University of Northumbria, Newcastle

Program Information

Degree Offered

Graduate Diploma in Law / Common Professional Examination GDL/CPE

Format: Campus, Online

Program Description:

The Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination provides the academic stage of legal education for non-law graduates who intend to become solicitors or barristers.

Successful completion of the GDL/CPE qualifies the student to proceed to the vocational stage of training. Students who intend to become solicitors will need to complete the Legal Practice Course while those who intend to become barristers will need to complete the Bar Vocational Course. Both courses are available at Northumbria.

What you will study
During the programme students are required to study the English Legal System. This is taught at the beginning of both the full-time and distance learning course by means of the pre-attendance package and the induction programme.
In addition, students must study the following seven subjects, which are stipulated by the professional bodies as being the foundations for legal knowledge:

* Contract Law
* Criminal Law
* Equity and Trusts
* European Union Law
* Property Law
* Public Law
* Law of Tort

Finally, all students are required to undertake study into a further area of law. The School of Law offers a range of optional choices. Options may vary, but usually include Company, Commercial, Employment and Family Law among other areas. Students are required to undertake research into an area of law culminating in a written submission and an oral presentation.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students successfully completing the GDL at Northumbria will be guaranteed a place on the Legal Practice Course and will be considered for a place on the Bar Vocational Course. In addition, a discount of £1000 will be available for those choosing to continue study at Northumbria on the LPC or BVC programmes.

International Student Requirements:

Please contact The International Office at Northumbria University for further advice.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No