4 June 2025
5 minutes read
How To Pursue A Post graduate Diploma In Law Conversion Course In UK
25 August 2024
5 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Choose a post graduate diploma in law UK route if you’re a non-law grad aiming to break into the legal field without starting from scratch.
- Know that over 50% of UK lawyers didn’t study law at undergrad—law conversion is a proven, respected path.
- Apply early via the Central Applications Board and check if the course aligns with SQE or barrister requirements.
Over 50% of UK lawyers didn’t study law at undergrad—because, thankfully, the legal profession doesn’t care what you studied, just whether you can pass the bar (and survive the GDL). The brutal truth? If you’re a non-law graduate eyeing the courtroom or corporate legal life, the postgraduate law conversion course is your fast track—but figuring it all out can feel like decoding legalese blindfolded. Confusing entry requirements, bloated course pages, and a maze of providers from Nottingham to the University of London don’t help.
But here’s the fix: this guide strips the fluff and lays out exactly how to get started, what to expect from a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or its SQE-ready successors, and how to qualify in England and Wales—whether full-time, part-time, or on a scholarship. Let’s make legal knowledge your new superpower in 2024.
Why To Choose A Law Conversion Course?
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), now evolved into SQE-focused programmes, is the legal world’s backdoor for non-law graduates who got tired of their 9-to-5 or suddenly fell in love with torts. And let’s be honest: law conversion isn’t a compromise—it’s a shortcut with credentials. Whether you’re eyeing Nottingham, the University of London, or some lesser-hyped gem, this postgraduate diploma is your legal reset button. Just don’t expect spoon-fed answers—this isn’t a BuzzFeed quiz; it’s your real path to qualification.
Here’s what most people don’t know (but should) about choosing a law conversion course:
- A law conversion programme can be completed part-time, making it ideal for career-changers juggling a day job and still hoping to qualify by 2024.
- You don’t need to be a straight-A student—entry requirements are surprisingly accessible for most non-law graduates, as long as you can handle the pace.
- The GDL or its SQE-friendly versions let you start legal practice in less time and money than a traditional law degree—think intensive training course, not endless lectures.
- Funding options like a scholarship exist, and they’re not unicorns—especially if you apply through the Central Applications Board early.
- Some modules in the preparation course now directly match the SQE examination style, so you’re not just learning theory—you’re training to pass.
10 Top Universities To Study A Postgraduate Diploma Course In UK
The UK has some serious heavyweights—from the University of London to Nottingham—offering Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and SQE-aligned programmes. But here’s what they won’t plaster on their brochures: not all law schools are created equal. Some churn out high-salary solicitor prospects. Others… well, they charge top dollar for lectures that feel like a sleep aid.
Below is a brutally honest glance at where your investment actually pays off—average tuition fees vs. average salary potential post-qualification in legal practice across England and Wales.
| University | Average Tuition Fees (Postgraduate Diploma) | Average Graduate Salary (Legal Practice) |
|---|---|---|
| University of College London | £12,000 – £13,000 | £45,000 – £75,000 |
| BPP University | £13,000 – £14,000 | £50,000 – £80,000 |
| Nottingham Trent University | £9,750 – £11,500 | £38,000 – £60,000 |
| University of London | £11,000 – £12,000 | £45,000 – £70,000 |
| City, University of London | £12,200 – £13,500 | £48,000 – £75,000 |
| University of Manchester | £10,000 – £11,500 | £42,000 – £65,000 |
| University of Leeds | £10,250 – £11,500 | £40,000 – £63,000 |
| Cardiff University (Wales) | £9,500 – £10,500 | £37,000 – £60,000 |
| University of Bristol | £11,500 – £12,500 | £46,000 – £70,000 |
| University of Sussex | £9,000 – £10,500 | £36,000 – £58,000 |
What Is The Application Process For A Post Graduate Diploma In Law?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) isn’t a gentle intro. It’s a crash course in legal studies designed for non-law graduates who want to become a solicitor or a barrister in England and Wales without restarting their entire academic life. But before you even touch EU law or the seven core subjects, you’ve got to navigate the wild ride that is the application process. Spoiler alert: it’s not just click-and-go. If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK, here’s the real, unpolished roadmap to make sure you don’t screw it up.
