Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)-Enquiries and Applications
Enquiries and Applications
Entry Requirements
To enrol on the GDL an applicant must normally have obtained an undergraduate degree awarded by a recognised UK or Republic of Ireland institution. (Please note that those wishing to progress to the Bar should normally have achieved at least a 2 (ii) honours classification in their undergraduate degree. Visit http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/ for further information).
Applicants with non-standard UK/RoI degrees, or qualifications obtained overseas, will need to obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from either the Solicitors Regulation Authority (www.sra.org.uk ), for prospective solicitors, or the Bar (www.barcouncil.org.uk ), for prospective barristers. Applications are also encouraged from mature students (25 or over), who may not be able to comply with the above requirements, but who can demonstrate appropriate experience or achievement. Again a Certificate of Academic Standing should be applied for from one of the Professional bodies. For further information on the Certificate of Academic Standing please click here: Certificate of Academic Standing
Applicants who have a law degree which fails to satisfy the academic requirements of the professional bodies (known as a non-qualifying law degree) may apply for partial exemption from the academic stage of training. Applications for a Certificate of Partial Exemption should be made directly to the appropriate professional body. Please note that applicants should NOT wait until they have obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing or of Partial Exemption before making an application.
How to Apply
All applications for full-time GDL/CPE courses must be made through the Central Applications Board (CAB). Applications for both the September 2012 and September 2013 presentations of the programme may be made from October 3rd 2011 onwards.
Applications should be made to the CAB on-line (www.lawcabs.ac.uk ) as CAB do not accept paper applications.
Please note that applicants should NOT wait until they have obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing or of Partial Exemption before making an application.
Tuition Fees
Fees are competitive and, for 2012/13 are expected to start at approximately £4,900 for Wales alumni.
In addition, students who demonstrate a commitment to continuing their legal studies at Swansea by completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) within the Law School will also benefit from a reduced, combined fee. (For further information on the Swansea LPC, visit their website or contact the LPC Admissions Tutor, Ms Michaela Leyshon at m.e.leyshon@swansea.ac.uk).
Assistance with Fees
The majority of law students are self-funding. However, there are a number of useful websites that offer advice on matters of funding. For details, visit ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Student Accommodation
Living expenses, particularly accommodation costs are, generally, lower in Swansea than in many other parts of the UK. As postgraduate students, GDL are encouraged to consider applying to become an undergraduate halls tutor, as free accommodation may be available. Students wishing to take advantage of University accommodation should apply to the Accommodation Office as early as possible. For more details on accommodation options, visit:http://www.swansea.ac.uk/accommodation/
Open Days
Swansea University has a number of Postgraduate Open Days, in particular:
- Wednesday, 7th March, 2012
- Tuesday, 12th June, 2012
To book your place visit http://www.survey.swansea.ac.uk/pgopenday/
Independent visits can also be arranged. For more information, visit:
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/open-days/visits/ or contact the Programme Director at karen.davies@swansea.ac.uk
Further Information
Specific enquiries should be addressed to the Programme Director, Karen Davies at karen.davies@swansea.ac.uk
