gdl personal statement pdf

Username or email  *

Password  *

Forgotten password?

[email protected]

GDL Personal Statement Tips

Before applying for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) , you’ll have to write a GDL personal statement to help convince law admissions tutors that a career in law is right for you.

But what should you include, and how do you make sure you highlight your interest in law after studying an unrelated undergraduate degree?

Read on to discover tips to help you craft the perfect GDL personal statement .

Use Your GDL Personal Statement to Show Your Commitment

People choose to become lawyers for various reasons, from the appeal of advocacy in the courts and battling on behalf of a client, to just wanting a secure job with plenty of career progression and exciting opportunities.

In your GDL personal statement, you should be honest about why you are pursuing a career in law. The admissions tutor reading your statement will have read numerous applications that discuss the psychology of law. This is all very interesting, however, make sure you talk about your eligibility for this career.

Explain why your personality is suitable for a career in law and if possible, back it up with concrete evidence. For instance, if you like chess, it shows you are logical, creative in your thought process and use strategies to reach your goals.

Explain What you’ve Learned About the Practice of Law

If you’ve carried out volunteering work at a Citizens Advice centre or shadowed a solicitor or barrister, this shows you’ve taken a proactive interest in the law. It also shows you have an understanding of what law involves and whether it’s the right career path for you.

You might not have any legal work experience , but if you’ve read widely around the subject. For example, if you’ve considered that criminal litigation work would be an interesting niche area of the law to work in, you would need to show how you’ve carried out research to understand the demands of the job.

It might seem simple but explaining your knowledge of the areas you’re interested in demonstrates to the admissions tutor that you have taken constructive action to see what you need to do to qualify as a lawyer in your chosen area.

Detail How You Manage and Prioritise Your Workload

Working as a lawyer can be considered a lifestyle, as well as a profession. Working long hours and taking work home with you is common. Completing the GDL will be your introduction to this – it’s an intense course where you’ll cover all compulsory modules you would during a three-year LLB but in just one year.

On your GDL personal statement, you should communicate periods during your education or employment when you’ve had to fully commit to something. This could be running a society or times when you’ve had to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Perhaps you joined the student newspaper or the debating society? Both of these demonstrate skills that would be transferable to a legal career.

Think about whether you’ve had any jobs before that required you to be logical and efficient in the work you carried out.

Prove That You Can Work as Part of a Team

If you want to become a solicitor, you will be part of a team whether it be large or small. In a solicitor’s office, there will be some solicitors, an office manager, legal executives, paralegals, and admin staff. All of the team are vital cogs in the smooth running of a legal practice.

Again, a similar set of circumstances arise in a barristers’ chambers. You will be working alongside the barristers, plus the clerks and admin staff.

In both of these setups, it’s vitally important for them to function effectively, that you work as a positive team member. In your GDL personal statement, you should try to refer to periods during your education, family life, or employment where you have demonstrated your ability to work well in a team.

Keep it Concise and Avoid Sounding Pretentious

You’ve got to remember that your application is not an academic exercise. You want to come across to the reader as someone who has a genuine interest in pursuing a career in law and at the same time someone who they can relate to.

Do your research, make some notes, then write the statement without referring directly to anything in front of you online. Use a tool like Grammarly to help you avoid being too wordy and to highlight any grammar issues.

Words: Chris Mallon

Chris is a law tutor and content writer. He has taught law extensively at university level and now enjoys teaching and producing content for law students.

READ NEXT: Which law school should you choose for your GDL? 

Read more about the GDL

• BPP GDL Survival Guide – Part One
• How to fund Your GDL

Free Guides

Our free guides cover everything from deciding on law to studying and practising law abroad. Search through our vast directory.

Upcoming Events

Explore our events for aspiring lawyers. Sponsored by top institutions, they offer fantastic insights into the legal profession.

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list for weekly updates and advice on how to get into law.

Law Quizzes

Try our selection of quizzes for aspiring lawyers for a fun way to gain insight into the legal profession!

PREVIOUS ARTICLE

How Will the SQE Affect Non-Law Students?

NEXT ARTICLE

Current Criminal Law Issues You Need to Know

You may also like.

• Labour Backs New Local 20mph Zones
• Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Drug Faces Regulation
• 7-Eleven’s Huge Buyout Bid
• Ofcom Bans Mid-Contract Price Increases

Loading More Content

5 Top Tips for the Ultimate GDL Personal Statement

The Future Lawyer Weekly Update – w/c 7th October

Everything You Need to Know About The Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT)

• News & Articles
• Tips for Students
• applications
• law tutor tips

The GDL is a particular type of legal course. Therefore, it requires a particular type of personal statement during the application stage. The admissions tutor for your chosen provider will be looking for evidence of qualities that suggest you will be able to deal with the specific demands of this course. This article sums up 5 key components of a great GDL personal statement.

1. The Motivation for Converting to Law

Your GDL personal statement must address why you want to covert to law. Most applicants will have undergraduate degrees in different subjects. You need to show what has motivated you to read law on the GDL. My top tip for this is to try and map what you enjoyed on your undergraduate degree to study on the GDL. For example, if you studied Mathematics or a Science subject then you might say that you enjoyed the logical approach to the course and the opportunities to problem solve and evaluate your solutions. Further, that you recognise on a law degree you will get opportunities to problem solve through problem questions. You may have studied English or History. You might include that you enjoyed evaluating sources and looking at articles to engage with critical opinion. This is a skill that is needed in law and you can use the soft skills you have developed on these courses to thrive on a law degree.

You should also include where the GDL fits in your career plan. The usual path is to complete the GDL and then onwards to the LPC to train as a solicitor or BPTC to train as a barrister. You are not expected to have your exact career plan mapped out at the application stage. Although if you have a precise pathway in mind (perhaps you have secured a training contract) then show that the GDL is your pathway to achieving this end goal.

2. Evidence of dealing with a demanding workload

You will study several core modules on the GDL including contract, crime, tort, land law, equity and more. Each module will involve a considerable number of lectures, seminars, assessments, independent study and opportunities to develop your legal skills. One of the most demanding elements of the course is to manage the assessment workload. Most GDL providers assess students at the end of the course. Exams can come thick and fast and it is not unheard of to have 6-8 exams over 2-3 weeks. This intensity can create problems for students who like to ‘cram’. The GDL does not lend itself easily to cramming and you need to demonstrate on your application that you can balance your workload throughout the year in order to reach your potential in the end of year exams.

There are many great ways of demonstrating this skill:

• Perhaps your undergraduate degree had a similar approach. If so, describe your undergraduate workload and how you managed to stay on top of things. The more specific the better. Did you use spreadsheets or a Word document to keep track of deadlines? Or perhaps your calendar on Outlook? Did you dedicate time to work as you would a 9-5 job leaving your evenings and weekends free?
• Evidence drawn from work experience is good as well. It does not matter where this experience comes from. It is more important to demonstrate clear evidence of how you have balanced competing priorities. The person reading your application is interested in how you balance your workload!

3. Use the STAR technique when giving specific examples to support your application

You will boost your chances of acceptance if you give specific examples in your application. GDL personal statements that contain generic text are boring and can frustrate those responsible for deciding if you get a place or not. The STAR technique is a great way of providing a precise and structured example to support what you say in an application. It stands for:

Situation (one sentence describing the context of your example)

Task (one sentence to describe your individual role)

Action (2-3 sentences on exactly what you did)

Result (one sentence describing the outcome)

Let’s take an example. You might want to give an example of how you have balanced different priorities in a part time job. Applying the STAR method, you might write something like this:

I work as a part time customer service agent at a call centre at University.

My role involves phoning alumni from the University to seek donations between £5-£100 by telephone.

During Christmas 2018, I was responsible for a unique campaign targeting alumni in the US. I had to manage my workload by using the internal database system to keep track of calls made and successful donations. I also had to log my work time on the call reporting system. I also had to read high volumes of legal and regulatory material on the company intranet to keep up to date with regulations for cold calling in the US. I managed my workload by using handwritten to-do lists. I also used the internal database to check my progress on the project and if I was falling behind on calls, I could take action to increase call volume and recover by the end of the day.

At my January 2018 review with my manager I was awarded an Exceeded Expectations rating for the work on this project.

This example brings your experience to life. It makes the example interesting to read and clearly shows your ability to juggle competing interests. It is more impactful than stating something generic like ‘I have had to balance different priorities in my role, and I have been able to do this successfully.

4. Conduct an audit of your accomplishments

We all have accomplishments. Some are recognised with certificates and awards. Some involve achieving an excellent outcome e.g. running a charity marathon, volunteering. Think back a few years and list out all of your accomplishments, awards and certificates. However, instead of simply listing these in your application, make sure to clearly state how they demonstrate evidence that you can survive and thrive on the GDL. For example, you may have been awarded a subject award at secondary school or your undergraduate degree. That demonstrates your academic ability and fitness for the GDL. Perhaps you have been awarded a scholarship to study at university or on the GDL itself after a competitive application process. This shows that you have been identified as a student that is exceptional and can do well. Brainstorm all of your accomplishments. Then underline those that can show evidence that you can do well on the GDL.

5. The institution chosen

The GDL market is fiercely competitive. There are several private providers and universities to attend. Every provider is truly different. The private providers such as BPP and University of Law tend to have more of a practical focus on the law. Their recruitment requirements, for example, stipulate that tutors on all the modules should be qualified solicitors or barristers. Established universities have more of an academic approach. The advantage here is that you will gain a more critical appreciation of the law in context. This approach might suit applicants wanting to enter academia or a law and policy position. Make sure you make it clear why you are choosing each institution. Do not simply copy facts and figures you have found on the website. Some of the best application answers I have read as a law tutor have included:

• An applicant including research on existing students of an institution by reaching out to them on LinkedIn to see exactly what it is like to be a student at that provider.
• Asking to observe or audit a class before making an application to get a feel for how classes are run and what is involved and then including your observations in the application
• Mentioning key interactions and conversations with staff from the institution at on campus events like recruitment and careers events.

Good luck with your GDL application!

Chris Mallon is a Law Tutor at Chris Mallon Law Tutor . He writes extensively on legal skills and careers in order to help law student better understand law and the career paths available to them.

Related posts

The Legal Fight for Equal Pay

Interview with Sophie du Boulay, a lawyer at Nokia Corporation

Interview with Ayush Sanghavi: Founder & CEO of CaseSnappy

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The TSL Mentorship Scheme matches mentors from the legal industry - both solicitors and barristers - with mentees from underrepresented groups. Successful applicants will receive one-on-one coaching and advice throughout the year from their mentor and will be invited to exclusive networking events and skills workshops.

TSL Mentorships

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Writing A Personal Statement for GDL: Effective Guide

Table of Contents

Writing a great  personal statement for GDL  (Graduate Diploma in Law) can be arduous and overwhelming. The immense pressure to craft something unique that will stand out from other applicants makes it easy to get lost in the process. 

However, you can make your statement genuinely unforgettable with some helpful tips and examples. This guide will give you professional advice on how to present yourself memorably to the admission committee.

What Is a GDL Personal Statement?

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a postgraduate legal qualification that provides an intensive introduction to the study of law for non-law graduates. 

A GDL personal statement is a written document that conveys an individual’s experience, qualifications, and intentions in pursuing the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). It should be crafted with clear, concise language that reflects the writer’s expertise while also expressing emotion. 

