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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate PG Dip
Course Overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
25 Jan 2021
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. All our undergraduate law degrees meet this requirement. The changes to the routes to qualification as a solicitor are due to be finalised in the summer of 2020, with the introduction of those changes provisionally from September 2021 onwards.
Applicants and prospective applicants are invited to find out more about the changes at our open days and applicant days. In addition, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) have issued a common protocol for guidance. This can be found by visiting the 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
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 of 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 of 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. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
Alternative Considerations
We were awarded silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
Teaching & Learning
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).
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.
Assessment proportions
On this course, you will be assessed by a range of assessment types. Assessment tasks include portfolios, coursework, online examinations and a research project.What you'll learn
This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts underpinning English law, to the institutions of the English legal system and to the main sources of English law.
Study the different organs of the state and their relationship to each other and the individual. You will focus on constitutional law including key ideas such as separation of powers, rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty and the royal prerogative.
Understand the general principles of law governing criminal responsibility set within their social context, the concept of moral responsibility and the philosophy of punishment.
Study the role of the law in defining, creating, imposing, regulating and enforcing freely negotiated and agreed contractual obligations between two or more contracting parties.
Examine civil law liability for a wrong or 'tort', including negligence, occupier's liability and trespass to the person, considering how tort protects reputation and personal integrity.
Study the fundamental issues relating to the concept of property, its ownership, and the rights and obligations created by the ownership of land.
Develop your critical thinking, legal research and writing skills by undertaking a research project. You will research your chosen area and write up your analysis with the support of a supervisor.
Learn how and why trusts are created, their different and legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice.
Explore the founding principles of the law of the European Union to enable critical understanding of the nature and purpose of European developments and regulations.
Fees & Funding
£7,000
Home / EU 2020
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2020/21 is £7000. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£7,000
International 2020
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2020/21 is £7000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£7,000
For students entering in 2020
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2020/21 is £7000. 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:
£7,000
For students entering in 2020
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2020/21 is £7000. 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.
Rebecca Hopkinson
Senior Lecturer
Your future in our hands
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.
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.
Rebecca Hopkinson
Senior Lecturer / Leeds Law School
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
On successful completion of this course, you are able to proceed to the next stage of legal training. If you wish to qualify as a solicitor, you will be able to begin the Legal Practice Course. If you intend to become a barrister, you can apply for a place on the Bar Professional Training Course. By completing a top-up dissertation you can be awarded a masters in law.
- 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 acheiving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
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
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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