Is the GDL being scrapped

Nov 01, 2024

Written By Zara Arif

With the introduction of the SQE exams, you may be wondering what this means for non-law students taking the GDL. Read on to learn more about the GDL’s replacement, the PGDL, and the structure of the new SQE exams.

What is the GDL?

The GDL, or the Graduate Diploma in Law, is a postgraduate course that is offered to non-law graduates in order to bridge the gap in their knowledge and prepare them for qualification. It was a one year conversion course that covers the most essential areas of law.

Before 2021, it was necessary to pass the GDL in order to take the LPC (Legal Practice Course) which was the next step towards full qualification as a solicitor. There were many law schools which offered the GDL: City Law School, Nottingham Law School, BPP Law School and the University of Law. Some schools even cater the classes and lectures they offer to support those who want to work in the City, for example.

A few years ago, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced plans to scrap the GDL and LPC and changed the route to qualification. The GDL was replaced with the PGDL, the Postgraduate Diploma in Law. This course covers the same content as the GDL and takes the same length of time, but is not compulsory.

What are compulsory are the new SQE exams, divided into SQE1 and SQE2. As it stands, we are in a hybrid transition phase in which some students have followed the old (GDL and LPC) route into qualification whereas others have started or sat the SQE.

You can only follow the previous route if you started, accepted a place for or completed the CPE, GDL or a law degree before September 1, 2021. The SRA has stated the full transition to SQE will be made by 2032.

What is the SQE?

As stated above, the SQE is the new route into qualification for students hoping to be solicitors after graduating from university. The SRA have introduced it in order to replace the LPC and GDL as they believe this new type of exam is more comprehensive, accessible and less expensive.

It is hoped that this new route into qualification will produce more rounded solicitors who are technically and practically equipped for the world of work. The SQE is made up of two exams which are called the SQE1 and SQE2. Anyone with a degree can sit both exams. In order to qualify two years of legal work experience must also be carried out before, during or after the exams.

You can study any degree subject before taking the SQE. However, non-law students may wish to take a preparatory course beforehand, such as the PGDL, although this is not compulsory.

The SQE1 is made up of multiple choice questions that revolve around the theoretical side of law. It will include subjects such as Criminal Law, Property Law and Dispute Resolution among others.

By contrast, the SQE2 will be made up of tasks and stations that will assess practical skills such as Client interviewing, Legal drafting and Case and Matter analysis.

The main difference between each set of exams, aside from content, is the cost. The SQE1 will set you back £1,558 whereas the SQE2 costs £2,422.

What do these changes mean for students?

The main change for students is that the GDL and LPC are being phased out. For those who started either qualification or a law degree before September 1, 2021, the old route is still available, but everyone else must take the SQE.

These changes mean that the route to qualification looks slightly different but the content that needs to be learned and the skills required remain more or less the same.

Law firms will continue to offer their two-year training contracts and many will still sponsor their future trainees through the SQE as they did previously for the LPC/GDL.

Do employers have a preference?

As we are in a transition phase, some students might have the option to choose between the GDL or SQE. In this case, you can choose what you think will work best for you and your situation. Some things to consider are: time to qualification, accessibility and cost.

Your employer may also have a preference for which qualification you take, so it is also a good idea to check with them before you make your choice.

GDL