Is the GDL difficult?

Asked by: Lenna Hettinger  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (70 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.

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 a 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.

How do you do well in the 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 Graduate Diploma in Law Hard?

It is well known that the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is an extremely demanding and time-consuming course. There are at least seven compulsory modules to study between September and June, with constant work required throughout the academic year if you want to excel in your final exams.

THE GDL: WHERE I WENT WRONG...

18 related questions found

How hard is BPP GDL?

The GDL experience is nearly always intense. ... Be warned that you've got to have a good work ethic to do well on the GDL at BPP. “Not having compulsory mocks means you have to try and fit in extra work on top of already extra work,” reports one student.

Is the bar exam hard UK?

Like any exam if you have studied and learned your subject, then It's not too arduous. You also have modules in advocacy, drafting, opinion writing, plus a further 2 area if law etc. It's tough but when you pass, you feel wonderful.

How hard is PGDL?

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.

Can you work while doing the GDL?

Some people do work while doing the GDL. If you're going to do so, it can be helpful to seek employment in the legal sector or within your university, as employers who are familiar with the GDL can be more understanding of the workload than others.

Can you do bar after GDL?

For those pursuing a career as a barrister, the law degree/GDL must be completed within the maximum time limit of six years, although this rule can be relaxed in exceptional circumstances. In addition, candidates must start the Bar course within five years of graduating with a law degree or GDL.

Is a law diploma worth it?

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.

How many hours a week is a GDL?

How long does the GDL take? The course fits approximately 18 months' worth of content from a three-year law degree into one-year full time or two years part time. Each week you'll have around 45 hours of lectures, tutorials, and self-study culminating in a three-hour final exam on each subject.

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.

Are GDL grades important?

Grades. Grades continue to be essential in securing any training contract. ... Failure to achieve this minimum grade is likely to result in the firm rescinding your training contract offer.

Is the GDL harder than a law degree?

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.

Does Oxford offer the 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.

How competitive is the GDL?

The GDL market is fiercely competitive. There are several private providers and universities to attend. Every provider is truly different. The private providers such as BPP and University of Law tend to have more of a practical focus on the law.

Is BPTC harder than GDL?

Be strategic. With its advocacy component and associated inns of court dinners, the BPTC is widely regarded as sexier than the GDL and LPC courses. But the tricky drafting and opinion writing components that students must complete, alongside hefty procedural law modules, make it just as challenging.

Why is LPC so hard?

The LPC is a heavy course – the material itself is not necessarily difficult, but the quantity can prove daunting at times. The course is structured with lectures and the material is then thoroughly discussed in small seminar groups.

Can I do LLM after GDL?

The GDL does not give you an LLB. The qualification is a Graduate Diploma in Law. However if you want to be a solicitor and go on to do the LPC, The College of Law now offers an LLM LPC, which is the regular LPC with a dissertation. If you do the LPC with the dissertation, you get an LLM.

Can anyone do a GDL?

Are you eligible for the GDL? To apply for the GDL you need to hold one of the following qualifications: (a) a degree from a recognised UK institution or a graduate degree from any overseas institution which is recognised by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) as equivalent to a UK degree.

Where is the best place to study GDL?

Most full-time places
  • Nottingham Trent University (GDL)
  • The City Law School (GDL)
  • The University of Law, Nottingham (GDL)
  • University of Westminster (GDL)
  • Oxford Brookes (GDL)
  • London Metropolitan University (GDL)
  • Manchester Metropolitan University (GDL)
  • Cardiff University (GDL)

How many contact hours is the GDL?

GDL students generally have 14 contact hours per week on full-time UK GDL courses, with significantly fewer hours on part-time courses. In addition to the allocated contact hours, as a GDL student, you will be expected to spend 2-3 hours preparing for each of your law tutorials.

Can you get student finance for GDL?

Unlike with an undergraduate or masters degree, unfortunately, you can't use student finance for GDL courses. ... If you secure a training contract before you start the course, for example, your law firm may cover your course fees through what's known as law firm sponsorship, and even offer a living allowance.

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.