When appropriate, include factual examples to provide further context to the narrative. You may also use colloquial language and varied sentence structure to give your piece a unique tone. Furthermore, each sentence must contain at least one uncommon word for emphasis and creativity.

Luckily, writing a personal statement is easier than it seems. You can use the GDL Personal Statement to present yourself to admissions officers in a very competitive environment.

Purpose of writing a Graduate Diploma in Law Personal Statement

The purpose of writing a graduate diploma in personal law statement is to demonstrate your knowledge, experience, and passion for the legal field. Through clear and concise language, you can show that you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and dedication to succeed at this level of study. 

The statement should provide evidence of your understanding of the topic and any relevant practical experiences or knowledge you possess. 

Tips for Writing the Perfect GDL Personal Statement

Here are some helpful tips for crafting the perfect GDL personal statement .

1. Start by brainstorming

When it comes to crafting a great GDL personal statement, brainstorming is a sure win. Think about your passions, achievements, and experiences that have shaped you into who you are.

2. Begin with a strong introduction.

Your introduction is the first opportunity you have to make an impression on the admissions’ committee, so make sure it’s strong. Start by introducing yourself and stating your reasons for wanting to attend law school.

3. Describe what you’ve discovered about the practice of law.

Mentioning how you volunteered at Citizens Advice or watched a lawyer in action will reveal your interest in the law. Additionally, it will demonstrate that you know what law entails and whether it is the best career choice for you.

Even if you lack any legal professional experience, you may have read extensively on the subject. Highlight what you discovered from your research to intrigue the admission officers further.

4. Illustrate your interest in the field

Discuss your passion for legal studies and how you developed this passion. This could be anything from volunteering at a local law firm to helping on a case study group project. It could also be by reading a book, attending a conference, or participating in a law-related activity. 

5. Showcase your critical thinking ability

Give examples of how you used analytical reasoning, research methods, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges. Demonstrate the actual thought process behind each situation and explain how it made you a better candidate for the GDL program. 

5. Be creative with language.

Instead of boring clichés and generic phrases, use vivid language and imaginative phrasing to bring life to your essay. Avoid buzzwords and technical jargon. 

6. Incorporate uncommon words

Choose uncommon words when appropriate to add complexity to your writing. These can give depth to your paper without sacrificing clarity of meaning. 

7. Proofread for errors

Before submitting your statement, proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes. Get someone else to look over your work as well. The second pair of eyes may often see minor errors that were missed during editing.

What Topics Should You Avoid in a GDL Personal Statement?

Avoid the following topics altogether, if possible:

• The one-time community service project you did. 
• Too much detail about your school awards and prizes.
• Anything too cynical or negative.
• What a party animal you are. 
• Traumatic personal experiences.

Personal Statement for GDL Examples

I have had a passionate interest in law for many years, having studied the subject extensively, both academically and independently. My astute understanding of criminal, corporate, and contract laws and jurisdictional regulations makes me fit for this program.

I can offer different perspectives on any given legal issue with my in-depth knowledge. My flair for critical thinking has been honed through numerous court observations and shadowing attorneys over the past few years. I am also capable of communicating complex ideas to non-experts in an easily understandable manner.

Furthermore, I am deeply motivated by the challenge of navigating difficult laws while respecting the profession’s ethical boundaries. Therefore, I have fully utilized my efforts to develop robust skills in this field.

I have always been drawn to the intricacies of law, which is why I seek admission into a Graduate Diploma in the field. Throughout my career, I have diligently worked to understand the nuances of legal principles and apply them to practical situations. By advocating in courtrooms and negotiating agreements outside of litigation, my knowledge of laws has been applied with precision. 

My experience has provided me with invaluable insight into how different stakeholders interact within the realm of justice. Through careful evaluation of case studies, I learned to craft persuasive yet fair arguments. Through moot court competitions and student publications, I learned how to identify creative solutions beyond university studies. 

After discovering the complexities of the law, I began working at reputable firms, which allowed me to understand the legal field better. As a result, I realized that giving legal counsel needs to take a comprehensive approach. I tried to balance principled considerations with pragmatic ones. 

This graduate diploma will enable me to combine my education and experience thus far to become an effective lawyer. With firm resolve and determination, I look forward to being a part of your esteemed institution and contributing to its legacy.

The  personal statement for gdl  is a valuable tool for any student looking to make their application stand out . Your statement should be reflective of your unique experience and knowledge. It should be written with clarity and emotion using familiar language. 

A varied sentence structure will keep readers engaged while ensuring the statement conveys all relevant information interestingly. By carefully crafting a personal statement, you can clearly illustrate why you’re the perfect candidate for the desired program.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

• Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

• Postgraduate Personal Statements
• International Student Personal Statements
• Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

• Personal Statement Changes 2025
• Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

• Mature Student Personal Statements
• Personal Statements By University
• Accountancy and Finance Personal Statements
• Actuarial Science Personal Statements
• American Studies Personal Statements
• Anthropology Personal Statements
• Archaeology Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statements
• Art and Design Personal Statements
• Biochemistry Personal Statements
• Bioengineering Personal Statements
• Biology Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statements
• Biotechnology Personal Statements
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Business Personal Statements
• Catering and Food Personal Statements
• Chemistry Personal Statements
• Classics Personal Statements
• Computer Science Personal Statements
• Computing and IT Personal Statements
• Criminology Personal Statements
• Dance Personal Statements
• Dentistry Personal Statements
• Design Personal Statements
• Dietetics Personal Statements
• Drama Personal Statements
• Economics Personal Statement Examples
• Education Personal Statements
• Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• English Personal Statements
• Environment Personal Statements
• Environmental Science Personal Statements
• Event Management Personal Statements
• Fashion Personal Statements
• Film Personal Statements
• Finance Personal Statements
• Forensic Science Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statements
• Geology Personal Statements
• Health Sciences Personal Statements
• History Personal Statements
• History of Art Personal Statements
• Hotel Management Personal Statements
• International Relations Personal Statements
• International Studies Personal Statements
• Islamic Studies Personal Statements
• Japanese Studies Personal Statements
• Journalism Personal Statements
• Land Economy Personal Statements
• Languages Personal Statements

Law Personal Statement Examples

• Linguistics Personal Statements
• Management Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statements
• Mathematics Personal Statements
• Media Personal Statements
• Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statements
• Music Technology Personal Statements
• Natural Sciences Personal Statements
• Neuroscience Personal Statements
• Nursing Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
• Osteopathy Personal Statements
• Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statements
• Philosophy Personal Statements
• Photography Personal Statements
• Physics Personal Statements
• Physiology Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statements
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Radiography Personal Statements
• Religious Studies Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statements
• Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
• Sports Science Personal Statements
• Surveying Personal Statements
• Teacher Training Personal Statements
• Theology Personal Statements
• Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
• Urban Planning Personal Statements
• Veterinary Science Personal Statements
• Zoology Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

What is a law personal statement?

A law UCAS personal statement should detail why you are a great candidate for a law degree by drawing on all your skills, experience and strengths.

For many years, law has been a popular and competitive course, so it's important you make your personal statement the best it can be. 

Attention to detail and the ability to form an argument are two of the most important skills required to become a good lawyer, as well as being able to support ideas with evidence.

Our law personal statement examples above will help you put together your own, unique statement, and our personal statement template and editing services can also provide further guidance.

University admissions tutors want to see you are a dedicated student that can bring value to their department, so spend as much time as possible writing the perfect statement!

How do I write a law personal statement?

A good law personal statement should include:

• career plans
• skills (e.g. analytical, problem solving, etc.) and
• achievements.

Make sure you provide examples of everything to back up what you are saying, and remember - don't tell lies, or use homour (this isn't the time or place).

Before submitting your UCAS form, give your law personal statement to friends, family and tutors for feedback and incorporate any amendments that you think will improve your statement further.

What should I include in my law personal statement?

• First of all, look at university websites (particularly those you are applying to) for any tips and advice they have on personal statements for their law degrees. Any information straight from the horse's mouth is always a bonus!
• Demonstrate your aptitude for the course you’ve chosen. For example, a criminal law personal statement might mention some work experience with the local police, while an international law personal statement might reference some extra reading you’ve done on international cases.
• Talk about your work experience - whether you have worked in a shop or cafe, or volunteered at a local community centre, make sure you include any relevant skills you learned during this time. For example, the laws on tipping staff, or how many hours you are allowed to work as a volunteer.
• The best law personal statements always show passion for the subject, and why pursuing law is so important to you.

For more help and advice on what to write in your law personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

How do I write a law personal statement introduction?

You should write about your initial interest in law, but make sure you explain where this interest came from, and isn't just a last-minute decision because you had to pick a subject to study.

An anecdote often works well here (if you have one) to help draw the reader in and act as a hook for your statement. For example, you might talk about an injustice you witnessed as a child, or how a family member's experience with the law made you want to learn more about it.

If you look through the law personal statement examples on our website, you'll see that this applicant about how a visit to their local Magistrate's court impacted their career choice:

"I first became interested in studying law after visiting my local Magistrates' Court in Melbourne, Australia. After witnessing the impact a lawyer could have on the outcome of a case and on a person's life I saw that a career in law offered a career in which my work made an impact in the world around me and a career in which I could directly see the consequences of my work."

Try not to start your personal statement with something mundane, such as a definition or explanation of law. Remember, you don’t need to prove you know what the subject is (or try to teach to the admissions tutor who already knows their stuff!). You need to demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for it, which is the type of student the university will want on their course.

If you choose to explain why you want to study law, mention the skills or knowledge you’ll build, and how you hope to grow as a person. You can then mention any career plans or future ambitions you have as a concluding paragraph at the end.

How do I write a law personal statement conclusion?

As mentioned above, it's a good idea to talk about your future plans in the last few sentences of your law personal statement. However, this isn't a must, and if you prefer, you can round off your statement with your hobbies and extracurricular activities, and what you've gained from these. For example, this applicant chose to talk about sports they play and their part-time job, and how these activities have helped them to balance their studies with other commitments:

"Outside school, I have participated in badminton and swimming activities, and worked part time throughout my final school year. This has enabled me to learn to balance the requirements of study with extra-curricular activities, and develop valuable skills which will see me succeed in university and beyond."

Another applicant chose to talk about why they had decided to apply to study at a university in the UK:

"I chose to study in the UK, because in my opinion, it has the best universities in Europe. The United Kingdom has continuously developed its educational system for centuries, the result of this being important values, such as refinement and modernity.

It is the ideal place for a young and motivated student to study in order to have a shining career. It will surely give me the chance to trace a clear line between law and morality."

However you decide to conclude your statement, try to end it on a positive note that will leave a lasting impression on the admissions tutors.

You can read other conclusions that applicants have used in the past over at our law personal statement examples section.

What can I do with a law degree?

There are many career options available to those wanting to study law at university. These include:

• Chartered legal executive
• Legal secretary
• Patent attorney

For more information about careers with a law degree, please see Prospects and the Law Society .

What are the best UK universities for law?

Currently, the best universities in the UK for studying law are:

For more information on UK university rankings for law, please see The Complete University Guide and The Times Higher Education .

