Graduate Diploma in Law: University of Westminster

Introduction

The Graduate Diploma in Law (otherwise known as the Common Professional Examination or the CPE) is a postrgraduate law course that can be taken by non-law graduates (graduates who have a degree in a discipline that is not law, or who do not have a qualifying law degree) wishing to qualify as either a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

This course has run successfully since it was established in 1977. They have also run a two year part-time course since September 1993. The course is primarily intended for non-law graduates who wish to qualify as either solicitors or barristers. It is recognised by The Law Society and the Bar Council and must be taken as a first step before going on to the Legal Practice Course (solicitors) or the Bar Vocational Course (barristers).

The course is also open to international students who want to get a basic grounding in English Law

Course Content

There are seven core subjects that all conversion courses are required to cover as required by the Joint Academic Stage Board.

Modules:

• Contract Law
• Criminal Law
• Equity and Trusts
• Law of the European Union
• Land Law
• Law of Tort
• Public Law
• 4,000 word project on an additional area of law

Entry Requirements

Minimum of a 2.2 in a non-law degree or equivalent postgraduate degree. You may be required by the Admissions Tutor to consult The Law Society or the Academic Council of the Inns of Court for confirmation that your qualifications entitle you to be considered for the course.