GDIPL Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

This intensive, one-year course is designed to enable non-law graduates to convert to a legal career path.

About

UEA Law School is housed in historic Earlham Hall. You will join a welcoming and collegiate community of legal scholars and students. You will be taught by dedicated lecturers with expertise in a range of legal fields and will be part of a vibrant student body with an active law society.

Each year we welcome an average of 20 postgraduate students onto the GDL from a wide variety of geographical and personal backgrounds, and it is the vibrant and dynamic community they create that completes the student experience.

We place significant emphasis on giving you access to law firms and barristers, and on building your confidence, maximising your employability and developing adaptable transferable skills. You will have many opportunities to build your skills and professional CV through extra-curricular activities and the Law School’s unique employability programme

We believe practical and careers experience is extremely valuable and we’ve developed a programme of opportunities tailored specifically to the needs of our postgraduate students, including placement opportunities. You can also attend careers panels, commercial awareness workshops, mock job interviews, and many other events organised by the UEA Law School and the Careers Service. And you could ‘marshal’, spending a day on the bench with a judge during a trial. You could benefit from the alumni-mentoring scheme, where UEA Law School graduates offer career mentoring to individual students.

The Law School at UEA is home to an active student Law Society and you will be able to enhance your studies with a broad range of extra-curricular activities. You can get involved with a mooting competition, where points of law are explored in a mock-court setting with an actual judge. The Law Society also holds negotiation, client interviewing, mediation and legal triathlon competitions, the finals of which are hosted by law firms.

You will have the chance to build your experience by getting involved in pro bono activities through the UEA Law Clinic, where students and staff offer free legal services. Our current pro bono activities include Street Law, Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau Digital Hub, and our multi-award-winning partnership with Norfolk Community Law Service.

Admissions Live Chat

LLM at UEA

Teaching excellence with a commitment to pastoral care

LLM Degrees >

LLM Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Home, EU and International applicants to LLM courses in UEA Law School

FIND YOUR SCHOLARSHIP >

WHATEVER YOU LOVE, GO FURTHER

Whether you want to diversify or specialise – explore your options.

GO FURTHER >

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You will be assessed predominately by examination aside from the research project. Throughout your course you will be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.

Structure

On this intensive course you will begin to develop important legal skills and start to gain an understanding of the methods and processes of the English Legal System.

The course commences prior to the start of the autumn semester with an induction programme which you must attend.

Across your studies, you will explore the seven foundation subjects. Each of these will be covered in semester-long modules, taught in either autumn or spring.

You will also write a 5,000-word research project on a topic of your choosing, completed under the supervision of a member of faculty. Your topic, subject to the availability of supervision, can cover any area of law, beyond those taught in the Foundation Subjects.

Past projects have been drawn from a range of subject areas, including medical law, human rights law, commercial law, international law, family law, media law, and sports law.

Teaching and Learning

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures provide overviews of key legal issues while seminars allow further, focused study in small groups. The rest of your working hours will be spent developing your understanding and skills through independent study

You will develop accuracy and precision in your written work and will become well versed in time management, graduating as someone who is highly organised and confident in self-directed study.

You will have an Academic Adviser to make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential.

In addition, our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service, are on hand to help in various study areas, including study, writing and research skills.

If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Service about how they can help.

Admissions Live Chat

Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

You will be assessed predominately by examination aside from the research project. Throughout your course you will be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.

Compulsory Modules

CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5022A

Credits 20

This module covers Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and aspects of Human Rights – collectively these (intertwined) subjects are described as ‘Public Law’. Public Law involves the study of rules, principles and practices relating to the way in which we are governed; this module explores the law that provides the framework for the UK’s constitutional (and/or political) structure. We will consider the main principles of the United Kingdom’s constitution, the key institutions of government and the relationship they have with each other. We will also look at the relationship between individuals and the state, notably when we cover judicial review and rights-protection under the UK’s Human Rights Act. The underlying themes of the module are ‘power and accountability’ – both political and legal. It also is important to be aware that Public Law does not exist in a vacuum, rather both the historical and political context and recent developments and current affairs, are of particular relevance to this module.

PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5023B

Credits 20

You'll be introduced to the core principles of English criminal law and given the opportunity to examine criminal laws in their social contexts. You'll examine the core principles through a series of illustrative case-studies. Topics will include: homicide; causation; non-fatal offences against the person; property offences; defences; inchoate liability; and complicity.

CONTRACT LAW - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5024B

Credits 20

You will consider the nature of contractual obligations, the legal principles which govern the formation, content and validity of contracts and the remedies available for breach of contractual obligations. It provides you with an understanding of the fundamental principles and key doctrines of the English law of contract.

LAW OF TORT - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5025B

Credits 20

This module introduces the English Law of Tort. It provides an understanding of the fundamental principles and key doctrines that govern liability for wrongful acts and omissions. We will look at the duties that individuals owe to one another for tortious wrongs and the remedies that are available if a tortious act has been committed. The Law of Tort examines both case law and statutory law on specific torts such as negligence, torts against the person, nuisance, defamation and product liability.