Further resources

• The Lawyer Portal
• How to become a lawyer
• The Law Application
• The University of Law
• University of Oxford Law

UCAS Law Personal Statement Advice

• Uni Compare Law Personal Statement Examples

Related resources

How to write a law personal statement.

Find out more

What Can I Do With A Law Degree?

Best UK Universities For Law

Law Careers

National Careers Service

Tips For Law School Personal Statements: Examples, Resources And More

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Mar 22, 2024, 4:48pm

Tens of thousands of undergraduates pursue law school every year, and the competition for admission is fierce.

When it comes to admissions, your law school personal statement is not as impactful as your LSAT scores or undergraduate GPA. Still, a personal statement can be the deciding factor when competing with other applicants.

In this article, we discuss how to write a law school personal statement that demonstrates why you belong in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Law School Personal Statement?

A law school personal statement is a multi-paragraph essay or narrative highlighting the reason you are pursuing a J.D. degree . This essay is an opportunity to share your identity with an admissions committee—beyond just transcripts and test scores.

Personal statements are typically two to four pages long. Most law schools do not provide specific prompts for applicants’ statements, but some do. Either way, the content of your statement should leave a strong impression.

Why Do Law Schools Ask for Personal Statements?

Law schools receive a high volume of applications and typically do not contact applicants for interviews until after reviewing their applications. As a result, personal statements largely act as a substitute for the applicant interview process.

Your personal statement serves as a writing sample that shows your ability to communicate ideas effectively. In addition to demonstrating your ability to write well, a personal statement can give an admissions committee a clear picture of your motivations for attending law school and indicate how well you might fit into their program.

If you’re wondering how to become a lawyer , law school is the first step—and your personal statement is important to the law school application process.

How To Write a Law School Personal Statement

Writing a law school personal statement can be a challenging part of the application process, involving hours of planning and drafting. However, with solid brainstorming and prewriting strategies, you can craft an effective personal statement that illustrates how you are a strong candidate for law school.

Picking What to Write About

If your prospective school does not provide a prompt, choosing what to write about can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Start with a serious brainstorming session to get your ideas on paper. Give yourself the license to explore every experience or idea before deciding on your final topic.

Consider spending time jotting down every idea that falls into the following categories:

• Life events or experiences that motivated you or changed your perspective
• A meaningful personal achievement and what you learned from it
• How you became interested in the law
• Your passions and how they contributed to your individual goals

Structuring Your Law School Personal Statement

The structure and method you use to craft your statement is important. It might be tempting to follow a rigid formula and write a personal statement that methodically unpacks your reason for attending law school, your qualifications and the relevance of your extracurricular engagements. However, some of the most effective personal statements are crafted through a narrative approach.

Well-written narratives are engaging and illustrate why law school would benefit your career path. Your essay should exhibit your dedication and passion for the law and highlight the relationship between your values and your target law school. By creating a narrative with a common theme woven throughout, you can captivate your reader while informing them of your qualifications and goals.

Rather than overtly telling the reader why you should be accepted into law school, a narrative allows its audience to make connections and engage at a personal level. Your anecdotes and specific examples should reveal the traits you want the admissions committee to see and appreciate.

What Makes a ‘Good’ Law School Personal Statement?

Law school admissions teams read hundreds, even thousands of personal statements, so it’s important to write one that stands out. Ultimately, a good law school personal statement engages the reader, provides a unique perspective and demonstrates why you would make a good candidate for law school.

Choose a Unique Topic

A personal statement is exactly that: personal. Crafting a memorable narrative is paramount and dependent on your story and unique life experiences, especially since reviewers read so many personal statements with similar stories and themes.

Unfortunately, certain topics can come across as cliche. This is not to say that your lived experience of overcoming adversity or your time spent volunteering to help those in need is undervalued. However, those narratives have motivated thousands of aspiring attorneys to pursue law—meaning they have appeared in thousands of law school personal statements.

Give Specific Examples

Once you’ve selected a topic, take time to unpack the examples you plan to share and how they tie into the “why” behind your pursuit of law school. General statements are not only boring to read but lack the depth of meaning required to make an impact. Specific examples are critical to creating interest and highlighting the uniqueness of your personal experience.

According to law school admissions consultant and founder of PreLawPro, Ben Cooper, “It is always great to have a story that speaks for you. A story that demonstrates certain qualities or a key lesson learned is always more compelling than simply saying, ‘I am dedicated, responsible etc.’ ”

Be Personal and Reflective

Law schools want to see critical thinking skills and deep reflection in applicants’ personal essays. Before you write, consider a few questions. Is your story unique to you? What was the primary conflict in your story? How did you develop over time? How does this story reflect who you are now and how law school suits you? Take time to ponder what challenges you’ve overcome and what events and experiences have shaped your worldview.

Common Pitfalls for a Law School Personal Statement

Before you invest hours writing an essay just for it to fall flat, make sure you’re aware of the most common pitfalls for law school personal statements.

Failing To Follow Instructions

Law schools set specific formatting and length guidelines. Reading comprehension and attention to detail are key skills for law school success, so failing to meet these expectations could count against your application or even result in an automatic rejection.

Length and formatting requirements vary among law schools. For example, if a school expects no more than two pages, 11-point font, 1-inch margins and double spacing, make sure to format your personal statement precisely according to those specifications. We advise tailoring your personal statement to each individual school to avoid violating any formatting requirements.

If a law school asks you to answer a specific prompt or write multiple essays, make sure to follow those instructions as well.

Not Revising And Proofreading

Nothing screams a lack of effort, interest and commitment like an unpolished personal statement. Admissions teams will quickly notice if you skip proofreads and revisions, even if the content of your essay is exceptional.

This step entails much more than running a spelling and grammar check. You must ensure that the order of information is purposeful and logical. Each word you use should be intentional and add value to the story you are trying to tell.

Revising an essay is not a one-person job. Have others provide feedback, too. Your peers and mentors are a great place to start, as long as they give objective feedback.

Also ask people you do not know to provide feedback. You might start with your university’s writing center . Writing centers employ trained writing tutors who are skilled in providing feedback across disciplines. A writing center tutor will not proofread your essay, but they assist in making it reach its full potential.

Using Flowery Or Overly Academic Language

The voice and tone of your personal statement should flow naturally and reflect who you are. This doesn’t require flowery or overly academic language, which can make your essay sound more obtuse and less personal.

As we stated earlier, your personal statement should use specific examples and stories to generate interest and reveal why you want to attend law school and become a lawyer.

Likewise, you should avoid using excessive legal language or famous quotes in your statement. Admissions reviewers are academics, so if you use a term improperly, they will catch it. Use language that you feel comfortable with, without being too informal, and allow your narrative to convey your intended themes and ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Law School Personal Statements

What is a good personal statement for law school.

A good personal statement for law school is original, engaging, truthful and well-structured. When composing your personal statement, take time to reflect on your life experiences and how they led you to pursue a legal career. Follow each school’s required format, make sure to proofread carefully and use natural-sounding language.

How much does a law school personal statement matter?

Law school admissions committees typically place more emphasis on your LSAT performance and undergraduate academic record—including your GPA and the rigor of your course of study—but a personal statement can still have a powerful impact on the success of your application. A strong essay can help you stand out from the crowd, and conversely, a clichéd, poorly written or incorrectly formatted essay can hurt your chances.

Do law schools fact-check personal statements?

Assume that law school admissions officers may fact-check any verifiable information in your personal statement. They may not know if you are presenting your motivations for applying or your career plans honestly, but they can—and will—check whether, for example, you participated in a particular student organization or attended a specific conference.

• Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
• Best Master’s In Homeland Security Online
• Best Master’s In Forensic Science Online Programs
• Best Master’s In Criminology Online Programs
• Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online
• Best Online Paralegal Degrees
• Best Online Public Administration Degrees
• How To Become A Criminal Investigator
• How To Become A Lawyer
• Careers In Law
• What Can You Do With A Master Of Public Administration? 10 MPA Jobs To Know
• Online Associate Degrees In Criminal Justice
• Is Law School Worth It? How To Decide If Law School Is Right For You
• Is Law School Worth It? 5 Factors To Consider
• Paralegal Vs. Lawyer
• The Top 13 Pre-Law Majors
• 5 Types Of Law Degrees And Careers For Graduates
• What Can You Do With A Law Degree? Careers, Salaries And Job Outlooks

Where To Earn An Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree In 2024

Where To Earn A Ph.D. In Criminal Justice Online In 2024

Best Master’s In Criminology Online Programs Of 2024

Best Master’s In Homeland Security Online Of 2024

Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online Of 2024

Where To Earn An Online Forensic Psychology Master’s Degree In 2024

Brandon Galarita is a freelance writer and K-12 educator in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is passionate about technology in education, college and career readiness and school improvement through data-driven practices.

Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.

Ben Cooper the founder and CEO of PreLawPro, a law school admissions and career consulting firm. He is a former international lawyer who spent much of his legal career as a litigator in London’ financial district. After leaving private practice he oversaw the Pre-Law program at Baylor University, where he taught college classes on the legal profession, law school admissions, careers, and academic success. He has also helped students explore careers in diplomacy, intelligence and national security. After almost a decade of working with college students and young professionals, Ben has helped hundreds of law school applicants gain admission to law schools all over the country. Ben also coaches and mentors college students and young professionals (across a broad range of industries) as they navigate their education and careers.

How to write a great personal statement

Crafting a personal statement that stands out is an important part of the UCAS process. However, it can be hard to know exactly what to include, how to write it, and how to stand out. With this in mind, we caught up with Student Recruitment Manager Richard Palmer for his tips on writing a great personal statement.

By Cara Fielder . Published 13 October 2021. Last updated 12 January 2024.

Why is a personal statement important?

Your personal statement is about much more than just meeting the grade requirements and needs to tick a few boxes to stand out. These statements are a top factor when it comes to consideration for admissions experts – but don’t see it as a chore, your personal statement provides an opportunity to communicate your unique skills and strengths to secure your place at university.

What are admissions looking for?

Students must have the appropriate qualifications and grade predictions to meet entry requirements, but this will need to be elaborated on in your personal statement. As you think of your different qualifications, accomplishments, and qualities remember to link them all together to show how this makes you suitable for your chosen course.

• Excellent spelling, grammar and attention to detail.
• Illustrate your suitability for the course by linking it to different areas of life. For example, earlier studies, extra-curricular activities, personal hobbies/experiences and work experience (if applicable).
• Your personality – not in terms of humour or sarcasm but show that you are a responsible and hardworking student.
• A strong reference that supports your application.

Our nine tips for writing your personal statement

Map out the structure.

A great way to approach this is visually: create a diagram splitting the personal statement into sections. Firstly, you want a strong opening introducing yourself. The middle section can then be split into three sub-sections: your course choice, education experience and your wider experiences (e.g. extracurricular activities and work). Then conclude with a concise summary of the points you’ve made.

Whilst the whole statement needs a good deal of work, a robust opening can hook the reader and make all the difference to an application. It’s an opportunity to briefly cover everything you’ll discuss in greater detail throughout your statement. Consider why you want to study the course, your passion for the subject, where you hope it leads and why it’s right for you.

Similarly, a strong closing paragraph can leave a positive and lasting impression. Try and consolidate what you’ve covered in your statement and reinforce why you would make a great candidate for the course.

