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 requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for intending Solicitors and the General Council of the Bar (for Barristers) as completion of the academic stage of training.
Why study GDL at Birmingham City University?
- The Law School has an established record of providing the GDL and its equivalent.
- A long running mentoring scheme, supported by the Birmingham Law Society, the Birmingham Trainee Solicitor Society and leading firms in the region, you are offered a local trainee solicitor to act as mentor to help with any questions or concerns about the course and future careers.
- A personal tutor at the University to help with academic and career related.
- Excellent links with practice and a programme of guest speakers.
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC) in the same Law School achieved the highest grade of ‘Commendable from the SRA, meaning the quality of facilities, teaching and support are second to none.
- If you complete your GDL and LPC with us you will qualify for the LLB Legal Practice award and be offered a reduction towards the LPC fee.
| FULL-TIME | PART-TIME | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
| Fees* | £4725 | £2400 per year |
| Start Dates | Early September | |
| Teaching location | City North Campus | |
| Study Commitment | 12h p/w class contact time | 6h p/w class contact time |
| Private Study | Private study, reading and preparation in your own preparation in your own time will be expected of around 12-18 hours p/w | Private study, reading and preparation in your own preparation in your own time will be expected of around 6-9 hours p/w |
| Placement Opportunities | Internship to the USA Internship to the USA | |
| Entry Requirements | Normally a good result in a non-law degree, or relevant non-law degree, or relevant experience. |
|
| Apply | Central Applications System at Lawcabs | Direct to Admissions Office |
* Currently students who have undertaken and passed our GDL course have a discount of £240 on our LPC fees.
To become a solicitor you must complete both the academic stage of training - a qualifying law degree or GDL/CPE followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC), and vocational stage – a training contract. more information about becoming a solicitor can be found at the SRA and Law Society.
Qualification to become a barrister consists of the academic – a qualifying law degree or GDL and the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and vocational training – a period of puplliage. places on the bvc are extremely competitive and are offered by only a few institutions. For more information visit The Bar Council or Pupillages.
Common questions about the Graduate Diploma in Law
What is the course about?
The GDL course is based on the seven foundation subjects laid down by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar. There is also an eighth subject, called Evidence: Procedure and Practice. You will be trained in Legal Skills, Legal Research, Evidence: Practice and Procedure and the English Legal System.
More details on the programme Structure.
Employability
The GDL/CPE prepares you for a career in law, and gives transferable skills to take into the legal profession. Many of our graduates go on to become solicitors, barristers or other law related careers both in private practice or in public sector organisations like the Crown Prosecution Service, local government, watchdog organisations etc. Many legal sector employers encourage applications from GDL students as they have often had more life and work experience than the average law graduate and can bring with the knowledge and skills from a different sector. The commitment from GDL students is also recognised as you will have chosen specifically to study for a career in law.
Read student experiences of the course.
Have you found the course you want?
- Then check out our info on accommodation.
- If not, try the courses homepage.
- If you have questions about fees and funding go to our student finance pages.
- Want help and advice from a real person? - then contact Choices our course information and guidance centre on 0121 331 5595.