Study Details: 1 Year Full-time
Our Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) provides a route to qualification as a solicitor or barrister for graduates of any of any discipline.
This graduate diploma is an ideal stepping stone for graduates who are seeking a career in Law but have a degree in a different discipline. You'll not only develop essential legal skills but also meet the requirements for further legal qualifications. You'll learn through our unique problem-based learning approach, based on real-world, practical legal scenarios and supported by expert tutors.
By gaining a practical understanding of the foundations of English Law, you'll complement your previous studies. Lawyers come from all kinds of backgrounds, and your breadth of knowledge will allow you to become a confident legal professional.
You will also have active, individual support towards your career goals from our dedicated employability tutor.
2:2 or equivalent
See our website for fees
If you wish to qualify as a solicitor (in England and Wales), the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements are that you:
• have a degree-level qualification or equivalent;
• pass two solicitor qualification examinations – SQE1 and SQE2;
• complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE); and
• meet character and suitability requirements.
Your undergraduate degree will fulfil the first requirement. Your Graduate Diploma in Law from York Law School will help you to progress to an SQE preparation programme by providing you with the knowledge of the foundations of English Law that underpin SQE1, as well as starting to develop a number of the legal skills that are assessed in SQE2.
If you wish to qualify as a barrister, the first stage of qualification is to meet the academic requirements of the Bar Standards Board (BSB). Your Graduate Diploma in Law from YLS includes the seven foundations of legal knowledge required by the BSB for the academic component of barrister training.
Qualifying as a lawyer in another jurisdiction
If you want to qualify as a lawyer in another jurisdiction your Graduate Diploma in Law from York Law School may be recognised as contributing to the entry requirements of the professional stage of legal training. We recommend checking the local requirements within the particular jurisdiction.
The core modules that you'll study over the course of a year will cover the foundations of English law and legal skills as required by professional bodies. You'll work collaboratively with around 12 other students on a series of real-life legal problems. These will develop your knowledge of the core legal subjects:
You will develop an understanding of how professional ethics guide and inform practice. You'll also gain vitally important legal skills such as research, case analysis, teamwork, and written and oral communication.
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