Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)- Course Structure
Full-time 36 week intensive course
Course Structure
The Swansea University GDL is designed to enable the acquisition of sound legal knowledge in those areas of law which are known as the Foundations of Legal Knowledge, plus one further area of law.
The course structure is as follows:
- The course is preceded by a two-week period of directed reading, on the English Legal System and the main principles of legal scholarship.
- The course commences with an induction week followed by a short block of lectures and seminars concentrating on the English Legal System, European Union Law and the acquisition of Legal Skills, including Research Skills and familiarisation with electronic legal resources.
- The foundation subjects of Contract, Tort, Public Law, Equity & Trusts, Land Law and Criminal Law are taught by means of a series of lectures and seminars spanning two teaching blocks.
- An eighth legal subject, in an area of law agreed with the Programme Director, is studied by means of a supervised research project.
Teaching and Learning
The study of law demands a methodical, inquisitive and enthusiastic approach, as you will be required to analyse diverse legal materials. You will, however, be supported by committed and friendly staff, with substantial teaching experience, who will challenge and inspire you, using a broad and balanced range of teaching methods.
The basic structure of the course involves twice weekly lectures in five of the foundation subjects, together with fortnightly seminars. Lectures are intended to enable students to see the broad framework of a subject, while seminars allow for general discussion, group work or presentations, under the direction of a module tutor.
Assessment
The Swansea GDL employs a wide range of assessment methods, including coursework, mini-dissertation, multiple choice tests and 3-hour, unseen examinations. The pass mark for all assessed work is 40%.
