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Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
Diploma
Address
Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies: University of Birmingham, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Law Ethics and Politics
Duration 
1 year
Telephone 
+44 (0)121 414 3637
Fax 
+44(0)121 414 3585
E-mail 

L...@bham.ac.uk

Website 
http://www.law.bham.ac.uk



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The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies is a Common Professional Examination (CPE) programme providing the academic stage of training for those wanting to become a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Several institutions offer GDLS (CPE) programmes but ours is one of only two at redbrick universities. We attract well-qualified students who are looking for more than merely a ‘conversion course’. All lectures and classes are given by academic staff, most of whom are internationally or nationally recognised experts. You will benefit from studying in an academic law school with its own dedicated and well-stocked law library, in a city with the largest legal ‘scene’ outside London.

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies is one of two routes we offer specifically to non-law graduates. The other option is the two-year LLB for Graduates. We encourage enquiries to discuss which of these routes is best for you. Compared to the LLB for Graduates, this programme allows you to complete the academic stage of professional qualification in one year rather than two.

Programme structure

The programme runs for 36 weeks from early September. It follows the general structure required of all GDLS programmes.

You will study all of the subjects required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board for you to pass the first stage of their requirements. The modules are: Public Law; Criminal Law; Law of Obligations A (Contract); Law of Obligations B (Tort); Property Law A (Property); Property Law B (Equity and Trusts); and Legal Foundations of the European Union. You will also study the English legal system and legal research skills, and write an extended essay on an area of legal knowledge.

Teaching and assessment

Modules are taught by lectures and discussion groups led by academic staff. Assessment methods vary between modules, and include formal examinations and essays written during the year.

Applications

The Law School encourages informal enquiries, but all formal applications must be made via:

  • Postal Address: CPE Central Applications Board
    PO Box 84
    Guildford
    Surrey GU3 1YX
  • Tel: +44(0)1483 451 080

Application forms are available at www.lawcabs.ac.uk

To start the following September you can apply between 1 November and 1 February. In selecting students for the programme, we consider the quality of their first degrees, A level results and academic references.

Career opportunities

Most students on this programme go on to qualify as solicitors or barristers in England and Wales. The next step is to take the one-year Legal Practice Course or Bar Vocational Course before obtaining a training contract or pupillage. You should research your legal career in advance of applying for a place on the programme.

Professional accreditation

This programme is a ‘qualifying’ programme. This means that it provides exemption from the first or academic stage of the examinations required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board before you can qualify as a solicitor or barrister.

Entry requirements

  • Graduate entry: At least an upper second-class Honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK)

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Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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