What type of qualification is GDL?

Asked by: Sterling Buckridge  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

What is the GDL? Until September 2021, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a one-year, full-time mandatory conversion course for non-law graduates seeking qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales.

What type of degree is GDL?

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).

Is the GDL a postgraduate qualification?

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 the GDL a Masters?

What is 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).

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

18 related questions found

Do I need GDL If I have LLM?

"An LL. M. degree does not satisfy the requirements of the academic stage of training to become a barrister or a solicitor. ... However, the need to do a law degree which covers the key areas of legal knowledge, or (for non-law graduates) a GDL, will remain, says Hungerford-Welch.

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.

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 recognized in Canada?

While this is a slight oversimplification, law degrees in Canada are generally all second degrees and there is no equivalaent of the CPE/GDL. As you stand now, if you wanted to practice in Canada you would have to go through three years of law school to get an LL.

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.

Can you practice law with a GDL?

"You get the best of both worlds if you do the GDL," says Crisp. ... 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.

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.

How is the GDL assessed?

Each module will be assessed through a range of assessments including, Multiple Choice Questions, open and closed book exams, written essays and reports. Each of our full-time and part-time GDL study options has its own structure, with different assessments to suit.

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.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

It usually takes seven years to become a lawyer, including four years of undergraduate study and three years of law school. However, many people choose to get a job in the legal field before applying to law school in order to strengthen their application.

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.

How hard are NCA exams?

The exams can be quite challenging, which is supported by an alarmingly high failure rate. According to the 1999-2009 NCA statistics, only 1,708 out of 4,515 applicants — approximately 38 per cent — received certificates of qualification.

Can a Nigerian trained lawyer practice in Canada?

It does not matter if you are in Nigeria or in Canada, your Nigerian law degree is deficient in key areas of Canadian law and you will have to be gap assessed and gap trained before you can practice as a lawyer in Canada.

Can I practice law in Canada with a Nigerian law degree?

your Nigerian law degree will not allow you to practice in Canada. You will need to retake courses and pass the Canadian and Canadian provincial exams applicable to the region wh re you want to practice.

Is the GDL worth it?

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.

What can u 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.

Why do people do a GDL?

If you're interested in a legal career and have a degree in a subject other than law - or have relevant management experience - then the GDL is most appropriate for you. The programme is designed to help make the transition from graduate level into the legal profession and no prior knowledge of the law is needed.

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.

What level is a PGDL?

Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)

An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline (or equivalent). An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline (or equivalent).

What is LPC and GDL?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) – also known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice – is a postgraduate course, the final educational stage for becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. ... Like the GDL/CPE, the LPC can be applied to through the Central Applications Board.