Is GDL difficult?

Asked by: Lea Lind MD  |  Last update: November 25, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (48 votes)

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 do you survive GDL?

How to survive the GDL
  1. Work out how you will be assessed – and study accordingly. Different modules are assessed in different ways. ...
  2. Go to your lectures and tutorials. ...
  3. Practice, practice, practice. ...
  4. Other ways to broaden your knowledge. ...
  5. Keep your career goals in mind. ...
  6. Use your law school's facilities. ...
  7. Look after yourself.

Is GDL worth doing?

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.

Is the GDL better than a law degree?

You might consider the LLB if you want a less intensive academic experience and would like extra time to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts. The benefit of the GDL is its shorter timeframe - it enables you to complete the course in half the time and save considerably on costs.

How long does it take to do the GDL?

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).

law student vlog 01. what is the GDL really like??

30 related questions found

Which is harder GDL or LPC?

Star Member. 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.

Are you a lawyer after GDL?

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 GDL 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.

Can I become a solicitor with a GDL?

To become a solicitor, you must: Complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or the Law Conversion Course after finishing a non-law degree; Complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) once you've finished your GDL.

Can you become a barrister with GDL?

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.

How do I pass GDL exams?

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in order to achieve the best grade possible.
  1. Plan. You must plan. ...
  2. Redecorate your walls! ...
  3. The GDL is a marathon not a sprint. ...
  4. Don't revise everything. ...
  5. Make use of everything at your disposal. ...
  6. Revise for seminars and exams with others.

Is a diploma in law Hard?

Most students report that the law degree is more difficult than their other degree. Students who undertake our post-graduate JD offering also often say law is more difficult than their previous degree. Law involves a LOT of reading and difficult and rigorous application of materials. Some concepts are difficult.

Should I do the GDL without a training contract?

First things first—there's no tangible advantage (or indeed disadvantage) to having the GDL when you apply for a training contract. Firms frequently pay for and organise GDL places for their future trainees, so it's not really a factor in deciding whether or not to offer someone a training contract.

How many exams are there in GDL?

Seven exams, two pieces of coursework, and a moot. Yes. MMU GDL students get a 20% discount. Normally minimum 2:2 degree.

How difficult is PGDL?

BPP's PGDL is a level seven qualification, which made it slightly more difficult than ULaw's level six GDL which ran this year. The PGDL is intense and you have to work consistently 9-5 to not fall behind.

How do I survive a law degree UK?

  1. Become A Solicitor. As A Graduate. Secure A Training Contract. Study The LPC. Or Study The SQE. Without A Degree. ...
  2. Build Your CV. Work Experience. Explore Solicitor Work Experience. Find A Virtual Scheme. Vacation Schemes. ...
  3. Get A Training Contract. Research Law Firms. Find A Training Contract. Applications. Build Your Application.

How hard is law conversion course?

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 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. take an SQE1 preparation course.

What jobs can I do with a GDL?

Gdl jobs in London
  • Qualified Lawyers (London) Government Legal Department3.4. ...
  • Paralegal. MyVulnerability Limited. ...
  • Paralegal. Slater Gordon2.9. ...
  • Personal Assistant. MyVulnerability Limited. ...
  • new. ...
  • Trainee Solicitor – London & Regional. ...
  • Trainee Notary. ...
  • London SQE Training Programme 2023 - Property, Energy and Construction.

Does Oxford do GDL?

Although the GDL is the most popular law conversion course, you can also do a condensed version of the 3 year LLB with a 'Senior Status', which is offered at Oxford.

Is GDL a masters 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 it worth doing a law degree UK?

A law degree is a great qualification to obtain employment – law graduates have the 6th highest employment rate - and bear in mind up to 60% of all law graduates chose to use their law degree to gain jobs other than in the legal profession.

Can I convert GDL to LLB?

This programme enables you to upgrade your Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), also known as the Common Professional Exam, to a full LLB Law. If you have a non-law degree, the GDL plus the top-up will allow you to obtain a Bachelor of Law degree in two years instead of the usual three.

What should I study after GDL?

On top of this, after passing the GDL, would-be lawyers must take the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), depending on whether you want to become a solicitor or barrister.

How is the GDL taught?

You learn through lectures and tutorials which occupy around 16 hours each week. Each week you will attend a two-hour lecture in six of the seven foundation subjects and receive a fortnightly tutorial in every subject.