If you are an international student who has completed a non-law undergraduate degree but wish to become a solicitor, barrister or lawyer, you will need to complete a law conversion course, more commonly known as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Learn more about studying a law conversion course in the UK below. If you are ready to begin your application, or have more questions about pivoting to a Law degree, get in touch with SI-UK London or Manchester today for a free consultation.

Graduate Diploma in Law FAQ

How long does a GDL last?

The GDL is a one-year, full-time course designed to provide non-law graduates with a diploma equivalent to a law degree. The GDL can also be studied over two-years part-time or in distance learning format.

Am I eligible to apply for a GDL?

To study a law conversion course a student must have successfully passed an undergraduate degree on a non-law subject from a UK university, or a global institution which the Solicitors Regulation Authority considers to be the equivalent. Generally, a 2:2 or higher is only required to be considered when applying.

What do you study on a GDL?

Course modules focus on filling in legal knowledge gaps, whilst extensive reading lists are also supplied. Students will be assessed throughout the year via oral examinations, employer assessments, essays and exams.

Because the course lasts just one-year and is intended to catch students up on what they may have missed on a three-year undergraduate law course, study is extremely intensive and applicants should be prepared lots of study time.

How much does a law conversion course cost?

Tuiton fees for international and EU students vary from one university to the next, but EU students can generally expect to pay between £5,000-£9,000, and international applicants between £9,000-£12,000.

Where can I study a Graduate Diploma in Law?

There are currently 24 universities in the UK who offer GDL programmes.

– London

  • BPP University
  • City, University of London
  • University of Law
  • London Metropolitan University
  • London South Bank University
  • University of Westminster

– Rest of the UK

  • Birmingham City University
  • Bournemouth University
  • University of Brighton
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Central Lancashire
  • De Montfort University
  • University of East Anglia
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • Liverpool John Moores
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Northumbria University
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Sussex
  • Swansea University
  • University of the West of England 

Study Law in the UK

Are you interested in studying a Law degree in the UK? Begin your journey by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK in London or Manchester.