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Postgraduate PG Dip
Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (Distance Learning)
This GDL conversion course will help you on your journey into the legal profession if you don’t have a first degree in law.
Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
Designed to be as flexible as possible, this course and all assessments will be delivered entirely online with no live classes for you to attend.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Take your next step on your journey into the legal profession if you do not have a first degree in law
- Learn in our Virtual Learning Environment, supported by MS Teams activities
- Cover the key legal foundation subjects you’ll need on your journey to become a solicitor or barrister
- Be taught by experienced legal professionals and academic staff with a wealth of professional experience
Also at Leeds Law School
Our LLM Laws of England & Wales also covers the key legal foundation subjects you’ll need on your journey to become a solicitor or barrister.
Distance learning requirements
To study this course, you’ll need to have a broadband internet connection with a speed of 2mbps and working speakers. You’ll need Windows 7 / Mac OSX 10.8 or above and have access to Chrome v63 or higher (recommended), Edge v42+, Firefox v57+ or Safari v6+. Java and Adobe Acrobat Reader will need to be enabled and you’ll need a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. Visit our distance learning guide for complete technical requirements.
Law in Practice guest lectures
We regularly welcome guest speakers in prominent legal positions to share their experience of the profession. Previous speakers in our Law in Practice: Guest Speaker Series include human rights campaigner Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, and Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
Get support with planning your career
Our Careers Service is on hand to support you with all aspects of planning your career, including writing your CV, job applications and how to make the most of industry and graduate fairs.
Law Trove
You’ll be able to access a wide range of law textbooks online for free through Law Trove, a subscription-only service offered by Oxford University Press.
Leeds Law School mentors
We've been teaching law qualifying courses since 1979 and many of our graduates now act as mentors to our students. A mentor will help you to get ahead by offering career advice, work experience and sometimes even job opportunities.
Join a student society
We have active student law societies - including Law Distance Learners - who organise social, networking and career-focussed events for our student community.
Changes to legal education and training
Legal education and training has been subject to a detailed review by professional regulators in the legal sector. The review has examined the routes to qualification as a solicitor or barrister.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) no longer requires the study of a 'Qualifying Law Degree' (QLD), however, the study of what are referred to as the 'legal foundations of knowledge' is still required before the vocational stage of bar training. Our GDL course and our LLM version meet this requirement.
In addition, the route to qualification as a solicitor has changed. If you're an aspiring solicitor now starting your legal studies, you are required to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as part of the qualification process. Further information can be found by visiting the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) web pages: Solicitors Qualifying Examination. You may also find some helpful information in the Law Society of England and Wales guide to the SQE.
Why study the PG Dip Graduate Diploma in Law course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Access to Law Trove - an online service by Oxford University Press worth over £200, giving you free access to hundreds of legal texts
- Take inspiration from our Law in Practice guest lectures - previous speakers include Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer QC MP, and human rights campaigner, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE PC
- Our course is delivered by qualified lawyers with significant professional expertise and experience
- Flexible study - choose to study full-time or part-time via distance learning
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
Students wishing to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law degree for the purpose of qualification as a barrister must:
- Hold a UK/Republic of Ireland degree, awarded at or above 2:2; or
- Have been granted a Certificate of Academic Standing by the Bar Standards Board on the basis of an overseas degree or a non-standard UK/Republic of Ireland degree; or
- Have been approved by the Bar Standards Board Qualifications Committee as suitable for admission as a mature student.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
Students wishing to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Law degree for the purpose of qualification as a barrister must:
- Hold a UK/Republic of Ireland degree, awarded at or above 2:2; or
- Have been granted a Certificate of Academic Standing by the Bar Standards Board on the basis of an overseas degree or a non-standard UK/Republic of Ireland degree; or
- Have been approved by the Bar Standards Board Qualifications Committee as suitable for admission as a mature student.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a guideline you'll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. If you undertake the part-time delivery, you'll be required to study two modules concurrently (a minimum of approximately 25 hours per week).
If you undertake the full-time delivery, you'll be required to study four modules concurrently (a minimum of approximately 45 hours). The 10 hours of teaching and learning per module will be delivered using a range of interactive resources, this typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and MS Teams and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
Leeds Law School works with a number of Distance Learning Promotion Partners who can offer advice and guidance about the Distance Learning Courses. The partners include:
The Chancery Lane Institute for Professionals (Dubai)
Q&A Consultants (Pakistan)
London College of Legal Studies (Bangladesh).
What you'll learn
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of English law, the institutions of the English legal system, and the main sources of law. You'll apply foundational techniques and concepts to selected topics from the Foundation modules. In addition, you'll develop essential skills in legal research, analysis, group work, and effective oral and written communication. On completion of the module, you'll be able to evaluate the key principles of the English legal system and reflect on your role in resolving disputes involving individuals, businesses, and organisations. You'll also be able to assess factual situations, critically analyse issues, and formulate and apply legal rules to produce well-reasoned solutions to complex problem scenarios.
Contract law governs freely negotiated and agreed obligations between two or more contracting parties. This module examines how the law defines, creates, regulates, and enforces those obligations. You'll develop the ability to understand, apply, and critically evaluate the general principles of contract law and the remedies available for breach. As you progress, you'll assess how effectively the law delivers the outcomes intended by the parties and sharpen your skills in analysing complex, legally problematic situations. You'll also be able to evaluate the purpose and functioning of key legal rules and principles, applying them thoughtfully across a range of scenarios.