EU LAW - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5027A

Credits 20

The UK is no longer in the European Union, but the study of EU Law continues to be important for any law student. The UK’s membership of the EU for almost five decades has had a lasting influence on the national legal system and, as its geographic neighbour, the EU remains one of the UK’s main trading partners. This module will provide students with an understanding of the structure of the European Union (institutions, sources), the foundation principles (supremacy, direct effect) and the essentials of the Internal Market, with a focus on free movement of goods and individuals. It will also introduce students to the key aspects of the current and evolving UK-EU relations (Withdrawal Agreement, Trade and Cooperation Agreement). In taking this module, students will become familiar with finding and using EU specific materials.

LAND LAW - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5028A

Credits 20

What does it mean to say I own this land ? This module addresses this question and offers a number of surprising answers. You will consider the myriad of ways in which ownership of land can be affected by the interests of third parties. You will learn when these interests will bind an owner, and whether there are any mechanisms to remove those interests (thus making the land more valuable!) In addition, you will learn how ownership of land may carry with it rights over neighbouring land. You will begin your studies in Land Law by addressing the legal foundations of ownership. You will consider and offer opinions as to why there is no stringent statutory definition for 'land'. You will then engage with an analysis of a key distinction in Land Law: the difference between registered and unregistered land. For each, there are a variety of mechanisms for proving ownership of the land, protecting third party interests (e.g. rights of passage, or an 'easement'), and you will consider if any of those third-party interests may be removed. You will then consider how we use land; specifically, how cohabiting couples receive acknowledgement of their interests through a 'trust of land', and how 'mortgages' have developed a market for land. Land Law is taught through lectures, seminars, and self-guided study. In particular, you will benefit from an approach to teaching (the 'socio-legal' approach) which places the law within its broader social context.

RESEARCH PROJECT - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5029B

Credits 20

This module will enable you to conduct independent research into an area of law that interests you. It asks you to identify a topic, which you will examine through independent research under the guidance of a member of faculty, leading to the submission of a 5000 word piece of writing. The module will utilise and develop your legal skills. You should obtain a deeper knowledge of an area of law beyond the core modules, improve your legal research and writing skills, and develop your ability to think critically when approaching the law.

LAW OF TRUSTS - GRADUATE DIPLOMA

Code LAW-5030A

Credits 20

In this module you’ll consider the creation of private express, resulting and constructive trusts. You’ll explore the application of the trust in family and commercial contexts, and the duties and liabilities of trustees in the administration of trusts.

Admissions Live Chat

Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree or equivalent (minimum 2.2 or international equivalent)

Degree subject

Non Law degree (for UK Study)

Additional entry requirements

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) specifies eligibility requirements for the GDL. All applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet these eligibility requirements and are advised to consult the website prior to applying:

Bar Standards Board- https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Applicants who have studied in the UK/Republic of Ireland should normally hold a good first degree in any subject, excluding Law. Applicants who have studied outside of the UK should have the equivalent of a good first degree in any subject.

Please note that all students must attend the induction programme.

Special Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students with non-standard degrees (i.e. a degree that is awarded without classification) or overseas degree holders of a standard equivalent to a 2:2. Such applicants must, however, note the following;-

Applicants in this category wishing to qualify as a barrister

Any applicant who has a degree other than a UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate degree at 2:2 level or above and who wishes to qualify as a barrister will need to apply to the BSB for a Certificate of Academic Standing. This includes applicants with overseas undergraduate degrees and applicants with non-standard UK / Republic of Ireland Degrees. Details of the process are available on the BSB website. Although we do not make admission to the GDL conditional upon having a Certificate of Academic Standing, it is important to note that such candidates will not be able to use the GDL as a step towards qualifying for the Bar unless prior to admission to the GDL they have obtained the Certificate of Academic Standing from the BSB. It is their own responsibility to do this. Admission to the GDL does not imply either that the BSB's requirements as regards a Certificate of Academic Standing are met or that successful completion of the course will count towards qualification as a barrister if the student in question has not obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing as outlined above.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in Reading and Writing, and 5.5 in listening and speaking)
PTE (Pearson): 76 (minimum 67 in Reading and Writing, and 59 in listening and speaking)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected masters degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:

International Graduate Diploma in International Development

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Admissions Live Chat

LLM at UEA

Teaching excellence with a commitment to pastoral care

LLM Degrees >

LLM Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Home, EU and International applicants to LLM courses in UEA Law School

FIND YOUR SCHOLARSHIP >

WHATEVER YOU LOVE, GO FURTHER

Whether you want to diversify or specialise – explore your options.

GO FURTHER >

Course Reference Number: 4478026

GDIPL GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN LEGAL STUDIES