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Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (Distance Learning)

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course is designed for individuals who do not have a first degree in law and wish to pursue a career in the legal profession. This course covers the foundations of legal knowledge and is a crucial step towards becoming a solicitor or barrister.

Course Overview

• The GDL course is available as a Postgraduate Diploma or as part of the LLM Master of Laws England & Wales.
• It is delivered entirely online with no live classes, providing flexibility for students.
• The course covers key legal foundation subjects required for qualification as a solicitor or barrister.
• Students are taught by experienced legal professionals and academic staff with significant professional expertise.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should have at least a second-class honours degree or equivalent experience or training.
• Students wishing to undertake the GDL for the purpose of qualification as a barrister must meet specific requirements, including holding a UK/Republic of Ireland degree awarded at or above 2:2, or having been granted a Certificate of Academic Standing by the Bar Standards Board.
• All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional.
• Applicants must satisfy the University's English language requirements.

Modules, Teaching, and Learning

• The course is delivered through a number of modules, which help students plan their time and establish a study routine.
• Independent study is a crucial part of learning at the university, with many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments.
• Students have access to a range of support, including subject-specific librarians and an academic advisor for tailored feedback and support.

Fees and Funding

• The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is Ł11,850.
• The amount students will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
• International students will pay the same tuition fee as home students.
• There are funding options available, including a Master's Loan of up to Ł13,206 and a 20% alumni discount.

Career Prospects

• On successful completion of the course, students will be able to proceed to the next stage of legal training.
• To qualify as a solicitor, students will need to undertake and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and meet additional SRA requirements.
• If students intend to become a barrister, they will be able to apply for a place on a Bar Training Course.
• Career paths include lawyer, legal advisor, solicitor, or barrister.

Facilities

• The university's law facilities are based in the Broadcasting Place building.
• Students have access to Law Trove, an online service by Oxford University Press, which provides free access to hundreds of legal texts.

Student Life

• Distance learning provides a flexible option for students who cannot attend classes on campus.
• Students have access to an online community and the university's online library, which contains over 140,000 books and journals.
• The university's student support teams are available to provide help and guidance throughout the course.

Similar Courses

• Master of Laws Law
• LLM Law
• LLM in Legal Practice (incorporating the LPC)
• PG Dip Law
• Legal Practice Course

Leeds Law School

Leeds Law School offers a range of courses, including the GDL, LLM, and Legal Practice Course. The school has a strong reputation for teaching and research, with experienced staff and excellent facilities. Students have access to a range of resources, including Law Trove and the university's online library.

Law in Practice Events

The school hosts a range of events, including guest lectures and seminars, which provide opportunities for students to network and learn from experienced legal professionals.

Careers Service

The university's careers service is available to support students in their career development, providing guidance on job applications, CV writing, and interview techniques.

Distance Learning

Distance learning provides a flexible option for students who cannot attend classes on campus. The university offers a range of distance learning courses, including the GDL, which are delivered entirely online. Students have access to an online community and the university's online library, and can study at a pace that suits them.

What to Expect from a Distance Learning Course

• Distance learning courses are delivered entirely online, with no live classes.
• Students have access to an online community and the university's online library.
• The university's student support teams are available to provide help and guidance throughout the course.
• Students can study at a pace that suits them, with flexible deadlines and assessment schedules.

Student Support

The university's student support teams are available to provide help and guidance throughout the course. Students have access to a range of resources, including subject-specific librarians and academic advisors.

How to Apply for a Distance Learning Course

• Students can apply for distance learning courses online or by post.
• Applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional.
• Students must satisfy the university's English language requirements.

Thinking of Staying at Home for Your Studies?

Distance learning provides a flexible option for students who cannot attend classes on campus. The university offers a range of distance learning courses, including the GDL, which are delivered entirely online. Students have access to an online community and the university's online library, and can study at a pace that suits them.