Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) Online

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) Online is a conversion course designed for non-law graduates who want to pursue a career in law. This online course provides a pathway into legal practice, preparing students for the next stage of vocational training.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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

Duration Options

• 9 months (full-time online)
• 19-21 months (part-time online)

Study Mode Options

• Full-time
• Full-time Online
• Part-time
• Part-time Online

Next Start Date

• September 2025

Course Structure

Required Pre-Course Study

• The Law & Constitution module requires 40-50 hours of pre-course study in Legal Method, through guided module units with all materials provided online.

Modules

• English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including EU Law) (15 credits)
• Tort Law (15 credits)
• Contract Law (15 credits)
• Criminal Law (15 credits)
• Administrative Law and Human Rights (15 credits)
• Land Law (15 credits)
• Equity & Trusts (15 credits)
• Law of Organisations (15 credits)
• Skills and Behaviours (non-credit-bearing)

Course Information

Assessment

• All modules will incorporate 40% examination by Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) to support any future progress onto SQE1 assessment.
• The other 60% will vary according to the module, including online open book examination, coursework, and oral presentation.

Structure

• We provide you with a structured approach to your learning, with a clear and easy to navigate online learning platform (Blackboard ELITE), supported by our dedicated academic, administrative, design and development teams to ensure you have the very best learning experience.
• Each taught module comprises of workshops and incorporates streamed lectures or media.
• Class contact time is combined with online tutorials, online Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) and self-study from study manuals and online research.
• The learning model is based around undertaking activities in the workshops (or equivalent online activities) to develop both knowledge and key skills.
• The Skills and Behaviours module will comprise of workshops spread over all semesters.

Fees and Applying

How to Apply

• You can apply for the PGDL Online directly with the University.

Fees and Funding

• 2024/25 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024): £11,500
• 2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025): £11,950
• We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available which make studying with us more affordable than ever.

Employability

• We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
• Discover more about our employability support and how we can help you achieve your career goals.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) Online - Detailed Extraction

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Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) Online is a law conversion course designed for non-law graduates who wish to pursue a career in law. It provides the foundation for progressing onto the SQE1 Preparation Course, the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) to qualify as a solicitor, or the Bar Practice Course (BPC) to qualify as a barrister. It focuses on developing key skills and competences crucial for a lawyer's development, alongside the academic law necessary for converting to law.

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Outline:

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Content:

The PGDL Online covers the essentials of key foundation areas of law aligned with the Solicitors Regulation Authority's specification of Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) for the SQE. Students will develop a practical and functional understanding of the foundations of English & Welsh Law, and core analytical and practical legal skills.

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Structure:

The program is structured into modules, each focusing on a specific area of law. The modules are:

• English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including EU Law) (15 credits)
• Tort Law (15 credits)
• Contract Law (15 credits)
• Criminal Law (15 credits)
• Administrative Law and Human Rights (15 credits)
• Land Law (15 credits)
• Equity & Trusts (15 credits)
• Law of Organisations (15 credits)
• Skills and Behaviours (non-credit-bearing)

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Course Schedule:

The PGDL Online is offered in two duration options:

• Full-time: 9 months
It also covers constitutional law, including the role of the courts, Parliament, and the executive.
• Tort Law: This module explores the principles of tort law, including negligence, trespass, nuisance, and defamation.
Students will learn about the different types of torts, the elements of each tort, and the defenses available to defendants.
• Contract Law: This module covers the formation, content, and enforcement of contracts.
Students will learn about the different types of contracts, the essential elements of a valid contract, and the remedies available for breach of contract.
• Criminal Law: This module examines the principles of criminal law, including the elements of a crime, the different types of offenses, and the defenses available to defendants.
Students will also learn about the criminal justice system, including the role of the police, courts, and prisons. It also covers the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in the UK.
• Land Law: This module examines the principles of land law, including the different types of estates in land, the rights and obligations of landowners, and the methods of transferring land.
Students will also learn about the different types of mortgages and leases. Students will also learn about the equitable doctrines of estoppel and undue influence.
• Law of Organisations: This module focuses on company and partnership law, providing students with a solid understanding of the legal framework governing these entities.
It covers topics such as incorporation, corporate governance, and shareholder rights.
• Skills and Behaviours: This non-credit-bearing module focuses on developing key professional and personal attributes necessary for success as a lawyer.
It covers topics such as communication skills, legal research, and ethical practice.