Transferrable skills

When discussing your suitability, share how the content and skills learned from your current or previous study relate to your chosen course, and how they will help you succeed. For instance, if you studied A Level Business and apply to study accounting and finance try and highlight how your current learning will influence your degree choice.

Of course, there are many degrees where it might not be possible to study the subject before university, so you’ll need to be a little more creative and think outside of the box. For those subjects which aren’t directly related to your chosen course consider any crossover and highlight those links. For example, if you’ve chosen to study criminology and studied A Level Geography you could discuss globalisation, green crimes, or illegal pollution.

You should also discuss the wider skills you’ve developed. Consider how a variety of teaching environments, coursework, and creative projects have provided you with relevant skills to succeed in a degree such as organisation skills, time management, communication, and multi-tasking.

If you are applying for slightly different courses, remember that all your university choices will see the same personal statement. Make sure to prioritise talking about your main subject for consistency.

Be original

While it might be tempting to copy your friends or take inspiration from example personal statements online, avoid it at all costs. Plagiarism is often unintentional but the best thing you can do to avoid it is steering away from using templates or writing similar personal statements to your peers.

UCAS (for example) puts every statement through plagiarism software. If your statement has 30% similarities to others, a report is sent to all your university choices. They decide the outcome, which could be to revoke your offer. Don’t let this worry – if you honestly write an original statement and the software still picks it up by fluke the university will know what to do.

Consider your strengths

Follow this simple framework:

• What are you good at?
• How can you demonstrate that skill?
• Keep it positive

For example - “I was a debate team captain and lead in making arguments” is good, but it could have something added to it to make it pop. A great way to do this is to add positive adjectives and adverbs to build up the sentence. “I was a successful debate team captain and lead in making winning arguments”.

Everybody has weaknesses, and it’s important to recognise these too. However, be sure to frame it as a positive. Be honest and recognise areas you haven’t experienced or aren’t as confident at – and consider positive ways that you can develop in that area. 

Highlight any previous work experience

Even if it was short-term or voluntary, any experience is good and helps to emphasise your skills. Demonstrating that you have actively sought out work experience presents you as someone with initiative and independence.

Start writing it as early as possible and be aware of all the important deadlines. Draw out a timeline detailing when you aim to have your first draft done, your second draft, any reviews and submission deadlines. This will help to get you in the right mindset from the outset, because nobody likes last-minute stress.

Triple check your work

Sometimes when you have been working on something for a long time, it’s easy to overlook mistakes so it’s also helpful to ask someone else to proofread it for you. Double and triple check your work, keeping an eye out for typos. Getting family or friends to proofread your personal statement will also help to ensure that it sounds authentically you.

Stand out from the crowd

Try to think outside of the box and communicate what makes you unique. For example, if you have any creative ideas on how to improve a certain area within your chosen industry/subject, put this forward. This might tie in with your hobbies and work experience and be a good way to build on it.

Make evidence-based points

Highlighting your experiences is a crucial part of the personal statement but must be backed up with solid evidence. For example, if you have experience as a sports captain or society member, rather than just listing what you did, explain how you got there and what you achieved. Mention actions and outcomes, this shows how you strive for self-improvement and highlights an ability to clearly define goals.

If you’re still considering which degree to apply for, check out our range of undergraduate courses in law , business , criminology , policing , psychology and computer science . 

resources Our Recent Blogs

What are the different types of law firms?

Success beyond the BPC: An interview with Walter Verkaik

How to make the most out of Freshers’ Week

AllAboutLaw

What are you looking for? Submit

• FREE Watson Glaser Test Practise now. Be prepared! TRY NOW
• Should I do the LPC or SQE? Free Decision Maker Tool Decide now!
• Training Contract Deadlines Fast approaching for most firms! Apply Now

Jan 24, 2019

Written By Billy Sexton, Editor, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

GDL application process

Greetings non-law graduate and welcome to the postgraduate world. Next stop… the GDL! You’ve weighed up you choices, scribbled down the differences between the GDL and graduate LLB and decided that the GDL is the way to go.

Right, so what’s the application process? Good question. Let us explain.

Online application

Every GDL application is made through lawcabs.ac.uk. Think of LawCabs as the UCAS of postgraduate law courses.

There is no deadline for completing the GDL application, so you can do this at your earliest possible convenience. GDL applicants need to register (duh, obviously!) with LawCabs and also pay a £15 fee.

LawCabs GDL application stages

The first two stages of the GDL application process accounts for your basic contact details, nationality, English speaking ability and any special requirements – all fairly straightforward.

Next up, you need to reveal which career path you’re planning on taking (be it solicitor , barrister or undecided). You also need to tell the folks who will be reading through your application if you’ve taken any legal training modules that will exempt you from some parts of the GDL.

The quicker you can get yourself through all these legal qualifications, the better, right?

Thinking of a career in law?

Study ULaw's PGDL and join the largest community of postgrad law conversion students (LawCAB 2021).

Choosing a law school

Following on from this is the institution selection bit. You can select up to three GDL courses and you should obviously do as much research into where you want to study the GDL as you did for choosing a university for your undergraduate degree.

Luckily, we’ve got our own GDL course directory that you can use to read up on institutions that offer the GDL. Aren’t we kind?

After you’ve selected your institutions, you need to list all your qualifications from A-Levels upward, so no need to go too far down memory lane and attempt to recall all your GCSE results.

If you have a law degree from abroad or if your undergraduate degree was over four years ago, you need to provide your transcript.

> Is the GDL for you? > GDL personal statement > When do I need to apply for the GDL?

Advertisement

Employment history

Next section: Employment. This is as you would expect; list details about any previous employment history, just like you would in a CV.

GDL personal statement

Now for the juicy bit, a 10,000 character (about 1500-2000 words) personal statement that should address:

- Why a certain institution is your first choice

- Why you are applying for the GDL

- What interests you about the course

- What motivates you

- Your careers aims

- Skills and achievements

Try to keep on topic in whatever you write about, focusing on the GDL and your law career.

References for your GDL

The final parts of the application form require you to let LawCabs know who is paying the course fees (e.g. you, your parents, your training contract provider) and you need to provide a reference too.

Make sure you ask your referee before putting their details on the application form – you want them to write positive things about you, your commitment to law and how clever you are. Best to have them do that when they’re actually expecting a reference request.

After you’ve declared that everything you’ve filled in is accurate and true, then your GDL application is ready to be sent off. Best of luck! 

• A detailed look at the GDL
• A week in the life of a GDL student
• Can you work & do the GDL?
• Considering the conversion? Opportunities at Taylor Wessing for non-law students
• Excelling on the GDL

Graduate Diploma in Law GDL

Postgraduate taught degree | Conversion course

This course is for 2024/25 entry.

Details for 2025/26 entry are also available.

Hear from alumni and academics about our law conversion programme, The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Key information

Designed for individuals who decide to pursue a legal career after completing their undergraduate studies in a non-law discipline, this programme will cover the fundamentals of law including case law, legal analysis and oral argument, as well as an introduction to legal ethics. This course allows progression onto professional training programmes to become either a solicitor or a barrister.

• September 2024

City, University of London

Northampton Square

• Online sessions
• Open evening
• Register interest

New Solicitors route to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Gain a unique introduction to legal ethics as well as core content

A nationally-renowned GDL that has rigorously trained future professionals since 1977.

• Course overview

Teaching and assessment

Fees and funding, how to apply, graduate diploma in law gdl course overview, benefits of this course.

You will learn how to directly read case law and build skills in legal analysis, oral argument and writing.

We cover the seven core foundation subjects that are required as part of the academic stage of training as a barrister in England Wales and successful completion of the programme will qualify you for entry to the vocational stage of training.

The course will also provide excellent training for non-law graduates planning to qualify as a solicitor (although it is not designed on its own to prepare you for the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination).

You are encouraged to consider your reasons for practising law and how you will personally experience value in practise.

Our programme is designed to be accessible and focused on your experience and a seamless transition into law. We offer significant one-to-one support, many opportunities to network and for you to gain the practical experience useful to kick-start your career in the legal profession.

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

Who is this course for.

This programme is designed for non-law graduates or law graduates from outside the UK, who are focused on developing a professional legal career in the UK, either as a barrister or solicitor.

It will provide you with the necessary academic legal training to prepare you for undertaking further vocational training to enter either of these professions.

• Full-time: 1 year

Some modules may be subject to change depending on student numbers, tutor availability, or course updates. This may affect the overall number of modules.

Study the core foundation legal subjects that you would cover during a qualifying undergraduate law degree.

The academic programme and examinations are of first-degree level with some elements of Masters level study, and involve work that is normally covered by undergraduates over at least 18 months.

A strong emphasis is placed on developing your analytical and research skills to make sure you are fully prepared for practice.

You also have the option to convert the GDL to an LLB degree by taking further law modules.

Core modules

Foundations of Law (15 credits)

• knowledge of the English Legal System (ELS)
• ability to carry out legal research
• knowledge of an eighth area of law, which will be legal professional ethics.

European Union Law (30 credits)*

Through this module you will develop a general understanding of EU Law. You will learn about the political institutions of the EU, and the Court of Justice, its jurisdiction and mode of interpretation.

Public Law (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to the theories which underpin Public Law, their application in the field of human rights, and the main procedure by which Public Law is litigated.

Contract Law (30 credits)

This module covers the core doctrines within Contract Law, focusing strongly on the development of analytical skills within a commercial context. The module also aims to help you develop sensitivity to the often competing values, such as certainty, flexibility and justice.

Criminal Law (30 credits)

This module introduces you to general concepts in relation to offences against persons and property, general defences, and certain specific offences. It also aims to teach an appreciation of the need, and proposals, for reform in criminal law.

Equity and Trusts (30 credits)

The module covers the core doctrines within this area, focusing strongly on the development of analytical skills within the context of trusts. It also provides you with a basis for the study of more specialised areas which require knowledge and understanding of the workings of Equity.

Land Law (30 credits)

The course covers the core doctrines within this area, focusing strongly on the development of analytical skills within the context of real property. It also aims to give you knowledge and appreciation of the family and commercial contexts.

Tort Law (30 credits)

Through this module, you will acquire knowledge and understanding of the substantive law of tort and the wider policy issues surrounding the development of tort law. You will also examine the inter-relationship between tort law and contract, criminal and administrative law.

*Solicitors Route

You will find this route of interest if you wish to be introduced to the solicitor’s profession and its qualifying examinations. You do not of course need to choose this pathway to go on to qualify as a solicitor, but the subject matter can help in demystifying the procedural aspects of the law. If you choose this route, instead of taking the 30 credit European Union Law module, you will study the following two 15 credit modules:

European Union Law* (15 credits)

EU Law is one of the seven foundations of legal knowledge studied during the academic stage of legal training. In this module you will learn about the EU institutions and how they make secondary legislation. You will also learn about how EU Law can be enforced before the Court of Justice and the national courts.

Introduction to the Solicitor's Professional Qualification* (15 credits)

This module will provide you with a foundation of practice-based knowledge and understanding required as part of preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Programme specification

The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.

Download course specification:

• LAGDCPE01-GDL-Programme-Specification

Over one year you will study our foundation subjects and take a foundations of law course. You learn through a mixture of online and on campus lectures and on campus tutorials which occupy approximately 16 hours each week.

