We tutor students studying the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

Law conversion courses such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (“GDL”) formally called the Common Professional Examination (“CPE”) offer a popular alternative route into the legal profession. The GDL is a intensive programme for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than law. The goal of GDL students is to become a solicitor or barrister. The course condenses three years' worth of legal knowledge into a single year and is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree.

The conversion course is taken in a year full-time or 2 years part-time and covers all the foundation subjects in an LLB. City Law Tutors has considerable experience providing tuition to students studying on GDL, PGDL and other law conversion courses. The GDL while is effectively a crash law degree meant to get you up to speed on the fundamental legal subjects taught in the first two years of an LLB - it also aims to prepare students for the legal profession.

The GDL is fast paced with lots to learn. There is an enormous quantity of stuff to go through, which makes staying current tough. You really do have to work at it throughout. You will have a limited amount of time for revision. It lasts a minimum of 36 weeks when taken full-time and may need up to 45 hours of lectures, tutorials, and personal study per week. Course providers provide a surprising number of flexible study alternatives, from distant learning to weekend and evening-only seminars.

The Pass Rate

Please verify with specific course providers to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what you should be aiming towards. While the percentages required to get various GDL grades varies each university, the following is a guide:

  1. The GDL has a pass rate of 40%. It is a fail if your total score is less than 40%;

  2. A commendation is given for a score of 60-70 percent;

  3. A score of 60-70 percent is a commendation; and

  4. Any thing higher than a score of 70 percent is a distinction.

Importance of GDL Grades

Grades in the GDL are important. The GDL grades are significant because many of the leading law firms in the United Kingdom will strive to distinguish themselves from others vying for training contracts. Obtaining a distinction demonstrates that you possess the intellectual ability and work ethic necessary to thrive in a prestigious legal firm or chambers. While receiving a commendation does not always imply that you will lose out on chances. It is essential to devote as much attention as possible to your GDL result in order to maximise your chances of obtaining a training contract. Are you curious about how to get a distinction on the GDL? Read how we can help you in getting to grips with the course and ensure GDL success.

GDL Law Tutor

We tutor students studying the Graduate Diploma in Law (“GDL”). City Law Tutors specialise in providing law tuition to those studying for the GDL. For further details of the services we offer to undergraduate students please see our services. The subjects we offer tuition in include the following core subjects:

  • Contract Law

  • Criminal Law

  • Equity and Trusts

  • European Union (EU) Law

  • Land Law

  • Public Law

  • Tort Law.

Electives or Optional Modules

Along with the basic courses, certain GDL providers, particularly those with a City focus, offer elective programmes to help you transition into the corporate sector. Additional lectures or seminars in corporate law, intellectual property law, and international law may be included. Additionally, the majority organise mooting tournaments and pro bono work. These should provide you with an early opportunity to practise your advising and advocacy abilities and determine whether a legal profession is truly for you, especially if you intend to take the Bar exam. Numerous providers have degree-awarding authority, which enables you to enhance your qualification to an LLM upon successful completion of your GDL.

The Benefits

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The Next Step

Purchase a trial session or purchase GDL tutoring or our study guides and get started with City Law Tutors!