Summary
- Faculty of Education, Law & Social Sciences
- Duration
- Full Time: 1 year
Part Time: 2 years
- Fees
- For more information on fees please contact the School directly:
Tel:+44 (0)121 331 7300
Email: law@bcu.ac.uk
Overview
The GDL course is based on the seven foundation subjects laid down by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar. These include subjects such as Criminal Law and the Law of Contract, amongst others . You will also be trained in Legal Skills, Legal Research, Legal Writing and the English Legal System.
You will have the opportunity to participate in Legal Mooting/ Debating, which will develop the confidence required to present the results of research in a courtroom setting.
The purpose of the GDL is to provide legal training, which although largely academic in nature, also reflects the demands that legal practice will place on that academic knowledge.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in a placement in the USA and may even assist with cases on Death Row.
Why study with us?
The Law School at Birmingham City University has an established record of providing the GDL and its equivalent and boasts excellent links with practice, as evidenced by our programme of guest speakers. We also have a long running mentoring scheme, supported by the Birmingham Law Society, the Birmingham Trainee Solicitor Society and leading firms in the region. You will be offered a local trainee solicitor to act as a mentor who will help with any questions or concerns you may have about the course and future careers. In addition, a personal tutor at the University will help you with academic and career related issues.
The LPC in the Law School recently achieved the highest grade of ‘Commendable Practice’ from the SRA, meaning the quality of facilities, teaching and support is second to none. Should you complete your GDL and LPC with us you will qualify for the LLB Legal Practice award and will be offered a reduction in the LPC fee.
Key Facts
- The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), also known as the Common Professional Examination (CPE), is designed for non-law graduates wishing to enter the legal profession. The course satisfies the professional requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for intending solicitors and the General Council of the Bar for intending barristers as completion of the academic stage of training.
- To become a solicitor you must complete both the academic stage of training (a qualifying law degree or a GDL course) followed by the vocational stage of training known as the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This must then be followed by a two year training contract in legal practice.
- More information about becoming a solicitor can be found at The Solicitors Regulation Authority and The law Society.
- To become a barrister you must complete the academic stage of training (which is the same as for a solicitor, above) followed by the vocational stage of training known as the Bar Vocational Course (BVC). Places on the BVC are extremely competitive and are offered by only a few institutions. This course must then be followed by a year’s period of pupillage, normally in barristers’ chambers.
- For more information visit The Bar Council. For information about pupillages visit: www.pupillages.com
Course Outline
Course Structure
You will be trained in Legal Skills, Legal Research and the English Legal System as part of the Legal Method module. You will also be required to study an eighth area of law in addition to the foundation subjects, which will involve completion of an essay. The focus of the course is upon combining academic study with practical skills, which can then feed into further study on the LPC or BVC course.
Our teaching emphasises participation and student-centred learning. Small class sizes and an ‘open door’ policy ensure your individual study needs should be met. A variety of teaching methods are employed including lectures and workshops.
You are also able to take advantage of our video-equipped courtrooms to develop your skills in a realistic setting.
Modules
The GDL course is based on the seven foundation subjects laid down by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar:
- Law of Contract
- Law of Tort
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- European Law
- Land Law
- Law of Equity and Trusts
Assessments
Assessment is through a combination of examinations (for all the seven foundation subjects) and some in-course written assessments.
Study commitment
Full-time: 12 hours per week class contact time.
Part-time: 6 hours per week class contact time.
Private study
Full-time: reading and preparation in your own time will be expected of around 12-18 hours per week.
Part-time: reading and preparation in your own time will be expected of around 6-9 hours per week.
After your studies
Further Studies
As this course fulfils the academic stage of training to be a solicitor or barrister, graduates will usually progress to either the LPC course (for solicitors) or BVC course (for barristers). The LPC course - in both full and part-time modes - is also offered by the University.
Qualified candidates may also apply for LLM programmes, MPhil or PhD research degrees. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.
Employment Opportunities
The GDL/CPE prepares you for a career in law and equips you with transferable skills to take into the legal profession. Students completing their GDL and LPC at the University will also graduate with a LLB Legal Practice.
Many of our graduates go on to become solicitors, barristers or other law related careers both in private practice or in public sector organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service, local government, watchdog organisations and others.
Many legal sector employers encourage applications from GDL students as, often, they have had more life and work experience than the average law degree graduate and can bring with them knowledge and skills from a different sector.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
We normally require a good result in a non-law degree but special provision may be made for legal executives and other mature applicants. If you are in doubt about your eligibility, please contact the relevant professional body.
Mature applicants with non-standard or Access to Higher Education course qualifications are also encouraged to apply.
Application Details
Full-time through Central Applications Board (CAB).
For part-time please apply direct to faculty:
The Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences
Birmingham City University
City North Campus
Perry Barr
BIRMINGHAM
B42 2SU
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7300
Fax: +44 (0)121 331 6622
Email: law@bcu.ac.uk
See more general information on making your application for a course at Birmingham City University.
Fees Notes
For more information on fees please contact the School directly: Tel:+44 (0)121 331 7300 Email: law@bcu.ac.uk
Further Information
The Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences
Birmingham City University
City North Campus
Perry Barr
BIRMINGHAM
B42 2SU
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7300
Fax: +44 (0)121 331 6622
Email: law@bcu.ac.uk