Each week you will attend a two-hour lecture in six of the seven foundation subjects and receive a fortnightly tutorial in every subject. You will also have 9 one-hour weekly lectures in foundations of law in term 1.

You will learn from distinguished visiting lecturers as well as from our own experts at The City Law School.

You will also need to allocate personal study time to prepare for lectures and tutorials.

Your formal assessment is mostly comprised of written examinations held at the end of the course. Formative coursework set throughout the year helps your exam preparation.

Fees for academic year 2024/25

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

The City Law School Scholarships

The City Law School is firmly committed to a generous programme of scholarships awarded on the basis of academic excellence. Our scholarships range in value and include both partial and full fee waiver awards.

• The City Law School Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
• The City Law School Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses .

By completing the GDL you will have completed the academic stage of training required to qualify as a barrister in England and Wales and will be ready to progress to the vocational stage of training by taking a course such as our Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programme.

The requirements for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales have recently changed. Whilst it is no longer a requirement to have a UK Law degree or complete a vocational training course to become a solicitor, consultation with law firms suggests that they will still be looking for recruits with this level of training.

The GDL (Solicitor Route )will provide excellent initial preparation for non-law graduates who are preparing for Solicitors Qualification Examination 1 (SQE 1).

It is recommended that it is undertaken in combination with a postgraduate, skills-focussed programme such as our Solicitors’ Practice Programme, particularly if you are interested to also prepare for the Solicitors Qualification Examination 2 (SQE 2).

We hold regular career events where you can network with professionals from leading firms and law chambers.

Gain experience

You are not formally required to secure a placement but we encourage you to gain legal practice experience such as a mini pupillage.

As a City student you will have the opportunity to participate in skills enhancing extracurricular activity such as mooting or pro bono work via our LawIRL (in real life) Programme .

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept. If your country is not listed please email [email protected] .

A degree (in any subject), of at least an upper second-class honours standard, or, an approved degree conferred by an institution outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and a very good knowledge of the English language. Decisions are made on the basis of:

• Academic performance
• Evidence of intellectual ability
• Professional and legal work experience
• Personal statement
• Commitment to studying law

For candidates with below upper second-class honours or equivalent, we may exceptionally grant admission where there is strong evidence that they have substantial relevant experience and high levels of achievement in work or research that convinces us that they would be able to do this very demanding course.

The rules governing admission to practise law vary from country to country.  Before applying, applicants wishing to take the GDL as a step towards becoming a lawyer outside England and Wales are strongly advised to check that these courses are accepted with the appropriate body in the country in which they wish to qualify/practise.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zimbabwean equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwean Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you don't meet the entry requirements please check to see if there is a suitable preparatory programme available for your course at INTO City, University of London or Kaplan International College London .

Visa requirements

International Students coming to study in the UK may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months

For more information see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Zambian equivalent required.

Zambian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Vietnamese equivalent required.

Vietnamese Bachelor degrees (Bang Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc or Bang Cu Nhan) from selected institutions are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Uzbekistani equivalent required.

Uzbekistani Bachelor / Bakalavr degrees are typically accepted with 71% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 55% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ukrainian equivalent required.

Ukrainian Bachelor / Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ugandan equivalent required.

Ugandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0/5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the US equivalent required.

US Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Emirati equivalent required.

Emirati Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Turkish equivalent required.

Turkish Bachelor / Lisans Diplomasi degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tunisian equivalent required.

Tunisian Bachelor / Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Trinidad and Tobago

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (grade B+) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (grade B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Thai equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Thai 4 year Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 to 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Tanzanian equivalent required.

Tanzanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 50% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Taiwanese equivalent required.

Taiwanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75% or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Syrian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Syrian Bachelor degrees or Licence are typically accepted with 70-80% or 'very good' equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60-70% or 'good' equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Switzerland

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swiss equivalent required.

Swiss Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 4.75 out of 6.0, 8 out of 10 or 2 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4.0 out of 6.0, 6 out of 10 or 3 out of 5 (5 to 1 scale equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a Student visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study if they do not have EU Settlement Status.

• Students on courses of less than six months.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Swedish equivalent required.

Swedish Bachelor degrees or Kandidatexamen are typically accepted with B- 180 ECTS minimum overall or at least 50% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C- (180 ECTS minimum overall) or at least 20% of credits graded at VG overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Sri Lankan equivalent required.

Sri Lankan 4 year Bachelor Special Degrees or Professional Degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1, grade B+ or GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2, grade B or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Spanish equivalent required.

Spanish Título de Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero and Título de Arquitecto are typically accepted with 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Korea

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South Korean equivalent required.

South Korean Bachelor degrees (Haksa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 4.5 or grade B equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.6 or grade C equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

South Africa

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the South African equivalent required.

South African Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovenian equivalent required.

Slovenian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Slovakian equivalent required.

Slovakian Bakalar degrees are typically accepted with GPA 1.5 - 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2.0 - 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Singaporean equivalent required.

Singaporean Bachelor and Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.8 out of 5.0 or II (upper) - Second Class (Upper) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 3.3 out of 5.0 or II (lower) - Second Class (lower) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Serbian equivalent required.

Advanced Diploma of Higher Education and Diplomirani are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Saudi Arabia

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Saudi Arabian equivalent required.

Saudi Arabian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 or GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Rwandan equivalent required.

Rwandan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or 16 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Russian equivalent required.

Russian Bachelor or Specialist Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Romanian equivalent required.

Romanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 8 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Qatari equivalent required.

Qatari Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.6 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or GPA 3.0 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Portuguese equivalent required.

Portuguese Licenciado are typically accepted with 14 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Polish equivalent required.

Polish Bachelor / Licencjat or Magister degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Philippines

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Filipino equivalent required.

Filipino Masters degree from any recognised institution and Bachelor degrees from selected institutions (i.e. Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0, GPA 1.75 out of 5 or 86% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0, GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Peruvian equivalent required.

Peruvian Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado or Título (Profesional) degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Palestinian equivalent required.

Palestinian Bachelor or Bakalorius degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Pakistani equivalent required.

Pakistani 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Omani equivalent required.

Omani Bachelor or Licence degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Norwegian equivalent required.

Norwegian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a B grade typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a C grade equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nigerian equivalent required.

Nigerian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2:1 or GPA 3.5 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 or GPA 2.7 out of 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the New Zealand equivalent required.

New Zealand 4-year Bachelor degrees with Honours are typically accepted with Second Class (Division 1) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and Second Class (Division 2) Honours equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

New Zealand 3-year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with B+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and C+ overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Netherlands

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Dutch equivalent required.

Dutch Bachelor degrees or Doctoraal are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honour Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Nepali equivalent required.

Nepali 4-year Bachelor degrees (post 2017) are typically accepted with GPA 3.3 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Burmese equivalent required.

Burmese Masters degrees are typically accepted with 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Moroccan equivalent required.

Moroccan Bachelors, Licence or Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mexican equivalent required.

Mexican Titulo de Licenciado are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Mauritian equivalent required.

Mauritian Bachelor degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Maltese equivalent required.

Maltese Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

International Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study. The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• EEA nationals joining the programme in 2021 and EEA nationals joining from January 2022

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Malaysian equivalent required.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Saing (Competitive) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Malaysian Bachelor degrees from Berdaya Maju (Viable) institutions are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree, and GPA 2.8 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Macanese equivalent required.

Macanese Bachelor degrees or Grau de Licenciatura are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or B+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 or B- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

For more information  see our main Visa page .

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Luxembourgian equivalent required.

Luxembourgian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 14 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lithuanian equivalent required.

Lithuanian Bakalauras or Magistras are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Lebanese equivalent required.

The equivalents provided are intended as a guide only and individual applications are assessed on a case by case basis.

Lebanese License or Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 or 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 or 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Latvian equivalent required.

Latvian Bakaluara Diploms are typically accepted with 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Laotian equivalent required.

Laotian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kuwaiti equivalent required.

Kuwaiti Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.6 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kenyan equivalent required.

Kenyan Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (60%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (50%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Kazakhstani equivalent required.

Kazakhstani Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.3/ 5.0 or GPA 3.3 / 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 / 5.0 or 3.0 /4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jordanian equivalent required.

Jordanian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Japanese equivalent required.

Japanese Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0, grade B or 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5, grade C or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Jamaican equivalent required.

University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Italian equivalent required.

Italian Diploma di Laurea degrees are typically accepted with 104 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 94 (out of 110) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Israeli equivalent required.

Israeli Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 80% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Irish equivalent required.

Irish Bachelor Honours degrees are accepted with a 2:1 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iraqi equivalent required.

Iraqi Bachelor degrees from selected institutions are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Iranian equivalent required.

Iranian Bachelor degrees (Licence Kharshenasi) are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indonesian equivalent required.

Depending on their accreditation Indonesian S1 / Sarjana and Dip IV (Sarjana Terapa) are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 to 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.7 to 2.9 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Indian equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Indian 3 year Bachelor (Honours) or Bachelor (Special) degrees are typically accepted with 60 to 70% (7/10 to 8/10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 50 to 60% (6/10 to 7/10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Icelandic equivalent required.

Icelandic Baccalaurreatus degrees are typically accepted with 7.25 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hungarian equivalent required.

Hungarian Bachelors degrees or University Diplomas are typically accepted with GPA 4 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3 out of 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Hong Kong equivalent required.

Hong Kong Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 (or second class honours upper division) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 (or second class honours lower) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Greek equivalent required.

Greek Bachelor degrees or Ptychion are typically accepted with 7.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ghanaian equivalent required.

Ghanaian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2:1 (GPA 3.2/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2:2 (GPA 2.5/4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the German equivalent required.

German Magister Artium / Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the French equivalent required.

French License are typically accepted with 12 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 11 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Finnish equivalent required.

Finnish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 out of 5 or 2.0 out of 3.0 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 5 or 1.4 out of 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ethiopian equivalent required.

Ethiopian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Estonian equivalent required.

Estonian Bakalaurusekraad degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.5 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Egyptian equivalent required.

Egyptian Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 65% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Ecuadorian equivalent required.

Ecuadorian 4 year Título de Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 80%, 8.0/10 or 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70%, 7.0/10 or 14/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Danish equivalent required.

Danish Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with grade 6 - 7 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 4 - 5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Czech Republic

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Czech equivalent required.

Czech Bachelor degrees or Bakalar are typically accepted with 2+ equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 2 or 2- equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cypriot equivalent required.

Cypriot Bachelor degree or Ptychio are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (7.0 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 / 4.0 (6 out of 10) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Croatian equivalent required.

Croatian Bachelor degree or Baccalaureus or Baccalaurea are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Colombian equivalent required.

Colombian 4 year Licenciado en [subject area] or Título de [subject area] or Profesional en [subject area] or Maestro en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.0 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 / 5.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chinese equivalent required.

Depending on the awarding institution Chinese 4 year Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 75 to 80% (GPA 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70 to 75% (GPA 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Chilean equivalent required.

Chilean 4 year Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] degrees are typically accepted with GPA 5.5 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 5.0 / 7.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Canadian equivalent required.

Canadian Bachelor degrees / Baccalauréat degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.2 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cameroonian equivalent required.

Cameroonian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 18/20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 16/20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Cambodian equivalent required.

Cambodian Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 70% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bulgarian equivalent required.

