Valean Gherendi

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

The Distance Learning GDL is carefully structured to accommodate my busy work and family commitments.

I chose to study the full time Distance Learning GDL with the University of Hertfordshire as the programme is carefully structured to accommodate my current busy work and family commitments, whilst at the same time providing an excellent law education. It was the right choice for me. The course was delivered to my high expectations and was taught by leading academics to a very high standard. It has given me a solid foundation to enter the legal profession.  

I particularly enjoyed the consistent online interaction between the distance learning students and also between distance learning and campus students through carrying out various tasks related to the course. I found the tutors very approachable and helpful, sometimes organising online seminars and revision sessions quite late in the evening, a bonus for distance learning students like myself who also carried out a demanding full-time job as well as having two young children.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the interaction with my tutors and my fellow colleagues and have made friends for life.  I would strongly recommend the course for anyone interested in taking a Distance Learning GDL.

About Valean Gherendi

Having completed a first class degree in Law in 1997, and a Masters in Community Justice Administration (Distinction, 2001) Valean wanted to re-qualify as a solicitor, having had his interest in qualifying sparked during an extensive career with the Probation Service, most recently as the Manager of Offender Management for Essex Probation Trust.  

To fit in with his work and family commitments, Valean studied his GDL through the distance learning programme.

This is the only UK-validated distance learning GDL in the country and meant that Valean could undertake the entirety of his programme (from application through to graduation) remotely using the innovative range of teaching technologies employed by the School of Law.

Since graduation, Valean has secured a place on a part-time Legal Practice Course to continue in his aspiration to become a solicitor.