Keith Mack
Aspiring lawyers in the UK who don't have a law degree can take a law conversion course to gain a foundational understanding of UK law. These courses are designed for graduates of any discipline and cover the seven core foundational areas of law. They are also suitable for graduates with a non-UK law degree who wish to take their first steps in UK law at the postgraduate level. Law conversion courses are available as a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), Master of Arts in Law (MA Law), or Master of Laws (LLM). The GDL is being phased out and replaced by the PGDL and MA Law. Upon completion of a law conversion course, graduates can pursue further studies to qualify as either a solicitor or a barrister.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To enable non-law graduates to pursue a legal career |
| Eligibility | Degree in any subject; some providers require a minimum 2:2 |
| Types of Courses | GDL, PGDL, MA Law, LLM |
| Course Content | Seven core foundational areas of law, plus one elective |
| Career Options | Solicitor, barrister, CILEX lawyer |
| Qualification Route | SQE, BPTC/BTC, LPC, BPC |
| Institutions | ULaw, BPP University, University of Sussex, University of Brighton, Nottingham Trent University |
| Fees | £10,950-£14,850 |
| Duration | 8 months to 2 years |
| Study Mode | Full-time, part-time, online/distance learning |
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What You'll Learn
Law conversion courses: GDL vs PGDL
If you want to pursue a career in law but don't have a law degree, a law conversion course can be a great option. Two of the most common law conversion courses in the UK are the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).
The GDL is a law conversion course that has traditionally been taken by non-law graduates who want to pursue a career in law. It covers the foundational areas of law and puts graduates on an equal footing with those who have studied law at the undergraduate level. The GDL is being phased out, however, after the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is now the standard route for aspiring solicitors, and it has changed the way that solicitors qualify in England and Wales. While some institutions continue to provide the GDL, many have replaced it with new conversion courses such as the PGDL.
The PGDL is a newer law conversion course that is aimed at non-law graduates who want to pursue a career in law. Like the GDL, it covers the foundational areas of law and prepares students for the SQE. The PGDL can be taken full-time or part-time, and it typically takes one year to complete full-time and two years part-time. The cost of the PGDL can vary depending on the institution and location, but it generally ranges from £9,700 to £15,200.
Another option for law conversion is the Master of Arts in Law (MA Law) or Law Masters (LLM). These courses are designed for non-law students who want to gain a general legal qualification at the master's level. The MA Law and LLM provide a similar qualification to the GDL and PGDL but at a higher level. They are usually taken by students who want to specialise in a specific area of law.
When choosing between the GDL and PGDL, it's important to consider your career aspirations and the requirements of the institutions you plan to apply to. The GDL is being phased out, so the PGDL may be a better option for those just starting their law studies. However, the GDL may still be a viable option for those who have already started their studies and plan to qualify via the traditional route. It's also important to research the specific requirements and offerings of different institutions, as the content and structure of these courses can vary.
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SQE preparation courses
There are a variety of SQE preparation courses available, varying in price, duration, and mode of study. The College of Legal Practice offers full-time and part-time preparation courses, timed to align with the SQE assessments. They also offer a non-law graduate conversion course and a full Master's Programme. The College has years of SQE expertise and highly rated online preparation courses that are excellent value for money.
BARBRI offers flexible SQE1 preparation courses, designed and taught by qualified solicitors and barristers. The course is complemented by learning materials, spaced repetition, and extensive practice questions. They also offer funding assistance options.
BPP offers an LLM SQE 1 and 2 course, providing rigorous solicitor training. Their courses are interactive, with a maximum of 20 students, and provide 24/7 Hub access to learning materials and resources.
ULaw offers SQE preparation courses that provide in-depth knowledge of all legal practices needed to pass the SQE exam. They also offer the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) course, which is similar to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and prepares students for the SQE assessments.
QLTS School offers specialised courses for each part of the SQE assessment, with resources tailored to every learning style and background. They also offer mock-test packages, including 30 SQE1 mock tests and 300 SQE2 mock exams.
It is important to note that the SQE has a limited number of attempts and a low pass rate, so thorough preparation is crucial.
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LLM vs GDL
If you are considering a career in law and are looking to undertake a law conversion course in the UK, you may be weighing up the pros and cons of an LLM vs a GDL. Both are postgraduate law degrees, but there are some key differences between the two.
The LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate course for individuals who have already completed a law degree. It allows students to specialise in a particular area of law, such as Human Rights Law or Real Property Law. The LLM is not a qualifying law degree, meaning it does not provide a direct route to practising as a solicitor or barrister. However, it can be beneficial for obtaining a training contract, as it demonstrates expertise and interest in a specific area of law. The LLM usually takes one year to complete full-time or two years part-time and costs around £10,000, although this can vary depending on the institution and your student status.
On the other hand, the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) is a law conversion course specifically designed for non-law graduates. It provides a foundation in legal knowledge and covers seven core legal modules, giving students a broad understanding of the law. The GDL is a qualifying law degree, which means it allows students to progress to further training or exams required to practise law, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The GDL usually takes one year full-time or two years part-time to complete and costs around £6,500-£14,850, depending on the institution and location.
When deciding between an LLM and a GDL, it's important to consider your career goals and interests. If you are a non-law graduate looking to transition into the legal field, the GDL may be the best option as it provides the necessary foundation for further legal training. On the other hand, if you already have a law degree and want to specialise in a particular area, the LLM could be a better choice. Additionally, the format of assessment may influence your decision, with the GDL focusing more on exams and the LLM emphasising writing skills.
It's worth noting that the GDL is being phased out and replaced by new law conversion courses, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or MA Law. These new courses are designed to help non-law graduates make the transition to a career in law and prepare for the SQE. Therefore, if you are considering a GDL, it's important to check if the course is still being offered by your preferred institutions.
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MA Law (Conversion)
The MA Law (Conversion) is a postgraduate degree designed for non-law graduates who want to gain a general legal qualification at Master's level. It is an internationally recognised qualification that can be a great addition to your portfolio. The course covers the seven core foundational areas of law:
- English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including Retained EU Law)
- Tort Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Administrative Law and Human Rights
- Land Law
- Equity and Trusts
Students can then choose to study one further aspect of law, either through a module in a topic of their choice or a research project where they will write an essay related to the area of law they want to study.
The University of Law, for example, offers an MA Law (Conversion) course that includes their SQE1 Preparation Course, which prepares students for the SQE1 assessments. This course is designed for non-law graduates who want to qualify as solicitors. It offers four weeks of guaranteed Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) within their Legal Advice Clinics, providing hands-on legal work experience with real clients.
The MA Law (Conversion) course at the University of Sussex, on the other hand, gives non-law students the opportunity to obtain a Master's degree while gaining an understanding of legal concepts. This course costs £11,025 for UK students.
The mode of study for MA Law (Conversion) courses can vary, with options for full-time, part-time, on-campus, or online study to accommodate different student needs and circumstances.
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Eligibility requirements
First and foremost, law conversion courses are typically designed for non-law graduates or career changers who hold a university degree in any subject from a recognised UK institution or an overseas equivalent. Some institutions may require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent), while others may set the minimum at a 2:1. It is important to note that good grades in a first degree, whether in law or another subject, are vital for increasing your chances of securing a place on a law conversion course and subsequent in-work training.
For international students wishing to study a law conversion course in the UK, a visa is typically required. Most commonly, international students will need to obtain a Student Route visa, which requires sponsorship from an education provider licensed by the UK Home Office. Additionally, international students with a non-UK law degree should ensure their degree is recognised by the institution offering the law conversion course.
While it is not a regulatory requirement for non-law graduates to complete a law conversion course before starting their journey towards becoming a solicitor or barrister, it is strongly recommended by most leading law firms and is an entry requirement for some programmes. The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a common law conversion course that has been replaced by the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) at many institutions. These courses are designed to bring non-law graduates up to the same level of knowledge as law graduates, covering the seven core foundational areas of law.
In addition to the GDL and PGDL, there are other law conversion courses available, such as the Master of Arts in Law (MA Law) and the Master of Laws (LLM). These courses may be tailored for non-law students seeking a general legal qualification at the master's level or for those wishing to specialise in a specific legal area. It is important to note that entry requirements may differ for these courses, and it is advisable to research the specific requirements of the institution and course before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
A law conversion course is a postgraduate course for people who have a degree in a non-law subject but now want to become a lawyer.
There are several types of law conversion courses, including the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL or PGDip), the Master of Arts in Law (MA Law), and the Law Masters (LLM).
You will study the seven core foundational areas of law: English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including Retained EU Law). You will then choose to study one further aspect of law, either through a module or a research project.
After completing a law conversion course, you can take a course that prepares you for the SQE assessments, or you can apply for a Bar training course (BTC) to become a barrister. If you want to become a solicitor, you will need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
There are several universities in the UK that offer law conversion courses, including the University of Sussex, the University of Brighton, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Law (ULaw), and BPP University.