Bulgarian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.75 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bruneian equivalent required.

Bruneian Bachelor (Honours) degrees are typically accepted with an Upper Second Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a Lower Secind Class Honours classification equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Brazilian equivalent required.

Brazilian 4 year Título de Bacharel or Título de [subject area] or Título de Licenciado are typically accepted with 7.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.5/10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Botswanan equivalent required.

Botswanan Masters degrees are typically accepted with 80% (A grade) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 70% (B grade) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bolivian equivalent required.

Bolivian 4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] are typically accepted with 75% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 64% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Belgian equivalent required.

Belgian Bachelor degrees (Bachelier) are typically accepted with 70% (14/20) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (12/20) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Barbadian equivalent required.

The University of the West Indies Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with a 2.1 (65%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and a 2:2 (55%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bangladeshi equivalent required.

Bangladeshi Bachelor degrees (from selected universities) and Masters degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.25 out of 4.0 or 65% equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 60% equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Bahraini equivalent required.

Bahraini Bachelors degrees are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.3 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Azerbaijani equivalent required.

Azerbaijani Bachelors / Bakalavr Diplomu degrees are typically accepted with GPA 4.5 out of 5.0 (80%) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 4.0 out of 5.0 (70%) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Austrian equivalent required.

Austrian Bachelor degrees are accepted with GPA 2.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 3.5 typically equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Australian equivalent required.

Australian Bachelor Honours degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Second Class Division A) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Second Class Division B) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Australian Bachelor degrees are typically accepted with 70% (Distinction) equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 60% (Credit) equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Argentine equivalent required.

Argentine 4 year Titulo / Grado de Licenciado or Titulo de [subject area] are typically accepted with 7.5 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 6.0 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Algerian equivalent required.

Algerian Bachelors, Licence and Diplome degrees are typically accepted with 15 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 13 out of 20 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Albanian equivalent required.

Second Level Integrated Diploma (5 years) and First Level University Diploma are typically accepted with 8 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and 7 out of 10 equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

Afghanistan

Please refer to the UK entry requirements for the course, check for any prerequisites such as compulsory or preferred subject areas, and use the following as an indication of the Afghan equivalent required.

Afghan Master's degrees from any recognised institution and Bachelor of Science (Engineering) from Kabul University are typically accepted with GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 80% overall equivalent to a UK 2:1 (second-class upper) Honours Bachelor degree and GPA 2.4 out of 4.0 or 70% overall equivalent to a UK 2:2 (second-class lower) Honours Bachelor degree.

If you are unable to find your country equivalents in the above list, City will consider other international qualifications on a case by case basis.

For further details, please contact us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

English language requirements

If you're a national of a recognised majority English-speaking country as defined by the government , or have previously completed a university degree in one, you will not need to prove your knowledge of English to apply for the course.

Please note that if your country is not defined as majority-English-speaking by the government you will need to demonstrate you meet the English language requirements for the course. The requirements for this course are as follows:

• IELTS: 7.0 or above with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other components.
• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: 95 overall with no less than 24 in Writing and Reading, 22 in Listening and 25 in Speaking
• LanguageCert ESOL International online: C1 Expert Pass (combined written and oral test)
• PTE Academic: 65 or better.

English language programmes

Don't meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Application process

Applications can be made from early November each year.

This course is not currently open for applications.

September 2024 entry

• Apply online for GDL Graduate Diploma in Law with full-time study in

Contact the postgraduate team

Telephone: 020 7040 8877

Email: [email protected]

Our academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Academic law programmes

Katherine Reece Thomas

Associate Professor

Professor Panos Koutrakos

Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law

Our students

Ask a student.

Want to find out more about student life? Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any question you have

Student testimonials

The tutorials were also my learning tool. I was encouraged by classmates and professors to speak and that's how I gained the confidence to debate on an equal footing, clear up doubts and present my point of view in front of a room.

Nathalia Hecksher

GDL student

I was motivated to pursue postgraduate study because I felt I could do more outside of my undergraduate degree and had always wanted to pursue a career in law. I am hoping to become a solicitor in the Entertainment and Sports sector.

Estelle Dekker

Student Insights

Housing and student life.

Accommodation and housing  

We offer accommodation options and support for all postgraduate students. Our dedicated Accommodation Service can help you to find private accommodation in London if required.

Student wellbeing  

Our extensive support network spans from learning support and disability support through to counselling, financial advice and career advice. Please do tell us if you need our help.

Living in London  

We are based in the heart of one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in the world. London offers a rich variety of cultural experiences far beyond your studies.

What's happening

Nov  06

Postgraduate Open Evening

Join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening to learn more about our postgraduate courses and discover all the benefits of studying at City, University of London.

Wednesday, 6 th November 2024 , 17:00 – 19:00

Location: Northampton Square

Audience: Prospective students

Monday, 5 th August 2024

“We continue to fight for our minds”: Art Not Evidence makes the case against using drill lyrics as evidence in court

Dr Lambros Fatsis curates event "Art Not Evidence: All Angles" to discuss why drill music lyrics should not be used in court as evidence.

Using company law to make a fairer, more sustainable, society

Professor Nina Boeger’s new book, ‘Rethinking Governance in Public Service Outsourcing: Private Delivery in Sustainable Ownership’, proposes a fresh way forward

Related courses

Bar vocational studies (bvs) llm/pgdip/pgdip with specialism.

Postgraduate taught degree

Undertake vocational training to gain eligibility for Call to the Bar of England and Wales and pursue further studies relevant to professional practice, if you wish.

Award: Master of Laws, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma with Specialism

Solicitors’ Practice Programme (SPP) LLM/PGDip

A programme (formerly the Legal Practice Course or LPC) to help you prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and also receive an academic qualification to enhance your employability.

Award: Master of Laws, Postgraduate Diploma

Useful links

• The City Law School
• Law at City, University of London

Contact details

Postgraduate admissions office.

020 7040 8877

[email protected]

• Law Firm Events
• Law Firm Deadlines
• Leaderboards
• Premium Database
• Premium Chat
• Commercial Awareness
• Future Trainee Advice
• Hey Guest, check out Andrei's new guide to building a winning law firm application strategy here . Good luck this cycle :)
• Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
• General Discussion

PGDL Personal Statement

• Thread starter caitlinayre
• Start date Jan 26, 2022

caitlinayre

Active member.

• Jan 26, 2022

Hi everyone! I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice/tips on what to write for my PGDL personal statement? I know I should cover the basics such as 'why law' and skills but any other tips would be greatly appreciated!  

Jessica Booker

Legendary member.

caitlinayre said: Hi everyone! I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice/tips on what to write for my PGDL personal statement? I know I should cover the basics such as 'why law' and skills but any other tips would be greatly appreciated! Click to expand...

Jessica Booker said: I’ll be honest - I wouldn’t worry about it too much, it’s more of a tick box exercise to ensure you can write reasonably well to see if there is less risk that you will fail. I have never heard of someone with reasonable academics (eg a 2.1) not getting on to a GDL course. Click to expand...

anon123456789

Valued member.

Jessica is right, it's so rare if you have decent academics not to get on. Your plan sounds absolutely fine! I'm happy to send you a copy of mine (I'm doing an MA Law which is basically a PGDL) if you need a bit more of a template. I'm not sure how to do it on here but you can connect me on Linkedin through my bio if you like! It's basically just why law and looking at the skills from my BA that I could apply to an MA as well as extra-curricular legal interests so I wouldn't stress too much about it.  

c-lear said: Jessica is right, it's so rare if you have decent academics not to get on. Your plan sounds absolutely fine! I'm happy to send you a copy of mine (I'm doing an MA Law which is basically a PGDL) if you need a bit more of a template. I'm not sure how to do it on here but you can connect me on Linkedin through my bio if you like! It's basically just why law and looking at the skills from my BA that I could apply to an MA as well as extra-curricular legal interests so I wouldn't stress too much about it. Click to expand...

stone’sthrow

• Jan 15, 2023

Hi, Would someone be able to advise me on writing a personal statement to apply for the PGDL? I’ve created an account to send the application through. I plan to put BPP and the University of Law as my first and second choice, respectively, but I have no clue where to begin with the statement. Are there any example or past statements online? Does anybody know how long it takes the course providers to respond once you have sent your application?  

anon123456789 said: Jessica is right, it's so rare if you have decent academics not to get on. Your plan sounds absolutely fine! I'm happy to send you a copy of mine (I'm doing an MA Law which is basically a PGDL) if you need a bit more of a template. I'm not sure how to do it on here but you can connect me on Linkedin through my bio if you like! It's basically just why law and looking at the skills from my BA that I could apply to an MA as well as extra-curricular legal interests so I wouldn't stress too much about it. Click to expand...

birdlawspecialist said: Hi, Would someone be able to advise me on writing a personal statement to apply for the PGDL? I’ve created an account to send the application through. I plan to put BPP and the University of Law as my first and second choice, respectively, but I have no clue where to begin with the statement. Are there any example or past statements online? Does anybody know how long it takes the course providers to respond once you have sent your application? Click to expand...

Jessica Booker said: I personally wouldn't worry about it too much - its very much a process/tick box exercise rather than anything thorough. The providers will not waste anytime in getting back to you - they tend to try and get you signed up soon as possible (there is no rush to sign up unless they are giving you a substantial discount). Click to expand...

birdlawspecialist said: Hi @Jessica Booker Thank you! When would you say is the latest to aim to apply for the PGDL? I am applying for summer vacation schemes but I want to make sure I can start the PGDL in September in case I do not secure a Training Contract this cycle. If we are given a PGDL place and but then secure a TC, does the law firm move us into different classes in order to be with their cohort? Or is the PGDL all mixed up with both non-future trainees and future trainees? I heard that LPC/SQE future trainees are grouped together but I wasn’t sure if they are grouped for the PGDL/GDL. Click to expand...

• Nov 16, 2023

caitlinayre said: Hi everyone! I am just wondering if anyone can give me some advice/tips on what to write for my PGDL personal statement? I know I should cover the basics such as 'why law' and skills but any other tips would be greatly appreciated! caitlinayre said: Thank you! This is reassuring haha Click to expand...

Lawlillie said: Hi Caitlyn, I hope you’re doing well! Would you be willing to email me a copy of the personal statement that was shared with you? I’m having the hardest time formatting/ deciding what to write about and haven’t been able to find any good examples online. would you mind sending me a private message with a copy to. I’d be so grateful! Thank you so much! Lillie Click to expand...

• Nov 20, 2023

I agree. I have seen the personal statements eg fairly recently for my two sons and I am a lawyer who asked me to glance at them (during the pandemic). Almost everyone with a 2/2 or higher who can pay the fees gets a place. So theirs were just about why they like law, their interests in it, anything they have done relating to it - One of them stayed in his university city for the PGDL so he mentioned why that city was where he needed to be, he talked about why he was interested in law, what he hoped to get out of the PGDL. It was about 600 words for each of my sons. Probably something added about why his university course gave useful skills to take over into law studies; bit about hobbies and interests and finally a bit about previous work - not necessarily law work but holiday jobs etc. This is not like the UCAS personal statement people agonise over for months. It is almost instead a box ticking exercise. I am an old lawyer and in my day places were rationed based on number of solicitors/barristers needed and I think I applied on the first day applications (on paper in those days opened). Then the system was changed to allow almost anyone who can pay who has a reasonable degree to get on the course so you really don't need to worry about the statement although it is probably a useful exercise in writing good English and setting out why you like law as you will be writing about similar things countless times in TC etc applications in due course, if not already done during a degree.  

