Part-time distance learning Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) London (Waterloo)
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What is the GDL?
Sometimes referred to as the Common Professional Examination (CPE), the GDL is a conversion course enabling those holding non-law degrees in any subject to convert to a career in law. After completing the GDL, intending barrister progress on to the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) before entering the profession as pupil barristers, while intending solicitors progress to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) before entering the profession as trainee solicitors.
BPP’s ‘Distinctive GDL’ is designed to help you make the transition from undergraduate study to the practice of law.
Our GDL by distance learning is designed for those who would find it difficult to attend regular classes because of work or family commitments or because they live too far from the Law School (either in the UK or overseas). Our aim is to provide you with the maximum guidance and assistance to support your progress through the materials and the development of your legal analytical skills.
Click Studying part-time at BPP for more information on what it's like to study law part-time at BPP.
Preparing you for practice
The GDL may be the first experience you have of law, so we have designed a programme offering you both a solid academic grounding and preparation for the realities of legal practice.
We believe that law is not just about learning legal rules. In addition to teaching substantive law, BPP’s GDL develops the essential legal skills of legal analysis, research and presentation while practising the application of law to factual disputes - a skill which is developed through our student-centred interactive tutorials.
Small group sessions reflect realistic legal scenarios and are based on past examination questions. This means that your examination skills as well as your legal knowledge develop as the programme progresses.
Using our first rate library and information resources you will be introduced to the legal research skills essential to any lawyer. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with both hard copy, library based resources as well as electronic media such as Lawtel, Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis. Our award-winning Pro Bono Centre offers the opportunity to gain experience in using law to help real people solve real problems. Click here for more information.
Our GDL programme is designed to provide you with an excellent foundation for the LPC and BVC and the early years of practice as a lawyer thereafter.
The part-time distance learning GDL is delivered at our Law School in London (Waterloo). The Law School is conveniently located close to bus and rail and tube links providing easy transport to the Law School after work.
Over 60 hours of DVD recorded lectures
To make your studies as convenient as possible, instead of attending the Law School for lectures, you will be provided with a full range of over 60 hours of lectures recorded onto DVD. Each lecture contains an audio track, picture of the lecturer and PowerPoint slides.
In addition to students from throughout the UK, the programme is attended by overseas students from all over the world.
How is the programme structured?
The programme begins with an induction module designed to familiarise non-law students from diverse academic backgrounds with the English legal system and the process of legal reasoning and argument. You will then study the following seven core modules over two academic years:
The part-time distance learning GDL is delivered over two years:
| First year modules | Second year modules |
|---|---|
Induction Module |
The Law of Equity and Trusts |
Law of Contract |
Law of the European Union (half module) |
Law of Tort |
Land Law |
Constitutional and Administrative Law |
Criminal Law |
Independent Extended Essay* |
* The Independent Research Essay of 4000 words can be chosen from a wide range of titles.
How is the programme taught?
The programme is designed to familiarise non law students from diverse academic backgrounds with the English legal system and the process of legal reasoning.
Each of the core modules are taught using one hour lectures (delivered using either DVD or during the twelve days attendance) and one hour small group sessions (the latter with a maximum of 16 students) delivered during the twelve days attendance or as independent learning exercises.
BPP manuals are provided for each module. The manuals contain a thorough guide to the relevant law, self assessment questions and answers, specific references for further reading, the tutorial questions for the whole year and a past examination question. In addition to the BPP manuals, within your programme fees you will be provided with a comprehensive range of materials for each module:
- A textbook
- A casebook
- A statute book
- Access to a wide range of online resources
To help you successfully make the transition from a non-law background our programme includes:
- A weekly study calendar guiding you through the programme and materials
- A full range of DVD recorded lectures in every module.
- A comprehensive range of materials provided within your programme fees, including a BPP manual, casebook, statute book and question and answer book for each module. You need purchase no other materials for the programme !
- Priority e-mail and telephone contact with tutors.
- Access to Law Campus, the computer-based interactive teaching and revision aid.
- Practice essays marked by the Law School and returned to you with detailed feedback on your performance.
