Graduate Diploma in Law

Cardiff University

If you have graduated in a subject other than law and would like to switch to a legal career, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is for you. If you are thinking of qualifying as a lawyer in England and Wales, this course enables you to, - study the structure and doctrines of the legal system in England and Wales and - the seven core (foundation) subjects of a law degree: contract law, criminal law, equity & trusts law, EU law, land law, public law and tort law. The GDL allows you to study these intensively over one year, instead of the three years usually required for a Law degree. If you are thinking of qualifying as a barrister, the GDL gives you the academic modules you will need to pass before progressing to a Bar Training Course (BTC). We also offer a BTC course. If you are thinking of qualifying as a solicitor, the GDL gives you the academic knowledge of legal principles and their application you will need as part of your preparation for the new centrally assessed Solicitors Qualifying Examination (''SQE''), introduced from September 2021. Please see the ‘Career Prospects’ section of this entry for further information on the options available to you following completion of the GDL.

School of Law and Politics