Similar threads

• shreya.mehta
• Jul 5, 2024
• Jul 8, 2024
• May 12, 2024
• Aug 25, 2024

• lawyer wannabe80@
• Jul 17, 2024

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Sponsored by

• Solicitors hub Everything you need to know about becoming a solicitor
• Search training contracts Search for a training contract at nearly 1,000 organisations
• Training contract deadlines A comprehensive list of training contract deadlines
• Vacation scheme deadlines A comprehensive list of law firms' vacation scheme deadlines
• Meet the Lawyer Read how today's lawyers went from student to qualified lawyer
• Meet the Recruiter Advice from recruiters on acing your applications and more
• Vacation Scheme Insiders Get a sense of what firms' vacation schemes are really like
• Brochures Your essential first step in identifying the firm for you
• Practice Area Profiles Hear from solicitors working in specific practice areas
• Solicitors Qualifying Exam
• Types of law firm
• Researching firms
• Training contracts
• Vacation schemes
• Qualifying work experience
• What do solicitors do?
• Career path
• Key skills for lawyers
• In-house lawyers
• Alternative careers
• Barristers hub Everything you need to know about becoming a barrister
• Search pupillages Search for a pupillage at nearly 200 barristers' chambers
• Pupillage deadlines A comprehensive list of pupillage deadlines
• Meet the Lawyer Read how today's barristers went from student to qualified barrister at the Bar
• Practice Area Profiles Hear from barristers working in specific practice areas
• Types of chambers Find out more about the different types of chambers
• Bar courses
• Mini-pupillages
• What do barristers do?
• Inns of Court scholarships

Interested in a future career as a lawyer? Use The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law to get started

Find out about the various legal apprenticeships on offer and browse vacancies with The Law Apprenticeships Guide

Information on qualifying through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, including preparation courses, study resources, QWE and more

Discover everything you need to know about developing your knowledge of the business world and its impact on the law

The latest news and updates on the actions being taken to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession

Discover advice to help you prepare for and ace your vacation scheme, training contract and pupillage applications

Your first-year guide to a career in law – find out how to kickstart your legal career at this early stage

Your non-law guide to a career in law – everything you need to know about converting to law

• Education hub This hub covers all aspects of legal education and training
• Search law courses Search law-related courses across the UK
• Law school prospectuses Identify the right law school for you with these prospectuses
• Finances Find out about sources of funding at each stage of the qualification process
• Undergraduate degree Find out what an undergraduate degree is
• Law conversion courses – PGDL Find out about what you learn and where to study
• Legal practice course – LPC Find out what the LPC involves and whether you're eligible
• Bar courses – BPTC/BPC Find out about the course required to qualify as a barrister
• SQE preparation courses Find out about the brand-new SQE preparation courses
• Apprenticeship
• First-year law
• Second year
• Qualified lawyers transfer scheme
• Training in Northern Ireland
• Training in Scotland
• Student law societies
• Diversity access schemes
• Pro bono initiatives
• Commercial Question Articles from law firms designed to get you thinking commercially
• Features These are designed to increase your knowledge of the profession
• LCN Says Insights from LCN and contributors from the world of law
• The Oracle Advice on issues from funding your studies to getting experience
• LCN Weekly Newsletter Kickstart your legal career with the latest content in our newsletter
• News Discover key stories from the legal world
• Videos Our videos feature interviews and webinars on careers in law
• Podcast Hear from the experts via The LawCareers.Net Podcast
• Blogs Hear from your peers about their journey into the profession
• LawCareersNetLIVE
• Masterclasses

A step-by-step guide to writing your PGDL personal statement

The Rookie Lawyer

Reading time: four minutes

There’s no strict deadline for the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) application, so I'm relying purely on what little energy and motivation I have left after a gruelling month of final exams for my English degree. The personal statement can only be up to 10,000 characters, which is around two pages. You'd think that three years of writing 4,000-word essays every fortnight would’ve prepared me for this. But instead of tapping away speedily at my laptop, I sat and stared at an empty Word document for hours before finally – delicately – beginning the difficult process of writing what would become the first (of many) personal statement drafts. Here's what I learned in the process of planning, writing, editing (and re-editing, and re-editing, and re-editing…) the two-page document I ended up submitting.

The personal statement is submitted through a platform called LawCAB. It'll be submitted to multiple universities at once, much like a UCAS application, so the key is to keep it general. The maximum number of characters is 10,000 (including all punctuation, paragraph breaks and spaces), though most tend to be somewhere between 4000-7000, don't feel pressured to write more just to fill up space if you don't need to.

I'd suggest going through the websites of the universities you'll be applying to. Have a read through your course specifications – what sort of things will they be teaching, and what does each institution prioritise? As an example, institutions such as The University of Law and BPP University Law School , prioritise a more practical approach meaning their courses tend to focus more on law as a practice, rather than legal theory. On the other hand, other universities that offer the PGDL may have a more scholarly and theoretical approach – perfect for those more interested in legal research and academia.

The next step is to cast your mind back to the last five or so years. What sort of things did you do over the course of your undergraduate degree (and, perhaps, the final years of school)? This can include anything, ranging from societies and part-time jobs to the skills you picked up during the degree itself. Make a list of all the experiences you want to write about and list the relevant skills that they demonstrate –  keeping in mind the necessary skills of the degree. This will form the body of your personal statement.

Some other things to consider are your personal interests and motivations for getting into law - putting the 'personal' into your statement. How does your undergraduate degree facilitate a move into law? What do you envision your future legal career looking like? What about the course is appealing? And, more importantly, what is it about law as both a practice and a discipline that interests  you ?

Though this should, theoretically, be the easiest section, it was the one I found the hardest to get started on even once I had my rough plan. After the denseness of exam season, where – due to all my exams being online – I spent way too much time in my room, I decided to forgo my bedroom in favour of a local café instead. What worked for me was going there for a coffee, laptop in hand and instructing myself not to get up until I had finished a full first draft. Of course, this kind of approach only works if you can trust yourself to deliver on your promises…

Editing, editing, editing... 

Here's where my years of writing long, well-researched university essays came in handy. If there's one thing I've learned from my time as an English student at UCL, that also happens to form a strong, sturdy bridge between my undergraduate degree and law, it's the necessity of having a good, strong argument. To kill two birds with one stone, making sure your personal statement has a strong, interesting hook and introduces an argument is key. I suggest you find the part of your personal statement that would make for a strong introduction, a lens through which the rest of your points can be structured. It could be an interesting law-related book you read, a conversation you had or an experience at work or at university. As long as it exemplifies the skills and interest you're going to demonstrate and elaborate upon throughout the rest of your personal statement.

From then on, the remainder of the editing should be relatively simple. Ask a friend, teacher or mentor to proofread, re-arrange paragraphs if you need to, make sure it's within the character count and check for grammatical mistakes and spelling errors (and then, just to be safe, check again).

Graduate Diploma in Law (Graduate Diploma)

• Duration: 1 year
• Mode: Full time

Make an application

You will need to apply for this course through one of our partners.

Conversion course

This is a conversion course . Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.

Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day .

Why study this course

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.

Take your first step towards practising law

Study the core academic modules of a law degree in one year.

The best qualities of a traditional legal education

Strike a balance between learning essential legal principles and developing the reasoning and analytical skills of lawyers.

A course structure that lets you organise your study time

Contact time is on Thursdays and Fridays (with the exception of the first two weeks of term). Tutorials are in-person and all lectures are recorded.

Complement your academic studies

The School of Law and Politics offer a range of pioneering pro bono projects on which you can work on real projects and cases, supported and supervised by professionals.

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.

I really enjoyed the structured approach to learning. The course is well-designed so you build up your knowledge in each area of law week-by-week, with weekly seminars to cement the learning.

Where you'll study

School of Law and Politics

Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.

• Research at the School of Law and Politics Chevron right
• News and features Chevron right
• Academic staff Chevron right
• Telephone +44 (0)29 2087 6102
• Marker Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX

Admissions criteria

This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements and the Transitional Arrangements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and submit an application via the Central Applications Board (CAB) .

With your application you will need to provide:

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 UK honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
• A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
• Evidence that you have applied for a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board (if you are planning on qualifying as a barrister) if you are classed as an Overseas student or are applying with non-standard qualifications.
• A personal statement which outlines your commitment to the legal profession, general work experience (if any), and reasons for wanting to study the GDL at Cardiff University.
• At least one academic reference which outlines your suitability for the programme.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications to the CAB open on 1 October and close on 31 July in each application cycle, however, we operate our own deadline of 30 April. If you submit an application to the CAB after 30 April, we will only consider it if places are still available.

Please note that the CAB will only release applications to us once a fully completed application form has been submitted, along with all supporting evidence including references (where required by the CAB), and if the application fee has been paid.

Selection process

We will review your application and make a decision based on all of the following factors:

• if you have met the entry requirements and provided available evidence to support your application (e.g. academic record, references, personal statement)
• your degree of commitment to the legal profession (shown, by example, by placements with solicitors’ firms or equivalent experience)
• general work experience
• reasons for wanting to study the LPC at Cardiff University
• date on which the application is received by Cardiff University
• order of preference of institution
• any extenuating circumstances which may affect your ability to study elsewhere.

Find out more about English language requirements .

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• access to computers or devices that can store images
• use of internet and communication tools/devices
• freedom of movement
• contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

In term one you will study modules in Contract, Crime and EU Law and also Equity and Trusts Law. In term two you will continue with Contract and will also be studying Land Law, Public Law and Tort. In term two you will also be working independently on an extended essay set in a legal area outside these modules.

Most GDL teaching takes place on two days per week. However, you will also be required to study and pass a short test on the basics of the English and Welsh Legal System (EWLS) within a few weeks of starting any GDL course. 

To help prepare for this, you will be asked to carry out some directed reading before enrolment. Following enrolment there will be intensive teaching sessions designed to ensure that all students, whatever your previous discipline, are able to tackle the EWLS test with confidence. To allow for these and for introductory sessions, you will be required to attend lessons for most of the first two weeks of the course.

During your two contact days you will attend tutorials. During the remainder of the week you will be reading, listening to lectures (these are recorded electronically so that you can listen to them when most convenient) and preparing for tutorials.

All modules within this programme are compulsory. 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/26 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will i be taught.

The two contact days each week will usually include two or three tutorial-type sessions each typically lasting two hours. A range of teaching methods will be used in tutorials, including teamwork based exercises. 

Your preparatory work will involve extensive reading, listening to lectures, carrying out legal research and grappling with problems and essay questions or other preparatory exercises. For example, you might be asked to research different points, summarise cases or journal articles on behalf of a whole tutorial group. Although a minority of lectures will be delivered live in a lecture theatre, all will be recorded and made available on the University’s virtual learning environment for students to access off-campus at a convenient time.

How will I be assessed?