- A wealth of information and materials available on the virtual campus and intranet (accessible from the Law School and remotely from your home or office computer).
When will I study?
Induction Programme
Our part-time distance learning GDL comprises twelve days attendance per year. These days are split into two six day blocks or one six day block and three weekends.
Term dates for 2007 are yet to be set. For your guidance, the year one term dates from 2006 were:
| Induction Programme (six days) | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 26th September 2006 – Sunday 1st October | |
| Mode A (three days) | Mode B (three weekends) |
Monday 12th March – Saturday 17th March 2007 |
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November 2006 Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th February 2007 Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April 2007 |
How is the programme assessed?
The programme is assessed using a combination of coursework, an extended essay and examinations in each foundation module. Feedback is given throughout the programme to help you achieve success and maximise your potential.
| Assessment: | |
|---|---|
Coursework Extended essay |
accounting for 25% of the total marks |
Final examinations held in May/June |
accounting for 75% of the total marks |
Examinations can be held in Leeds, London or Manchester for UK students and, subject to prior arrangement, overseas, for students living or working abroad.
What are the admissions criteria?
The minimum admissions requirement is:
- minimum lower second class UK honours degree, or
- overseas graduate issued with a Certificate of Academic Standing (COAS) from the Bar Council or the Law Society, or
- mature non-degree holder with suitable management experience
Places at BPP fill quickly so you are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Student from overseas whose first language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient command of English by holding IELTS Level 6.5 qualification (or equivalent).
Mature non-degree holders
The law society allow mature non-degree holding candidates to apply to complete the GDL with the desire of going onto complete the LPC.
They state that all applicants must have:
- Considerable vocational experience at middle management level (minimum 10 years)
- A sufficient standard of education
- Good command of spoken and written English
For further information click here or contact the Law Society on +44 (0) 1527 504433.
What if I am exempt from part of the GDL?
Our GDL offers a high level of flexibility for those who are exempt from parts of the GDL. Such exemptions may be available, if you have a Scottish law degree or have studied a substantial amount of law at undergraduate level.
Part-exempt students may study the remaining GDL modules they require on a full, part-time or distance learning basis, or through a combination of these.
For more information about your eligibility for exemption click here.
GDL students guaranteed a place on BPP's LPC
Because of our close links with the leading law firms in the country, places on our LPC and BVC are very popular.
As part of the service we provide to our students, graduates from our GDL are guaranteed a place on our Legal Practice Course.
For prospective barristers, the Bar Council does not allow such guarantees. However, in the majority of cases we can usually offer students who successfully complete our GDL a place on our Bar Vocational Course.
BPP’s Law School in London (Waterloo)
Waterloo is a bustling and cosmopolitan area of London known for its proximity to the cultural quarter of the South Bank as well as fantastic transport links within London, nationally and internationally.
BPP’s Law School in Waterloo is a newly extended building offering excellent facilities and spacious surroundings less than five minutes walk from Waterloo station.
Click here for a map
How do I apply?
An application form to join the part-time GDL can be downloaded here. Please complete this form and return it to:
Admissions
BPP Law School
68-70 Red Lion Street
London
WC1R 4NY
We aim to process your application within one week of receipt.
Although there is no formal closing date for the receipt of applications, places on the part-time GDL fill up quickly, so early application is advised.
What are the programme fees?
Fees for programmes starting in September 2007 have yet to be set. As a guide the fees for programmes starting in September 2006 are £3,575 per year
Fees are payable by monthly instalments and include all manuals, casebooks, textbooks, statute books and DVDs required for the course.
Is law for me?
If you are unsure whether a career in law is for you, our popular week-long Summer School gives you an insight into the study and practice of law. Click here to find out more.
Further information & contacts
For further information about the part-time Graduate Diploma in Law, please contact BPP Admissions:
Tel: 0845 077 5566
Email: lawadmissions@bpp.com
Click here to download a brochure.
Visit us
We invite you to visit our Law School in Waterloo. Click here for a list of all forthcoming careers and information events.
