Swansea University - Graduate Diploma in Law

GDL in Law

School of Law

The Graduate Diploma in Law is a full-time, 36-week, intensive course commencing during the first week of September each year. The course is designed to be the first step towards a career in law for those whose first degree is in a non-law subject. Non-law graduates are being welcomed into the legal profession at an increasing rate, as they are perceived as bringing a fresh perspective to law and the GDL provides ‘fast-track’ entry into the profession. The course, which is validated by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, allows non-law graduates to satisfy the academic requirements for admission to the vocational stage of training to become either a solicitor* or barrister. *See details of our Legal Practice Course for solicitor training.

The UCAS code for this course is: n/a
Full time study: 1 year full-time study

Part-time study: n/a

Please see www.lawcabs.ac.uk to apply for this course.

Law is an exciting and rewarding discipline offering students the opportunity to develop a number of important skills, which are not only essential to their training as a lawyer but are valuable transferable skills in themselves in other employment contexts. By the end of the course you will:

  • Have an awareness and understanding of the law subjects studied, of the legal process and the inter-relationship between the different areas of law in a National, European and Welsh context;
  • Have developed a range of legal skills, including an ability to undertake legal research;
  • Have the ability to analyse legal information, apply it to legal problems and suggest appropriate solutions;
  • Be able to communicate legal information effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Assume responsibility for the continuing development of your own legal education and competence.

The study of law demands a methodical, inquisitive and enthusiastic approach, as you will be required to analyse significant quantities of 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 each of the foundation subjects, together with fortnightly seminars in each subject. Lectures are intended to enable students to see the broad framework of a subject, while seminars allow for general discussion, group work or presentations, all under the direction of an experienced tutor.
All applications for full-time GDL/CPE courses must be made through the Central Applications Board (CAB) and not directly to the University. The Board accepts applications from early November onwards, for courses commencing the following September. There is a closing date for applications, which is in early February*. Applications received before the closing date will be considered in the initial selection and allocation process and applicants are encouraged to apply before this deadline.
*Applicants who apply after the deadline will be considered for any vacancies remaining after the original allocation of places.
Applications may be made to CAB on-line (www.lawcabs.ac.uk) or by post to: The Central Applications Board, PO Box 84,Guildford, Surrey GU3 1XY

Standard Entry requirements

To be eligible to enrol on a GDL (or CPE) applicants must, in most circumstances, have obtained a honours degree awarded by a UK or Republic of Ireland institution. (Those wishing to progress to the Bar should normally have achieved at least a II (ii) honours classification.)
Applicants with non-standard UK/RoI degrees, or qualifications awarded by overseas institutions, should obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing, issued by either the Solicitors Regulation Authority (www.sra.org.uk) for prospective solicitors or the Bar Standards Board (www.bsb.org.uk) for prospective barristers, before enrolment. (Applications can, and should, however be made to CAB before a Certificate has been obtained.)
Applications are also encouraged from mature students (i.e. those over 25), who cannot comply with the above requirements, but who can demonstrate appropriate experience or achievement. (Again a Certificate of Academic Standing from one of the professional bodies will be required.)
Applicants who have been awarded a law degree which fails to satisfy the requirements of the professional bodies (i.e. 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.
Applicants who have, or hope to obtain, a Certificate of Partial Exemption should contact Dr Jon Howden-Evans J.P.Howden-Evans@Swansea.ac.uk  and not the central Applications Board, for details on how to apply.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University’s general scholarship and bursaries web pages have a full listing of available funding. In addition, overseas students should contact Dr Jon Howden-Evans, Deputy Head of Professional Legal Studies Department J.P.Howden-Evans@Swansea.ac.uk  to discuss any School funding which may be available. Students who intend to complete their GDL and LPC at Swansea should also contact the Dr. Jon Howden-Evans.  

Research

Course Structure

The Swansea GDL is designed to enable the acquisition of sound legal knowledge in those areas of law which are considered ‘core’ (i.e. 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, based on introductory issues and the English Legal System.

The course commences with a short introductory block of lectures and seminars concentrating on the English Legal System, the acquisition of Legal Skills, including Research Skills and use of electronic legal resources, and European Union Law.

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, independent research project.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board

Assessment

The Swansea GDL employs a wide range of assessment methods, including coursework, mini-dissertation, multiple choice test and 3-hour, unseen examination. The pass mark for all assessed work is 40%. Students at the School of Law have the opportunity to present work for assessment in Welsh, provided that adequate prior notice has been given.

Important Dates

Information regarding dates and times for Enrolment can be found on the Student Records webpages.

UK/EU Undergraduates

Applications should be made through UCAS.

International Students

Please see this page for information on studying at Swansea University

Postgraduate Students

Apply for your course by looking at this page.

Graduate Diploma in Law Admissions 

This course is:
Accepting Applications