 Closed book (un-annotated statutes only) examinations on each of the seven foundation modules and the English and Welsh Legal System test will assess your knowledge and application of legal principles, your ability to critically evaluate and your awareness of contextual issues. You will sit The English and Welsh Legal System test during the first few weeks of the course. The remaining modules will be assessed in either January or June.

Summative assessment of these outcomes and of the ability to learn independently and transfer skills from one area to another will also be achieved through the extended essay.   

How will I be supported?

All modules within the programme make extensive use of Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and multiple-choice tests. Hard copies of key teaching materials will also be provided. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will not only assist with reflection on performance on the course but will also help with CVs and job applications, in conjunction with a specialist Careers Advisor. A programme of careers lectures and workshops is delivered within the School. Reasonable adjustments will be made as appropriate for students with disabilities.

Feedback: You will be given at least one marked formative exercise (for example a class test or essay) upon which you will receive individual written feedback, for each module studied. You will also be able to test your own knowledge and understanding through online tests accompanying learning materials. Oral communication skills will be tested by and feedback given on informal presentations in tutorials. You will be given feedback during tutorials on your preparation plus general feedback afterwards.

What skills will I practise and develop?

You will develop your ability to undertake independent learning and also your team-working skills. Communication skills are developed in tutorials, where pre-allocated tasks can include individual contributions to group study, for example by summarising a particular judgment or article for the group. Legal studies in general develop the ability to organise facts and ideas in a systematic way, identifying relevant principles and evaluating these in order to formulate advice for a client or a legal argument as appropriate. Writing legal essays not only develops communication skills but also the ability to argue in an objective, reasoned, professional manner, with due regard to authority and acceptable citation methods.     

• Outside the curriculum you will have the opportunity  to develop wider “employability” skills through participation in the School’s pro-bono schemes run with lawyers and partner organisations, in which student volunteers assist real people in their dealings with the law.         
• Other activities within the School include mooting, negotiating and client interviewing competitions.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Fees for entry 2025/26 are not yet available.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Fees for island status

Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man .

Fees for overseas status

Additional costs.

You will need to buy one textbook before the start of the course, in order to undertake some pre-reading.  All other textbooks are supplied on the course.

Living costs

We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff .

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.

Career prospects

Qualification as a barrister

Our GDL includes the core subjects you need to progress to a Bar Training Course (BTC) which we also offer. More information on qualifying as a barrister can be found on the Bar Standards Board website .

Qualification as a solicitor

The Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA), the body which regulates the profession, has changed the recognised route to qualification.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) was introduced in September 2021. Since then it is no longer essential for students to hold a law degree or GDL to become a solicitor.  However, the foundational modules studied on the GDL will cover subjects which are examined as part of the SQE.  The GDL offers the benefits of a fully rounded legal education and a qualification that is well respected and valued within the legal profession.

To qualify when you have completed your GDL, you’ll need to take a preparation course aimed at GDL and law graduates, covering the professional and practice elements of legal knowledge and preparing for the SQE.  Some courses are already available from providers, and more are under development. We aim to introduce an SQE preparation course in September 2025.  Further information on qualifying can be found on the Solictors Regulation Authority website.

The School has strong connections with local firms and Chambers and there were regular events to help students network and explore future career options. My tutors were all friendly and approachable and they provided a lot of constructive feedback on my CV and applications, as well as helping me prepare for interviews. This was really valuable in an otherwise daunting cycle of interviews and applications. As many of the tutors had professional experience their advice was always practical and down-to-earth.

Open Day visits

Make an enquiry, international, how to apply, discover more.

Search for your courses

Related searches: Law

HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

Module information

Postgraduate

Progress happens when extraordinary people come together to think about what matters most. Join a community where everyone is empowered to reach their potential and make a difference.

Postgraduate prospectus 2024

Download a copy of our prospectus, school and subject brochures, and other guides.

Order or download

Get in touch if you have a question about studying with us.

Future Lawyer Blog

Organising 101 for the gdl – how to start as you mean to go on….

Tags: GDL , mooting , organisation , time management .

I remember, so vividly, being sat in a lecture theatre on day one of the GDL feeling instantly overwhelmed by the amount of things that I needed to organise. As one of the many wannabe barristers on the GDL at City , I knew from the start that my GDL was focused on securing pupillage. I was keen to make a dent in the endless list of opportunities at City: mooting, pro bono, evening workshops and chambers evenings. 

As I am sure was the case for many, my undergraduate degree afforded me four modules per year whereas the GDL involves seven core modules plus three extra ones. To stay on top of work and to take full advantage of extra-curriculars, it is important to be organised. It is easy to get bogged down on focusing on an upcoming moot and totally forgetting to prep for a tutorial. With that in mind, I have come up for five top tips for staying organised on the GDL.

1. Make a study timetable … and stick to it

I devised a fortnightly time table for each term that blocked out full days to work on a particular subject. On that day, I would do the core reading and the tutorial questions – that way I knew I would get something out of each lesson, even if I had other things on. It is easy to fall behind when you have lots on and keeping up with the course eases the burden during exams. Working on a two-week schedule also allowed for buffer days to prepare for moots, write applications or undertake minis. It also sets a clear checklist so you never feel like you aren’t progressing. 

The way you organise your work does not have to be the same as everybody else – the important thing is to establish a routine. I had worked full-time for two years prior to starting the GDL which meant I was out of practice with studying. Creating this routine made studying more like a job insofar as I had short deadlines and lots to balance. Some days will be more productive than others, but I always made sure that I stuck to my routine so that I could use the teaching offered by City most effectively. 

2. Use the tutorials to your advantage 

I would start with the tutorial questions and work backwards. There is no need to know absolutely everything (even though it may feel like it!) so it’s best to understand the legal concept and use the tutorials to clarify ideas. The lecturers at City use the tutorials to go through the set questions which prompts discussion about specific cases and judicial comment. This, coupled with contributions from classmates, means that focusing on a productive tutorial can bear more fruit than simply reading a textbook. Your classmates are also in the same boat as you; working with others also helps to share the load and develops your understanding of a topic. 

For example, a criminal law tutorial might present a scenario where someone has died and there are numerous things to consider. It is important to separate these issues out. For instance, if there has been a murder and there seems to be no issue with actus reus or mens rea, you will need to consider defences to murder. Instead of jumping straight in, separate the reasons why you think there might be defences out individually: is there a recognised medical condition at play or has the defendant been provoked? Breaking down the factors (i.e. exploring an instance of sexual infidelity or a schizophrenic episode) means that you properly consider all aspects of the question. Remember: the words of the questions are chosen carefully to include a range of issues!

3. Be realistic with what you can commit to 

It is easy to spend your life doing law related things but remember that rest (and a social life) is important too. This is particularly easy to do on a course that is designed to lead to a particular career path. Many students choose City because of its reputation to law firms and sets. It is an incredibly competitive environment and the aim of a training contract / pupillage can be all consuming. It is important to make sure you have a breadth of experience without overburdening yourself. This can come in the form of practical limitation as well as time-management. 

On the first point, I picked a pro-bono project that suited my practice interests but also was flexible and regular. My project ( CommUnify ) was always on a Tuesday and I could pick when I was able to attend. I commuted throughout the GDL and so would have found it practically difficult to do projects that involved too much travel. This meant that I knew I was able to commit to attending. City offered lots of pro-bono opportunities so it was easy to find one that suited my needs. Similarly, I limited myself to two mooting competitions so that I did not detract too much from my studies. I did both with City ( Cecilia and the Internal) so that I could find my feet amongst my peers. 

On the latter point, ensuring that you do your studies, moot, undertake pro-bono, complete mini-pupillages – as well as a mountain of other things – can be incredibly burdensome. These things are important but do not need to be done simultaneously. I was fortunate enough to have completed a few minis before I started at City so they were not a priority for me whereas Mooting, of which I had done none, was.  I focused on mooting in my first term and more on pro-bono in my second. There can feel the pressure to get everything done before the pupillage deadline but, from my experience of interviews, I was asked what has changed since my application. Chambers were alive to the fact that some projects were new and/or ongoing. 

4. Take advantage of the coursework.

Extra essays often become a task that drops down your to-do list. I did not do any courseworks until March; I wish I had done. Doing the essays gives you the chance to see the level you are working at and can steer you in the right direction. I know from personal experience the impact that getting concrete feedback can have; it might soothe any fears about a particular module or give you a push to polish your knowledge of another. Getting essay practice in before exams was particularly important for those (including me) who had been employed prior to the GDL and were severely out of practice when it came to essay writing. Writing essays also gets you into a good rhythm of coming up with arguments and academics related to a topic; this is an invaluable resource when revising for exams. These arguments also apply to the mocks; I did all seven and whilst it was tiring, it gave me such a good basis for exams and meant that I knew exactly what I needed to work on during my revision. All feedback (good or bad) is constructive so use your teachers!

Demonstrating prowess as an advocate is essential to any person wanting to secure pupillage. Mooting is a really great way to develop your skills as an advocate. It gives you the chance to test your ability to deconstruct a problem and come up with a legal solution. If you do well, it is a great addition to pupillage applications to show that you are a strong advocate. I did not know what a moot was before I started at City. City had organised for 4 New Square Chambers to come in to give a talk and a workshop on mooting. This was a great introduction on how to write a skeleton argument, how to present, and a chance to meet new people on the course. It gave me the confidence to enter my first moot, which I did alongside a friend. It was an invaluable and enjoyable experience. The final display of work after weeks of preparation gave me such a rush – something that helped remind me of why I want to be a barrister – which can be forgotten when buried in work!

For those in a similar position to what I was, I would thoroughly recommend attending mooting workshops. It eliminated the initial trial-and-error issues related to what judges expect. Doing moots with City means that they are relatively spread out which means that you aren’t trying to prepare for three moots simultaneously. There is lots of support for mooting at City, particularly on Lawbore (see Mooting on Learnmore ), so take advantage!

Thanks to Lissy Verrall for this helpful piece. Lissy completed her undergraduate degree in Government and History at the London School of Economics. Following which, she worked at the Ministry of Justice. Lissy completed the GDL at City in 2019/2020. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GDL application

Quick Reply

Related discussions.

• Chances on pupillage, a bit of an unorthodox background
• law conversion course?
• international Relations and a GDL ?
• Gap year before GDL?
• Input on part time jobs while completing my GDL full time
• Becoming a barrister as a non-law student?
• LLB Law at City, University of London
• skilled worker visa sponsorship as a paralegal
• Law conversion course applications
• Cannot find funding for Cambridge, is it worth getting a loan?
• Any questions about the Oxford BCL - ask away
• Top LLM after completing GDL?
• Is a course change possible this early on?
• LPC grad with no Law Training Contract but have a Tax TC with a BIG4 firm
• For realistic prospects at the civil Bar, should I do a second BA degree/LLB?
• Feels like my life is over
• Mature Student admission for LLB
• GDL before or after LLM / MA?

Last reply 11 hours ago

Last reply 3 days ago

Last reply 4 days ago

Last reply 5 days ago

Last reply 6 days ago

Last reply 1 week ago

Last reply 2 weeks ago

Last reply 3 weeks ago

Last reply 4 weeks ago

Last reply 1 month ago

Articles for you

How to become a solicitor

What it’s like being a postgraduate law student

10 things you need to know about the SQE

Finding a university place in Ucas Clearing 2024: 10 top tips to help you get ready

Try out the app

Continue on web