The best place depends on individual preferences, including teaching style, location, fees, and links to law firms. Popular choices include institutions like BPP University, The University of Law, and City, University of London.
Should I do PGDL?
This depends on your career goals. If you aim to become a solicitor or barrister in the UK and have a non-law undergraduate degree, a PGDL is a standard route to qualify for further legal training.
Do you still need a PGDL?
While not mandatory for the SQE route, a PGDL provides a comprehensive foundation in law for non-law graduates, making it beneficial for those looking to switch to a legal career.