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Assessment:

• Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs): 40% of the assessment for each module is based on SBAQs, which are multiple-choice questions designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the law.
• Online Open Book Examination: Some modules are assessed through online open book examinations, which allow students to refer to their notes and materials during the exam.
• Coursework: Other modules are assessed through coursework, which may include essays, problem-solving exercises, or presentations.
• Oral Presentation: Some modules may require students to deliver an oral presentation on a chosen topic.

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Teaching:

• Online Learning Platform (Blackboard ELITE): The PGDL Online is delivered through a dedicated online learning platform, providing students with access to course materials, lectures, and other resources.
• Streamed Lectures or Media: The program incorporates streamed lectures and media to enhance the learning experience.
• Workshops: Workshops are an integral part of the program, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop practical skills.
• Online Tutorials: Online tutorials are available to provide students with additional support and guidance.
• Self-Study: Students are expected to engage in self-study from study manuals and online research.
• Qualified Lawyers: The program is taught by qualified lawyers with experience in legal practice.

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Careers:

The PGDL Online provides a pathway to a variety of legal careers, including:

• Solicitor: Students can progress onto the SQE1 Preparation Course and the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) to qualify as a solicitor.
• Barrister: Students can progress onto the Bar Practice Course (BPC) to qualify as a barrister.
• Other Legal Roles: Graduates may also pursue careers in legal research, paralegal work, or other legal support roles.

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Other:

• Careers Support: ULaw offers one of the largest legal careers services in the UK, providing students with support and opportunities to make the best start in their legal career.
• Progression for Full-time PgDL and MA Law (Conversion) Students: Due to the projected end date of the full-time Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL) and Master of Arts in Law (MA Law Conversion) courses, students may not be eligible to commence the Bar Practice Course (BPC), LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2), or SQE1 Preparation Course in September 2024.
• The SQE: The SQE is being phased in to become the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.
• Law Conversion Guide: ULaw offers a law conversion guide to help students make the best choice for their career.

The University of Law

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Overview:

The University of Law is a specialist provider of legal education in the UK. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as professional legal training and apprenticeships. The university is known for its high-quality teaching, strong employability record, and commitment to student support.

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Services Offered:

The University of Law offers a variety of services to its students, including:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses:

A wide range of programs in law, business, criminology, policing, psychology, and computer science.

SQE Courses:

Courses specifically designed for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Online Courses:

Flexible learning options for students who prefer to study remotely.

Scholarships and Bursaries:

Financial assistance to help students fund their studies.

Student Support:

A range of services to help students succeed academically and personally, including career guidance, disability support, and mental health services.

Professional Legal Training:

Courses for aspiring lawyers, including the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

Apprenticeships:

Work-based learning opportunities for students who want to gain practical experience while studying.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Law has campuses in major cities across the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Nottingham. Students can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, meet new people, and develop their skills.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-Quality Teaching:

The university is ranked 10th in the UK for quality of teaching in the National Student Survey 2024.

Strong Employability Record:

94% of postgraduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes data).

Higher than Average SQE Pass Rates:

78% of students passed the January 2024 SQE1 assessments first time, compared to the industry average first attempt pass rate of 59%.

Experienced Lecturers:

Over 90% of lecturers are qualified lawyers and business professionals, bringing extensive practical experience to the classroom.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a range of services to help students succeed, including career guidance, disability support, and mental health services.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Law offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Courses:

LLB (Hons) Law, BSc (Hons) Business, BSc (Hons) Criminology, BSc (Hons) Policing, BSc (Hons) Psychology, and BSc (Hons) Computer Science.

Postgraduate Courses:

LLM (Master of Laws), MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSc (Master of Science), and other postgraduate qualifications.

Professional Legal Training:

BPTC, LPC, and other professional legal training courses.

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Other:

The University of Law has a strong alumni network, with over 100,000 graduates working in various legal and business sectors. The university also has a 5-star rating from QS World University Rankings, recognizing its excellence in teaching, employability, online learning, academic development, and inclusiveness.