Bradford University School of Management

Non-law graduates who want to become solicitors or barristers must take the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The diploma is also highly regarded in other law-related career fields

Our GDL is suitable both for recent graduates and more experienced graduates from diverse backgrounds who wish to change or develop their careers.

Applicants should normally have a minimum 2.2 first degree from a UK or Irish university (an exception may be made for applicants with relevant postgraduate experience), or hold a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

Applicants wishing to go on to qualify as barristers must hold a lower second class degree or above. Applicants whose first language is not English,  must achieve a 6.5 score on the IELTS test of English, 580 in the written TOEFL, 240 in the computer-based TOEFL, or 94 or better in the internet-based TOEFL.

If you have studied law before and think that you may be eligible for exemption from part of the GDL you should contact the SRA or BSB to discuss this. Any exemptions must be confirmed by either the SRA or BSB before you start the GDL. There is no requirement for previous work experience.

36 weeks (full-time)
72 weeks (part-time)

You can take the course full-time over a year (36 weeks, from September to June) or part-time over two years. The former means that you complete the qualification as quickly as possible. The latter gives you the chance, by attending the University for one day a week for a total of 72 weeks, to study for the qualification while keeping up your work and family commitments.

There are up to 35 awards of up to £2,000 each, for UK and EU students applying to study any Full-time or Part-time MSc or GDL at Bradford University School of Management. These will be offered on a competitive merit basis.

For full details see: GDL bursaries rules 2011