The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies provides an opportunity for non-law graduates wishing to pursue a career in law to "convert" to a law path.
Information Evening
We will be holding an Information Evening on Monday 26 March 2012 for anyone interested in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies. This event will provide you with an excellent opportunity to find out more about the course and the Law School at the University of East Anglia.
Please click to access further information and to register your interest to attend.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies
The Diploma provides the academic background in law generally accepted within the legal profession to be essential for any graduate seeking to practice as a lawyer. These "foundation elements" are explained under the heading "Course Structure". Success in the Diploma enables students to enter the vocational training stage: the Legal Practice Course (for those wanting to become solicitors) or the Bar Vocational Course (for those wanting to go to the Bar).
The UEA diploma course is full-time and lasts for one academic year. Students will need to cope with a volume of work similar to that covered by undergraduate law students over one-and-a-half academic years.
Qualifying as a Lawyer and Careers in Law
Both the Law Society and the CPE Board have accredited the Diploma for the purposes of the solicitors' and barrisers' "academic stage" requirements. Careers advice is available from the UEA Careers Centre. Staff qualified in the field offer a range of contacts with employers, including the legal profession. The Law School also has staff with experience of legal practice who are happy to offer guidance.
Course Structure
Introduction Course
This is concerned with getting your legal studies up-and-running. It offers an introduction to the legal system, method and processes in the UK and the EU. The introduction runs for two weeks at the beginning of the course.
Seven "foundation elements"
This addresses essential or core elements for those seeking to study the principles of English law.
These elements are:
- Constitutional and Administrative Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- European Union Law
- Land Law
- Law of Trusts
- Tort Law
- Research Project
All seven are studied by way of taught modulets throughout the academic year. Each is assessed through examination. Coursework is required over a staged period at around the midpoint of studies and examinations take place towards the end, in the summer.
Research Project
This is an additional eighth module that students are required to complete. It involves a research project in a selected more specialised area of law.
Assessment
For the award of a Diploma, UEA requires students to achieve a pass mark of at least 40% in each of the seven foundation elements and the research project.
Timetable and Classes
The course runs from early/mid September until late June the following year. The induction course consists of a series of lectures and seminars throughout the period. The seven taught modules run throughout the academic year (mid September to early May).
The Law is committed to achieving the same high academic standards for our Diplomas as for those students on our undergraduate degree courses, and to ensuring a stimulating postgraduate learning environment.
The research project element is based upon private study and preparation. Supervision includes individual discussion of the dissertation topic with advice on approach and methodology. Students are required to being preparatory work over the Easter vacation, although the work and writing up commences in earnest after the examinations are completed in early June. Dissertations should be 4,000-5,000 words long.
Fees
Fees for the academic year 2012/2013 will be:
Home/EU: £6,000
International: £11,900
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get any exceptions from modules in the CPE?
The Law Society of England and Wales website has details of exceptions.
Where can I find details of the CPE and also of the LPC?
The Central Applications Board website has a wealth of information on the CPE and also details of all organisations that offer the LPC.
What is the career path to becoming a solicitor or barrister?
The UEA Careers Centre website has information on what you need to do to become a solicitor or barrister. The Law Society of England and Wales website also has advice on becoming a solicitor.
How to Apply
Applications for the Diploma is made through the centralised
Central Applications Board
PO Box 84, Guildford
Surrey, GU3 1YX
Tel: (+44) (0) 1483 451 080
Applications are normally available from November onwards. Although the CAB state their first deadline for applications is early February, we will still accept applications well after that date.
Applicants who need to apply for a visa to study in the UK are advised that the process can take up to two months in some countries. Please make sure that applications are submitted to study in good time to obtain a visa.
Further Information
We are always happy to answer any questions. Our contact details are below:
Faculty of Social Sciences
Admissions Office (LAW)
University of East Anglia
Norwich, NR4 7TJ
Tel. +44 (0) 1603 591738
Fax. +44 (0) 1603 451999
Email: pglaw@uea.ac.uk
Please click to download our Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies Leaflet.
