What is GDL qualification?

Asked by: Lou Mraz DVM  |  Last update: September 25, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (49 votes)

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.

Is GDL the same as LLB?

The graduate-entry LLB is a two-year, full-time course which equips you with an LLB rather than a graduate diploma. Both are similar qualifications, but the graduate entry LLB allows for broader study similar to that of a first degree.

Is GDL equivalent to LLM?

The difference between a GDL and an LLM is essentially your career aspirations. If you want to be a lawyer (a solicitor or a barrister) then you need to either complete a bachelor's degree in law or have studied another subject at undergraduate level and completed the GDP.

Who needs to take the GDL?

Who is the GDL suitable for? The GDL is for graduates (or soon-to-be graduates) who do not have a qualifying law degree but want to become a lawyer. You need an undergraduate degree or equivalent to study the GDL, but there is no limit on what subject you studied. The minimum grade for most GDL programmes is 2:2.

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 ...

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

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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'.

Which is better GDL or LLM?

M.s on offer, in subjects from commercial law to human rights law. This means LL. M.s can be better for those set on a career path already, while GDLs are good for people considering many different career paths within law, in addition to being a barrister or a solicitor.

Can you become a barrister with a GDL?

To become a barrister, you must either read law at university, or a non-law subject and take the GDL (or law conversion course). Ideally, you'll need to procure a 2:1 or above from a leading university and have excellent extra-curricular activities.

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.

Is GDL a good degree?

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 you convert GDL to LLB?

The University of Law (ULaw) is offering its Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) students the option to upgrade to a full law degree at no extra cost. The new course will allow GDL students the opportunity bag an LLB, by completing just three additional online modules.

Is GDL useful?

In short, yes. GDL grades are important, and many of the top UK law firms will seek a distinction from those applying for training contracts.

How do I become a solicitor after GDL?

For candidates who graduated with a law degree or GDL in 2021, the next step to qualifying as a solicitor could be the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which was introduced in September 2021.
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The Oracle replies
  1. The Solicitors Qualifying Exam;
  2. Legal Practice Course; and.
  3. Law conversions.

Can you do LPC without GDL?

Under the current regime, a non-law graduate seeking to become a solicitor must complete a one-year GDL before they can embark on the LPC. Under the SQE, a two-part national assessment to be set and examined centrally, there is no equivalent requirement, i.e. all graduates (law or non-law) can proceed directly to SQE1.

What has replaced the GDL?

The SQE will eventually replace the GDL and the LPC, but don't be misled - it's not a course but a series of examinations taken in two stages. If you started your law training before September 2021 the SRA expect a long period of transition.

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.

Is the GDL tough?

Well, I have done the GDL - it isn't easy. It's intense with a high workload. Yes, some areas you will find easier than others, but some you are bound to find more challenging. I don't know anyone who has done it who found it easy.

How do I become a barrister without a law degree UK?

You don't need to have studied law to become a barrister – but it will mean an additional qualification if you did do a different subject. You will have to complete a conversion course or Graduate Diploma of Law (GDL) before you can complete the qualifications/stages outlined for law students.

How long is a GDL course?

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 do I become a solicitor without a law degree?

You can become a lawyer without a law degree.

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you will need to complete a 1-year law conversion course known as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which is mainly exams-based.

Can I do an LLM without a law degree?

7. Can I apply if I do not have a law degree? Students without a law background may apply to the LLM programme, but they need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to the subjects they wish to study.

What is a GDL student?

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.

Can I convert my degree to law?

The GDL is specially designed as the conversion course into legal study. It is one of the pathways into practice for non-law graduates. If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-law field and want to study law at a postgraduate level you'll first need to complete this conversion course.

Do law firms pay for GDL?

Even if your dream firm doesn't provide financial aid, you can apply to the law school directly for discounted tuition or do the course part-time. Many of the large, commercial law firms cover the cost of the GDL, as well as other living expenses.

Can you get a job with a GDL?

If you're studying the GDL full time, a popular option for those seeking employment is casual shop work on the days off. Something like office work isn't the easiest thing arrange for a couple of days a week or at weekends, but you never know what opportunities are knocking around.