Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate PG Dip
Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
13 Sep 2021
Designed to be as flexible as possible to meet your needs, this course and all assessments are delivered entirely online with no live classes for you to attend.
This conversion course will help you on your journey into the legal profession if you do not have a first degree in law. Delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, this qualification and our LLM Laws of England & Wales cover the key foundation subjects needed to complete the academic stage of your training to become a solicitor or barrister as required by the major professional bodies in law. As a student of Leeds Law School, you will 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.
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 is changing. If you're starting this course in September 2021, you'll have the option to qualify as a solicitor under the existing route, or the via Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) during the ‘transitional period’. After which, different provisions apply. For full details of the transitional period and the new SQE, please see the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published guidance. Further information can be found by visiting additional SRA web pages Solicitors Qualifying Examination and Common Protocol on the Academic Stage of training.
There are many universities offering a distance learning GDL and after extensive research I selected Leeds Beckett. It was my first ever experience of studying online, however the university did not disappoint as the overall course was structured professionally and the emails and alerts from the course tutor kept me up to date. I had the luxury of studying from anywhere, however it never felt like I was just studying online because of the continuous interaction with classmates and tutors.
As a full-time employee it was extremely difficult for me to start a taught course in the UK mainly due to time constraints. However, the online GDL offered by Leeds Beckett University solved my problem. It gave me the opportunity to study in my own time with a flexible timetable whilst sticking with my professional assignments at work. On completion of my GDL I aim to undertake the LPC. Ramzan Ali, Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (Distance Learning).
You will learn using our Virtual Learning Environment, supported by academic staff with extensive teaching and legal experience. Choosing to study this flexible distance learning course enables you to fit your learning around your current lifestyle and commitments.
Leeds Law School regularly welcomes guest speakers in prominent legal positions and you will be able to access their lectures digitally if you are unable to attend on-campus. You will be able to hear from experts like Catherine Dixon, Chief Executive of The Law Society for England and Wales, discuss what the future might have in store for the solicitors' profession.
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.
"Studying for my GDL online has been a great way of taking my education to the next level as it fits in with my working life. The support I have received from the Leeds Law School staff, in particular the learning support tutors, has been fantastic and they are always on hand to offer support/guidance. The learning support tutors have made this experience must less daunting and are quick to answer questions that I have at a moment's notice." (Ella Thomas, student).
"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).
Why study a Graduate Diploma in Law at Leeds Beckett University...
- Leeds Law School regularly welcomes guest speakers in prominent legal positions and you will be able to access their lectures digitally if you are unable to attend on-campus
- Law Trove is an online service offered by Oxford University Press. This means all of our students will be able to access a wide range of law textbooks online and for free
- Take inspiration from our high-profile ‘Law in Practice’ guest lectures – with previous speakers including Labour Party Leader, 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
Head of Subject (Postgraduate) at Leeds Law School, Louisa Ashley, talks about postgraduate opportunities.
Everything you need to know
20% Alumni discount on law postgraduate courses*
*Terms apply
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mature Applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. If you have recent relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, we may be able to consider you for entry through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and relevant work experience in your application.
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
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.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
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 will 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 will be required to study two modules concurrently (a minimum of approximately 25 hours per week).
If you undertake the full-time delivery, you will 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 will include audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more.
All these resources will be delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and MS Teams and you will be able to access them 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).
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 will 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 will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
To study this course, you will require broadband internet connection with a speed of 2mbps and working speakers. You will need Windows 7 / Mac OSX 10.8 or above and have access to Chrome v64=3 or higher (recommended). Edge v42+, Firefox v57+ or Safari v6+. Java and Adobe Reader will need to be enabled and you will need a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768.
Complete technical requirements are detail in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website
What you'll learn
Fees & Funding
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8500. 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
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.
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one additional support or scholarships, follow the links below:
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8500. 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.
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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one additional support or scholarships, follow the links below:
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 Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board for qualification as a solicitor or barrister and gain a masters qualification.
Your future in our hands
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.
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.
Rebecca Oglethorpe
Becky is Senior Lecturer and Course leader of the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and the Masters of the Laws of England and Wales. She teaches on several undergraduate and postgraduate law courses and established the Law School Law Clinic.
Career Prospects
- Lawyer
- Legal advisor
- Solicitor
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.
Your Beckett experience
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.
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.
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