Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
A course for non law graduates wishing to enter the legal profession
Who is the Course for?
The Graduate Diploma in Law, also sometimes referred to as the Common Professional Examinations, or CPE, is a programme for non-law graduates, or those with appropriate non-law professional qualifications, wishing to either enter the legal profession or work in law-relevant employment. No prior knowledge of law is required.
General Information on the course
The Swansea Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a full-time, 36-week intensive course, next commencing on 4th September 2012. It is designed to provide the legal knowledge necessary to satisfy the academic requirements of the legal professions.
Career Prospects
Non-law graduates are being welcomed into the legal profession at an increasing rate, as they are perceived as bringing a fresh perspective to the practice of law, and now make up approximately 50% of all new lawyers. Successful completion of the Swansea GDL, which is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the Bar Standards Board and the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), satisfies all of the academic requirements for admission to the vocational stage of training as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive.
UK qualified lawyers have the opportunity to not only work in local and nationally based firms and chambers, public bodies and businesses but also in legal environments around the world.
In addition, the Swansea GDL is also relevant to those wishing to enhance their job prospects in areas such as business management, the probation service, forensic psychology, trading standards, politics, human resource management, education and many, many more. In fact, a Times newspaper article recently declared that there are 101 uses for such a qualification!
Alumni Bursaries
Swansea University has available a limited number of bursaries covering the standard UK/EU postgraduate tuition fee for new Taught Master's, LPC and GDL students who have previously completed an undergraduate programme at Swansea University. For further information on the bursaries please visit:
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/scholarships/
GDL Frequently Asked Questions
