Graduate Diploma in Law (Graduate Diploma) 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Cardiff University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

24,700 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

31 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Law and Legal Studies

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Blended

If you are thinking of qualifying as a lawyer in England and Wales, this course enables you to,


- study the structure and doctrines of the legal system in England and Wales and


- the seven core (foundation) subjects of a law degree: contract law, criminal law, equity & trusts law, EU law, land law, public law and tort law.


The GDL allows you to study these intensively over one year, instead of the three years usually required for a Law degree.


If you are thinking of qualifying as a barrister, the GDL gives you the academic modules you will need to pass before progressing to a Bar Training Course (BTC).  We also offer a BTC course. 


If you are thinking of qualifying as a solicitor, the GDL gives you the academic knowledge of legal principles and their application you will need as part of your preparation for the new centrally assessed Solicitors Qualifying Examination (“SQE”), introduced from September 2021. 


Please see the ‘Career Prospects’ section of this entry for further information on the options available to you following completion of the GDL.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Law and Legal Studies

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Blended

If you are thinking of qualifying as a lawyer in England and Wales, this course enables you to,


- study the structure and doctrines of the legal system in England and Wales and


- the seven core (foundation) subjects of a law degree: contract law, criminal law, equity & trusts law, EU law, land law, public law and tort law.


The GDL allows you to study these intensively over one year, instead of the three years usually required for a Law degree.


If you are thinking of qualifying as a barrister, the GDL gives you the academic modules you will need to pass before progressing to a Bar Training Course (BTC).  We also offer a BTC course. 


If you are thinking of qualifying as a solicitor, the GDL gives you the academic knowledge of legal principles and their application you will need as part of your preparation for the new centrally assessed Solicitors Qualifying Examination (“SQE”), introduced from September 2021. 


Please see the ‘Career Prospects’ section of this entry for further information on the options available to you following completion of the GDL.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements and submit an application via the Central Applications Board (CAB).

With your application you will need to provide:
  • A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 UK honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
  • A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
  • Evidence that you have applied for a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board (if you are planning on qualifying as a barrister) if you are applying with a non-UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate degree or non-standard qualifications.
  • A personal statement which outlines your commitment to the legal profession, general work experience (if any), and reasons for wanting to study the GDL at Cardiff University.
  • At least one academic reference which outlines your suitability for the programme.

To be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the required information and evidence, including an appropriate reference and degree certificate/transcript, is not provided.

31 Mar 2026
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
11,950 GBP
International
24,700 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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