Is GDL a Masters?

Asked by: Sherwood Wisoky  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 5/5 (26 votes)

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 ...

Does the GDL count as a degree?

The GDL is a one-year course which non-law graduates aiming for a career as a solicitor must take before doing the obligatory Legal Practice Course (LPC). In effect it 'converts' your non-law degree into a qualifying law degree – for that reason it is sometimes also known as the 'conversion course'.

Is a law conversion a Masters?

The Master of Arts in Law conversion course is a specially designed postgraduate degree for non-law graduates who want to gain a general legal qualification at Master's level. As an internationally recognised qualification, a Law Master's is a great addition to your portfolio.

Is GDL a bachelor degree?

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a Law conversion course that effectively fits around 18 months of undergraduate Law study into one intensive year. These courses often provide you with preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

What type of degree is the GDL?

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.

What to know about the LAW Conversion Course (GDL) - Graduate Diploma into Law.

29 related questions found

Can I do a Masters after GDL?

An LLM is a master's in law, designed for students who have already completed their LLB undergraduate law degree or their GDL course. It is, however, possible to earn a place on an LLM without having completed an LLB or a GDL, so long as you can demonstrate that you have significant legal knowledge.

Do I need a Masters to be a barrister?

What qualifications do I need in becoming a barrister? You must complete an undergraduate law degree, or an undergraduate degree followed by the GDL. You must also pass the BPTC as a postgraduate degree at law school.

Is GDL hard?

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.

Is the GDL as good as a law degree?

The GDL is a good route if you want to actually enjoy your time at university by studying something that interests you academically such as history or English literature. You are more likely to be a happier person and get higher marks this way rather than studying an LLB just because you think it sounds better.

How much do barristers earn UK?

For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000. Hourly rates also vary from just £20 for a newly qualified barrister in criminal law to £900 per hour for a tax specialist. As an employed barrister, you can expect to earn from around £25,000 to in excess of £100,000.

Do law firms accept GDL?

The majority of firms that offer to cover the cost of the GDL are large, London-based, commercial law firms. ... They do not solely cover the cost of the GDL, but also cover the cost of the LPC and a supporting maintenance grant.

What type of degree is PGDL?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a postgraduate course, ideal for anyone who did not complete an undergraduate LLB degree who is looking to progress into a career in law. Upon completing the PGDL, you will be eligible to continue training as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales.

Is GDL same as LLB?

Law conversion courses such as the GDL provide non-law graduates with a diploma equivalent to a law degree. ... Both are similar qualifications, but the graduate entry LLB allows for broader study similar to that of a first degree.

What can you do with a GDL?

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or the Common Professional Examination (CPE) as it is also known, provides non-law graduates with a gateway to a career as a solicitor or as a barrister.

What can I do with a MA in law?

What jobs can I get with a Masters in Law?
  • Consultancy.
  • Education.
  • Finance.
  • Government.
  • Insurance.
  • IT.
  • Law enforcement.

How many hours a week is the GDL?

It's more intense than many students expect. Add 40 hours of work and that's 80 hours a week. What really tipped the balance was the 20-plus hours a week required for mooting, debating, pro bono, FRU training, prize essays, chambers evenings, mini-pupillages, qualifying sessions, pupillage applications and interviews.

Can you study a masters in law without a law degree?

Ultimately, it is possible to get onto an LLM without having done a law degree. It's best to check with your university's admissions before you get your heart set on it, but in the mean time, getting as much legal work experience as possible will only help your law career in the long run.

Is GDL Recognised internationally?

A number of providers have degree-awarding powers allowing you to upgrade your qualification to an LLB, either upon successful completion of your GDL and LPC or after a summer or online course following the GDL. Unlike the GDL, the LLB gives you an internationally recognised accreditation.

Is GDL accepted in USA?

Indeed, the GDL is actually pointless for anything in the USA. It's only useful as a conversion qualification for non-law degree holders switching to a UK legal career.

Can you become a lawyer without going to law school UK?

Do I need a law degree? You can become a lawyer without a law degree. When you have completed your undergraduate study in a different subject, you'll need to take an SQE preparation course. However, if you study law at undergraduate level you should ensure that your course is a qualifying degree.

Are Gdls respected?

The GDL is a fantastic way to condense essential knowledge into a year of studying. It's a route towards becoming a solicitor or a barrister, but it doesn't command much respect in any other field.

Do I need GDL and LPC?

Everyone will have to do the SQE—not just non-lawyers!

As it stands, you only do the GDL if you did not complete a qualifying law degree, with LLB students progressing straight onto the LPC. However, everyone will have to do the SQE, regardless of what you've studied before.

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 the GDL harder than the LPC?

Compared to the GDL, I found the LPC a lot easier as it's less theoretical and more practical so to score well you just need to focus on applying the law to the facts in front of you.

Is PGDL hard?

The PGDL is an intensive course, and it requires a big commitment in terms of time and effort. I think it is hugely important to be aware of this before embarking on the course, do your research before applying and aim to be as prepared as possible.