The Postgraduate Diploma in Law vs. the LLB: Which is Right for You?

Jun 18, 2023

Written By Samuel Axford

When looking to qualify as a lawyer in England and Wales, the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PDGL) and the LLB are the two most popular routes aspiring lawyers take when looking to build a foundation for their legal knowledge. The aim of both these qualifications is to give you a strong understanding of the UK legal system, which you can build upon as you specialise further.

What is the PGDL?

Over the years, this qualification has gone under several names. It was known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) until 2021 but is also known under the umbrella term of ‘law conversion course’.

This is the path designed for people who chose to study any degree discipline other than law at undergraduate level. It prepares both prospective solicitors and barristers, who will then need to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the bar training course respectively the year after. However, while all aspiring barristers must take the PGDL, it is no longer mandatory for aspiring solicitors.

The year-long course is known for being quite intense. This is as it covers very similar ground to the LLB, but only in one year, compared to the three or four years law undergraduate students have.

While the PGDL is not a master’s degree, it has a similar function in terms of time and level of study.

What is the LLB?

Whilst LLB stands for the Latin ‘Legum Baccalaureus’, it is more commonly known as a Bachelor of Law and is the course a student would take as an undergraduate at university.

This will typically be a three-year course, providing those sitting it with a comprehensive academic background in the law and its application. They teach the same core modules as a PGDL but will also give students a greater level of choice to delve into areas of interest.

Students wishing to qualify as a lawyer after the degree will still be required to take either the SQE or bar training course, however.

Some law schools will also provide extra help and guidance for law students, not accessible to their non-law counterparts. This may include mentorship schemes, events with law firms or be as simple as a newsletter letting law students know about upcoming opportunities.

Is the LLB the same at every university?

In short, no. Whilst the areas of study will be very similar between institutions, the method of study can vary greatly. Some will prefer smaller group settings, utilising more tutorials and seminars, whilst others will primarily use larger lectures. Some institutions even offer the chance to study the LLB alongside another subject, such as philosophy or criminology. For those who enjoy a more practical style of learning, some universities offer placement years or even a year abroad. Some even offer the opportunity to secure an international law qualification alongside the LLB.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how you would best learn and what you want from your degree.

The PGDL, LLB and the SQE

Since 2021, the route to becoming a solicitor in the UK has changed, becoming more streamlined. This has meant that both law and non-law graduates will take the same exam. The LPC (Legal Practice Course) is being phased out so that anyone beginning studies after September 2021 will need to take the SQE exams.

Although the PGDL is not a prerequisite to sit the SQE, it is highly recommended for all non-law students. In comparison, anyone taking the LLB course can sit the first SQE exam the year after leaving university, provided you don’t want to take a preparatory course.

Which do firms/chambers prefer?

The top UK law firms are not focussed on whether a potential candidate has undertaken the LLB or PGDL. In fact, most firms have set a target to have a 50:50 law:non-law workforce.

The need for potential solicitors to have a speciality has increased, which has led law firms to seek people with strong knowledge of a STEM subject in particular. Furthermore, those studying languages and humanities will also find their skills in high demand. This is as many UK law firms are seeking to expand their influence globally, and need lawyers who can communicate effectively with people from different countries.

Instead, the focus of these firms is a strong academic background in whatever subject you have taken. At top firms, this will usually be shown in a minimum grade requirement of a 2:1 at university and AAB A-level results (or equivalent). However, many firms still accept candidates who don’t have a 2:1, and look at each application on a case by case basis.

Whilst the statistics for the number of barristers who studied the PGDL versus the LLB are not readily available, many chambers take a similar approach in asking for high grades and a clear interest in the career path, over a specific journey to the bar.

How to decide

Ultimately, both paths offer a clear route to qualifying as a lawyer, with each providing different opportunities for prospective lawyers to learn the skills they will need to use.

For those looking to qualify into law as soon as possible and know they are certain about that path, the LLB is the fastest and cheapest way to get into the profession. For those who want to explore another subject, the PGDL allows you the opportunity to pursue those interests.

Overall, there is no right answer, as there are a wealth of opportunities for people intending to take either course. As long as you can show you have a genuine interest in the law and hobbies and interests outside of your studies, you’ll be attractive to employers.

PGDL/CPE