As a student, you are expected to have it all mapped out right from your early years in schooling as you are required to select A-level subjects and an undergraduate course that steers you in the direction of your desired career.
The truth is, very few of us know what career we would like to enter down the line, and even if we do, it's likely to change as we grow or realise new interests that we wish to pursue.
The notion of there only being a single entry point into a legal career is a myth, as you’ll find there are a number of alternative avenues that allow graduates to achieve their dreams of becoming legal professionals.
One such pathway is by taking the PGDL (Post Graduate Diploma in Law) conversion course, which helps non-law graduates smoothly transition into their desired field.
In this article, we will explore the course further so that you can make a more informed decision about what steps are necessary to get you closer to your goals!
What is the PGDL?
So, the course basically acts as a bridge that helps those who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field transition into a legal profession by teaching them the mindset and skills needed for practice.
It is particularly beneficial for those aiming to become solicitors or barristers since many of the practical learnings focus on this from the beginning.
The PGDL provides support and guidance from experienced educators that help equip students with a mix of both academic knowledge and practical abilities essential for a successful legal career.
So, if you don’t have a degree in any law field then this might just be the perfect option for you to get the ball rolling on your future.
Get a head start in your legal education journey by shrewdly choosing A level subjects for Law that complement your upcoming degree.
Law LLB vs BA Law
Of course, there is always the more conventional route that most legal professionals enter if they already know what way they want their career shape out from the time they are in secondary school.
If you are considering studying law at university, you have two options for courses and related qualifications: the BA in Law and the LLB. The LLB is recognised as a 'qualifying law degree,' while the BA Law is classified as a 'non-law degree.'
The BA Law Degree
The first and most commonly opted-for option is the BA in Law, which provides a holistic education in law along with other related subjects.
Since many universities in the UK offer a BA in Law program that can be combined with other disciplines, it also leaves plenty of flexibility when it comes to academic pursuits. The subjects that you may have the option of exploring alongside law are often modules in history, languages, politics or philosophy as part of your coursework.
Having a look at the top law schools in the UK will help you get a sense for the best options that are available to aspiring lawyers.
The LLB Degree
Then we have an LLB (Bachelor of Laws), which focuses purely on law, namely the seven core modules that you will need to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. Traditionally, law students would complete the LLB at university and then, upon deciding to pursue a career as a barrister or solicitor, attend law school for the LPC (solicitor route) or BTC (barrister route).
In general, you're looking at somewhere between BCC and A*AA – ABB being the most common offer for both BA Law and LLB courses.
While you don’t get the same flexibility as you might from a BA degree, an LLB is a qualifying degree that provides a more specialised and direct route to becoming a solicitor or barrister!
Where can I study the PGDL?
👩⚖️ University of Law
🎓 Bournemouth University
🧑⚖️ University of Brighton
🧐 Oxford Brookes University
Okay, now that you have a sense of the alternative options that are available to you, let’s get back to the reason you clicked on this article and discover where you might go about taking the PGDL course.
You’ll be glad to hear that there is no shortage of law schools offering the course, so let’s take a look at some of your best options across the UK and online.
Elevate your legal career prospects with a masters in law, distinguishing yourself from the sea of aspirants for coveted positions.
University of Law
We have all dabbled in online learning in one way or another, whether through an online course or watching video tutorials from our laptops. There is no denying the potential and flexibility that remote learning offers!
The University of Law provides the program at a number of sites throughout the UK, but they also go a step further and provide some much-appreciated choices when it comes to how you take your PGDL course.
Their online learning alternative enables you to study from any location worldwide. With individuals from more than 120 countries, they offer the course to students around the globe. This is also beneficial if you intend on taking the course on top of full or part-time employment!
The Skills & Behaviours section offered on the program doesn't count towards credits but will help you identify and enhance the personal qualities needed to succeed as a lawyer in a professional setting and effectively manage your career!
Bournemouth University
Another option that you have at your disposal if you are on the hunt for a PGDL course here in the UK is Bournemouth University.
The university is known far and wide for its regarded law programs that produce highly desirable graduates each year.
The PGDL program here is designed to offer an understanding of the industry and helps students develop the skills needed to address real life legal challenges once they enter the professional realm after completing the course.
One thing you should keep an eye out for when selecting a suitable spot to study is the accolades that it has received for the learning experience it offers. You’ll be glad to learn that Bournemouth checks every box in this regard, having received accreditation from both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.
University of Brighton
If you opt to study at the University of Brighton you can rest assured that your education will be in good hands. You don’t need to worry about not having come from a legal background, as the core modules you’ll study such as Contract Law, Criminal Law, Law of Torts and European Union Law will be explained from the ground up!
The program also offers plenty of hands-on training opportunities through its legal education program, negotiation workshops, client interaction skill enhancement, and the University of Brighton Legal Clinic. This will certainly stand to you when you get around to navigating the jobs market once your graduation date rolls around!
Forge your path to success by studying law in the UK, where you'll join ranks with top-tier graduates and build unshakeable career readiness.
Oxford Brookes University
If you are looking for a course that speaks to you then the buck might just stop at stop at the Oxford Brookes University.
The University offers the PGDL, which covers the seven required foundations of legal knowledge required to become a barrister.
Students who study here spend plenty of time developing courtroom advocacy skills through mooting activities, helping them prepare for their future careers with an effective mix of practical and theoretical learning.
Once you make it to your final year, you can finally apply for Inns of Court Scholarships, the Bar Training Course (BTC), and Pupillage.
And given how quickly fees can add up when training to enter a legal profession, you’ll be glad to hear that by studying here, you’ll qualify for a discount when enrolling in SQE preparation courses with the College of Legal Practice.
Application Process
🖥️ Register
📄 Submit Documents
🙋♂️ Personal statement
👨💼 References
If, at this stage you already find yourself thinking that the PGDL course is for you, then you might want to find out about the application process so you can take the first steps in your transition into law.
The process of applying can differ based on the institution you select, but generally, you will be required to submit specific documents and adhere to a set procedure.
In order to apply for the PGDL, you will typically need to submit the following documents:
- University transcript (all academic years)
- Degree certificate (for graduates)
- Personal statement (explaining your reasons for wanting to convert to law)
- References, academic and professional (where requested)
- Residency details (to determine if you're eligible for home fees or if you need a visa)
Many schools and universities ask you to submit your application through the Central Applications Board (CAB) which serves as a centralised system for handling applications. Within the CAB platform you will need to fill out an application form where you can select up to three institutions in order of preference.
The application form will prompt you to provide information, such as your personal details, academic credentials and a personal statement. Your chosen institutions will only receive your applications once the CAB has received your completed form and registration fee, so you might want to start setting that aside too!
Since formal references from the referees listed on your application are necessary, you might also want to get thinking about who you will include and begin reaching out to get their consent to include them in your application.
If you are already itching to get going, you will want to keep October 1st marked in your calendar as this is the start date for applications for most PGDL law programs.
Dive into the diverse world of undergraduate law courses across Britain.
Getting Started on your Journey into Law
The PGDL certainly provides a great avenue for students to get involved in learning about law and helps them develop practical skills that will be required of them as practising legal professionals.
This program condenses knowledge from an LLB degree into either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, providing you with the necessary skills to navigate the legal world successfully.
When exploring institutions that offer the PGDL, it's important to assess factors like course structure, teaching methods, financial support options and location in order to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and situation.
If when you close your eyes and imagine yourself further down your path, you envision becoming a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or a barrister via the Bar Practice Course (BPC), then PGDL lays a foundation to help you accomplish exactly that!
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