Everything You Need to Know About the Postgraduate Diploma in Law in the UK

Jun 02, 2023

Written By Elizabeth Beesley

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a conversion course for non-law graduates who wish to pursue a career in law in the UK. This one-year program provides students with the foundation they need to become a barrister, and also helps with qualifying as a solicitor. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the PGDL.

What is the Postgraduate Diploma in Law?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is an intensive one-year full-time course designed for graduates who have a degree in a subject other than law LLB. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of English law.

What are the benefits of the PDGL?

The PGDL is a popular choice for graduates who wish to pursue a career in law in the UK. Some of the benefits of the course includes:

Accelerated route to practise: completing the PGDL provides a faster route to legal practice than traditional undergraduate law degrees, which typically take three years to complete

Widens career prospects: the PGDL opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the legal profession, including solicitors and barristers. A foundation in the legal industry can also come in handy in non-legal roles.

Flexibility: the PGDL is offered in a variety of formats, including part-time and online, allowing students to choose a programme that fits their lifestyle and schedule

Provides knowledge and skills required for further study: the PGDL is required if you want to take the Bar training course to qualify as a barrister. While the PGDL is not required to qualify as a solicitor, it provides you with a solid understanding of the law that will help you pass the SQE exams. It’s also a good foundation for SQE prep courses.

What does the PGDL course cover?

The PGDL covers the core elements of England and Wales law. These are:

- English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including Retained EU Law)

- Tort Law

- Contract Law

- Criminal Law

- Administrative Law and Human Rights

- Land Law

- Equity & Trusts

The course is structured around a series of modules that cover these topics in-depth.

The course is intensive, with a heavy emphasis on independent study and research. Students are required to read extensively and to engage in critical analysis of the law.

Assessment is typically by a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework may include essays, case studies, and presentations, while exams typically involve written papers that test students’ knowledge of the law.

What are the entry requirements for the PGDL?

The entry requirements for the PGDL vary depending on the institution offering the course. However, some common requirements include:

- A degree in a non-law subject Minimum grade requirement: some institutions may require applicants to have achieved a minimum grade in their undergraduate degree (typically a 2:2)

- English language proficiency: students who studied in a non-English speaking country may be required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English, such as a minimum score on an English language proficiency test.

- Personal statement: many institutions require applicants to submit a personal statement outlining their motivation for pursuing the PGDL and their career aspirations

- References: some institutions may require applicants to provide academic and/or professional references.

It is important to check the specific entry requirements for the PGDL at each institution you’re applying to.

How much does the PDGL cost?

The cost of the PGDL varies depending on the institution offering the course. The fees for the course can range from around £10,000-£15,000 for UK students, and up to £30,000 for international students.

However, there are a number of funding options available to PGDL students. Some institutions offer scholarships and bursaries to help cover the cost of tuition fees. In addition, if you add an extra module to the PGDL, it will convert it to a master’s, which may make you eligible for a postgraduate loan from the UK government.

What are the career prospects for PGDL graduates?

Graduates of the PGDL have a wide range of career options available to them in the legal profession. Many PGDL graduates go on to complete SQE prep courses or a Bar Training Course to become solicitors or barristers, respectively.

Other career options for PGDL graduates include legal executives, paralegals, and legal researchers. Some even choose to pursue a non-law career, knowing that a foundation in law is valuable in any industry. The PGDL also provides a solid foundation for further study in law, such as a master’s degree or PhD.

PGDL/CPE