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Graduate Diploma in Law

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for non-law graduates

Apply now for the part-time GDL to secure your place. First round deadline is 1 March 2012. 

If you are a non-law graduate wishing to qualify as a barrister or solicitor, you will need to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Law, GDL, to meet the "Academic Stage of Training" requirement set by the Bar/Law Society.

The main aim of the course is to prepare you for a successful transition either to the Legal Practice Course, LPC, if you wish to become a solicitor or to the Bar Professional Training Course, BPTC, if you wish to become a barrister. It will also prove to be of value if you are considering other careers where an understanding of the legal system and an appreciation of basic lawyerly skills would be valuable. The credits achieved may, with further study, qualify you to study for a Master's degree.

Thinking of converting to law?

  • If you are considering a career in law, you may also find our Career Zone useful.  These information packed pages will give you an insight into becoming a solicitor and lots more.
  • Do you have a question about a career in law? Ask NCLT
  • Find out more about a career in law - by attending one of our Events

NCLT's GDL:

NCLT's GDL is a two year part-time course which commences in September. The flexible course is designed to help the needs of part-time students, who at the same time can benefit from the tutors, lectures and assessment of the full-time GDL course.  It combines face-to-face weekend tuition with distance learning, so you can fit your study around work and other commitments. You can also study locally by attending the face-to-face sessions at one of NCLT's regional centres in London,Manchester or Southampton.  Our excellent quality GDL prepares you fully to take the next step in becoming a solicitor or barrister.   We aim to do this in a number of ways, including:

  • Develop skills needed by a lawyer - legal research, problem solving techniques and the oral and written presentation of arguments
  • Selecting topics within subjects and developing methods of teaching that emphasise the law that is most relevant to legal practice
  • Experienced tutors who have expertise in teaching academic law courses  Most of our GDL tutors are qualified solicitors or barristers who also teach on the LPC and/or BPTC.  All our tutors are approachable, friendly and aware of the pressures involved in taking a conversion route to qualification
  • Timely and effective careers support and advice including tips on covering letters, CVs and job interviews

Flexible learning - the ideal study mode for busy students

Sample timetable:

For an indication of the time commitment of the programme and what is taught in a session, take a look at our sample schedules.

GDL sample 2 day tuition session

GDL sample study session

*Course fees:

The GDL costs just £5,250 ,£2,625 per year (September 2011 course) with flexible payment options available. To find out more, please view Fees & Funding.

*NB For courses starting September 2012, the fees will be released shortly.

How we support you:

We recognise that the GDL is an intensive course and our GDL team aim to support you in a number of ways:

  • Working within small teams with a personal tutor - tutors are happy to meet with students outside of classes and deal with individual questions
  • Careers events - we host a number of LPC/GDL careers events.  These entail one-to-one appointments, presentations and networking with local firms
  • A regular weekly timetable supported by detailed teaching materials
  • Access to our well equipped law library with most resources being able to be accessed electronically off campus (accessible 24 hours a day from the comfort of your home)

 

 

Apply here

Please select your course from the list below to download an application form.

Download application form (PDF)

Guidance on completing the form

Fees & funding

At NCLT our aim is to be financially accessible without compromising on quality. Our fees are affordable, with payment options available. To find out more about our fees, how to pay and how we compare, click on the link below.

Fees and funding