Explore the general principles of criminal law and the policies that underpin them. This module develops your ability to analyse legally problematic situations and evaluate the purpose and functioning of key legal rules. You'll examine the rules governing criminal responsibility for specific offences, assessing factual scenarios and applying legal principles to produce well-reasoned, model solutions to complex problems. Using original source materials, including law reports and statutes, you'll research relevant law and present coherent, evidence-based arguments to support a proposition. This process will ultimately refine your skills in critical analysis and legal reasoning.
Public Law concerns the relationships between the organs of the State, and between these organs and the individual. This module focuses on constitutional law, exploring key doctrines such as the separation of powers, the rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, and the royal prerogative. You'll also examine human rights, with particular reference to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, as well as the principles and processes of judicial review.
Property Law is a broad and influential area of law, impacting individuals, businesses, and other entities across society. In this module, you'll study the fundamental concepts of property, including ownership and the rights and obligations that arise from it. You'll develop a solid understanding of key areas such as leases, mortgages, easements, and covenants. By the end of this module, you'll be able to apply these principles confidently to complex practical scenarios and essay questions, demonstrating both analytical and problem-solving skills.
Trusts play a vital role for both business and private clients. A trust is a device by which the legal owner of property manages and looks after it on behalf of another person or persons. The legal owner is known as the trustee, and those for whom the property is managed are the beneficiaries. In this module, you'll learn how and why trusts are created, explore the different legal frameworks governing them, and understand the principles of equity that shape their formation and use. You'll examine how private trusts are managed, including asset management, distribution, and the appointment, retirement, or removal of trustees. The module also considers the liabilities of trustees to beneficiaries, as well as circumstances in which non-trustees may be held accountable. Finally, you'll explore the remedies available when wrongdoing occurs, developing the ability to analyse and apply these principles in practice.
Explore the founding principles of European Union law, gaining a critical understanding of its nature, purpose, and regulatory developments. You'll examine the operational structure of the EU, including its institutions, key governing principles established by the Court of Justice of the EU, and fundamental freedoms granted to EU citizens. The module also considers the institutional aspects of EU law alongside its practical application in selected substantive contexts, such as the free movement of goods, services, establishment, and people.
The word 'tort' means wrong, and this module explores civil (or private) liability for certain kinds of wrongdoing. You'll examine the circumstances in which individuals and organisations that have suffered harm may be able to claim compensation from the responsible party. The module begins with negligence, the most significant area of tort claims, before exploring other key and topical areas such as defamation and trespass to the person, considering how tort law protects reputation and personal integrity. You'll also be introduced to concepts of major importance for managing risks in everyday life, in business, and across wider society.
Fees and funding
£11,850
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £11850. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£11,850
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £11850. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£11,850
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £11850. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- You'll have access to the majority of your core texts as e-books through Leeds Law School.
- Law Trove, an online service offered by Oxford University Press worth over £200. This means you'll have free access to all Oxford University Press Law textbooks.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- To study this course, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£11,850
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £11850. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- You'll have access to the majority of your core texts as e-books through Leeds Law School.
- Law Trove, an online service offered by Oxford University Press worth over £200. This means you'll have free access to all Oxford University Press Law textbooks.
Optional Costs
- To study this course, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £12,858, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Choosing to study the GDL (as a Postgraduate Diploma or as part of our LLM Master of Laws England & Wales) at Leeds Beckett will enable you to meet the academic requirements set by the Bar Standards Board for qualification as a barrister. While the GDL is not an alternative or equivalent to the SQE, the course provides prospective solicitors with essential legal knowledge. If you choose the LLM version of the course, you can gain a masters qualification and may benefit from the postgraduate loan.
Rebecca Oglethorpe
Course Director
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course covers the foundations of legal knowledge. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to proceed to the next stage of legal training. If you’re seeking to qualify as a solicitor, you’ll need to undertake and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and meet additional SRA requirements. Please note the SQE is a central assessment regime managed by the SRA, and you may wish to take an SQE preparation course. If you intend to become a barrister, you will be able to apply for a place on a Bar Training Course. You could choose to complete a top-up dissertation and achieve a master’s in law.
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to pursue roles such as:
- Lawyer
- Legal advisor
- Solicitor or barrister
Rebecca Oglethorpe
Course Director / Leeds Law School
Becky is a Course Director for the Post Graduate Taught Courses at Leeds Law School, including the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and the Diploma in Law and the Masters of the Laws of England and Wales (GDL).
I considered other options when choosing where to study for my masters but I knew from past experience I could rely on Leeds Beckett to thoroughly prepare me for the workplace. I'm now a solicitor specialising in conveyancing and the advanced expertise I developed on my course helps me to succeed in my role every day.
Phil Robinson
Associate Solicitor and Notary Public Langleys Solicitors LLP
Law in Practice events
Our guest lecture events provide opportunities for you to network and hear from speakers from a range of backgrounds and contexts, providing insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice. Our events are open to legal professionals, students and those with an interest in the subject area.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
There was excellent support and resources provided by the facilitating staff. Even though I'm on the other side of the "pond", I was able to receive the support I needed to complete my coursework.
Christian Browne
Student
what is distance learning?
A great option for flexible learning
Very simply, to study by distance learning means you don't have to be based in Leeds to take one of our courses. Wherever you are and whatever you want to study, it's a great option for flexible learning.
When you choose one of our distance learning courses, you can do just that – study at a distance, at a pace that suits you.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you'll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are the modules taught online but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Our extensive list of distance learning courses means that whether you are from the UK or further afield, changing your career path or looking for that promotion, we have a course that suits your needs.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
Looking for More?
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