1. Know If You’re Eligible—Like, Actually Eligible
To apply for a law conversion course like the PGDL, you’ll need a degree in any subject—but don’t assume that’s all. Some course providers require a 2:2 or above. And if you’re not from the UK, you might need a certificate of academic standing—yes, that’s a real thing—found on the Bar Standards Board website.
2. Choose Your School With ROI, Not Hype
You’ve got options: City Law School, Cardiff University, Nottingham Trent University, University of Sussex, and of course the University of Law. Compare course structure, start date, delivery format (online/part-time/full-time), and graduate outcomes. This course is designed to launch your legal career, so don’t just fall for branding—look at the Graduate Outcomes Survey and alumni in real law firms.
3. Apply via the Central Applications Board (CAB)
Forget UCAS—applications to most law conversion courses go via the Central Applications Board, especially for GDL/PGDL routes. Upload your transcripts, write a focused personal statement (don’t ramble), and submit your application as early as possible. Some courses fill up fast—especially those starting the preparation course in September.
4. Prepare for Entry Conditions (and a Reality Check)
Some course providers may ask for an interview, others won’t. But almost all of them want proof of work experience, knowledge and understanding of the legal profession, and a clear reason why you’re looking to convert to law. Bonus: a decent IELTS score (minimum 6.5) if you’re an international student needing a visa to study.
5. Check the Fine Print Like a Future Lawyer
Review the terms and conditions, the course allows you to move into the vocational stage of training—aka LLM Legal Practice or an SQE preparation course. If you’re targeting to qualify as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, make sure your PGDip aligns with SRA-approved pathways. If it doesn’t, you’re basically paying for a sidetrack.
6. Don’t Just Enroll—Network and Strategize
Go to an Open Day, talk to real postgraduate law students, understand the practice course after the PGDip, and learn how to qualify as a barrister (hello, pupillage) or become a solicitor in England and Wales. Choosing a school with strong connections in your field of law is just as important as the course start itself.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about switching tracks and stepping into the legal profession, a law conversion course in the UK is probably the most efficient, no-nonsense route you’ll find. It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. But it works—and it’s built for people who didn’t spend their early 20s reading case law. The process? Messy but doable.
The payoff? Real. Whether you’re aiming to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, the PGDL or postgraduate diploma in law is less about prestige and more about momentum. Choose your provider wisely, understand the structure, and treat the course like the first real test of your legal career. Because it is.
To get into a top UK university isn’t just about grades—it’s about strategy. Ambitio’s AI-powered platform and expert consultants help you tackle applications, study gaps, and visa approvals with confidence. No confusion, no wasted time—just a clear path to your dream school. So if you want to study in UK, Ambitio is the answer.
FAQs
Q1: Can international students pursue a PGDip in the UK?
Yes, international students are welcome to enroll in PGDip programs in the UK. You’ll need to meet the program’s entry requirements and visa requirements.
Q2: Can I choose between becoming a solicitor or barrister after completing the PGDip?
Yes, the PGDip is a versatile qualification that allows you to pursue a career as either a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
Q3: How long does the PGDip program usually take to complete?
The duration of PGDip programs may vary, but they typically last one academic year when studied full-time. Part-time options may be available.
Q4: When should I apply for a PGDip program?
It’s advisable to submit your application as early as possible, as PGDip programs can be competitive. Deadlines may vary by university, so check the specific institution’s website for details.
Q5: What is the SQE, and how does it relate to the PGDip?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new system for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. A PGDip provides you with the foundational knowledge and understanding required to prepare for the SQE.
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