Introduction
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 have 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 is 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 finalized 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. Kamran Ilyas Raja; Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) (Distance Learning)
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.
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
Teaching And Learning
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.
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 master's in law.
Lawyer
Legal advisor
Solicitor
Scholarships And Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas and are based on sporting or academic excellence.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
Getting ready to apply for jobs
Working on your CV
Preparing for an interview
Applying for graduate vacancies or placements
Connecting with employers and organisations
"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
Fees & Funding
UK/EU
£8,500
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8,500. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
International
£8,500
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £8,500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Facilities
Rose Bowl
Our Rose Bowl building offers impressive teaching spaces, lecture theatres and conference facilities, and is a great place for networking. It puts you in the centre of a dynamic business community in a city with a thriving job market.
Broadcasting Place
Voted one of the world’s best tall buildings and a big talking point in Leeds, Broadcasting Place is home to our art, design, fashion, architecture and built environment courses. It offers creative and contemporary learning environments, is packed with the latest technology and is a focal point for innovative thinking.
Social Spaces
There are many social spaces across our campus where you can catch up with friends.
Sheila Silver Library
You’ll always find a place to study – our Sheila Silver Library at City Campus is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. And it’s more than just books - you can borrow laptops and camera equipment, print and photocopy, search thousands of electronic resources, work in a group or in a silent study room.
Wider Campus
Our University is very proud of its specialist facilities located in various buildings across our campus and the wider city.
Portland/Calverley
Our Portland and Calverley buildings are home to specialist health, business and law facilities designed to bring your learning to life.
Leeds School of Arts
Our new £80 million Leeds School of Arts building gives students access to outstanding professional, industry-standard facilities and innovative learning spaces.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honors 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's English language requirements.
Selection CriteriaWe 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.
IELTSIELTS 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.
