The principal criteria for admission to the full-time Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course is the applicant’s academic record, the key measure of which is the applicant’s prior performance at degree level, or higher, and academic references. We would normally expect an applicant to have an actual or predicted 2:1 degree or equivalent.

We also look for:

1. previous qualifications and work experience (whether legal or otherwise)
2. demonstration of an interest in legal work
3. fluency in written and oral English.

The above policy accords with Kaplan’s equal opportunities policy. The course is only open to those holding qualifications approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority / General Council of the Bar under the regulations in force from time to time.

Note: This is particularly relevant if you hold an overseas degree, or equivalent.

Please note our full-time Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course does not offer exemptions from subjects previously studied.

An Overview of GDL Entry Requirements

Entry requirements, time periods for completion, and other details are included in the GDL/CPE Rules jointly issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Council.

A brief overview of the entry requirements are as follows:

• A student must be a graduate or have been granted a Certificate of Academic Standing from one of the professional bodies, before they can be admitted on to a GDL course.
• Students must have a good command of the English language before being admitted on the GDL course
• Students are not normally admitted to a GDL course more than two weeks after the formal commencement of the course, (including any element of directed self study which is calculated as part of the 36 weeks of the course).
• No student can be admitted onto a full-time GDL course more than four weeks after the formal commencement of course.
• The GDL is a one-year course and is usually completed in one year when undertaken full time.  The maximum period for completion of the full-time course is three years, from the date of enrolment.
• Transfers are not permitted on the GDL course. Students should complete the GDL course at the institution where they originally enrolled on the course.

Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) application process.