Graduate Diploma in Law PgD
School of Law
Institution Code H36
Programme Code LACPE
Start date
September
More about the course
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – also known as the Common Professional Examination (CPE) - enables non-law graduates to embark on a career in Law. Our GDL will equip you with the skills and legal knowledge required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Council to progress to the professional stage of training.
At the University of Hertfordshire we will support you every step of the way in achieving your goal of a legal career. All of our GDL graduates, who wish to qualify as solicitors, are guaranteed a place on our Legal Practice Course (the professional stage of training). As a GDL student you can become a trained student advisor in our pro bono Law Clinic and get involved with mooting and debating. Successful involvement in these extra activities receives official recognition.
Although intensive and challenging, we have the expertise to assist you throughout the GDL programme of eight foundation modules. Seven of these are compulsory subjects prescribed by the professional bodies, but through the eighth module - the Independent Legal Study module - you can research an area of law of your choice, perhaps anticipating your prospective legal career path.
The GDL programme commences with a short introductory course on the English Legal System. You will then study the seven foundation modules of the GDL, specifically:
- Criminal Law
- Public Law
- Land Law
- Law of Tort
- European Law
- Law of Contract
- Equity and Trusts
We offer Campus Based delivery of the GDL as a one year full-time programme, or as a flexible two year part time programme. In addition, we have successfully validation the first fully distance learning GDL allowing student to study either in full or part-time mode. Furthermore, distance learning students are welcome to attend the campus at any time.
For more information of the School of Law
Work placement
The School of Law enjoys close connections with the local law courts and legal practices and provides ample networking opportunities to assist in obtaining work placements and training contracts.Careers
Successful completion of the GDL automatically allows you to a place on our Legal Practice Course (subject to standard student status requirements), and gain a professional qualification as a solicitor.
The course also gives you a range of transferable skills, of value in a wide range of other careers. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the University’s extensive careers service.
Teaching methods
Our Campus Based GDL is offered in two flexible study patterns, allowing you to combine study with work or other commitments. You can choose to study over one year full time (37 weeks at two days per week) or two years part time (2 x 37 weeks at one day per week).
Distance Learning students will have access to the same learning materials as Campus Based students. StudyNet, the University’s established intranet system, is highly interactive and you will be able to access lecture notes, podcasts and practice questions online, wherever you are in the world. In addition, StudyNet facilitates online discussions between fellow students, both Campus Based and Distance Learning, as well as your academic tutors.
Course structure
Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules you will study.