OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Law - Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)
Diploma · Taught in en · UCAS N/A
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€12k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 12 months (full-time)Duration
- Qualified legal practitionersTaught by
- Accredited by Bar Standards BoardAccreditation
- Mooting and client interviewing teamsSkill development
- Mentoring and pro bono schemesEmployability focus
- Prepares for BTC/SQECareer pathway
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at Oxford Brookes University is designed for students who hold a degree in a subject other than law but wish to pursue a legal career. This program provides foundational legal knowledge and practical skills essential for entering the legal profession. You will benefit from learning in a supportive environment, guided by qualified legal practitioners and international law researchers who have strong connections to the legal field. The GDL prepares you for further professional qualifications, such as the Bar Training Course (BTC) or the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). Through small group teaching and expert guidance, you will develop a deep understanding of legal principles and how to apply them in practice. The course also offers opportunities to enhance your advocacy skills through award-winning mooting and client interviewing teams. Additionally, you will gain access to valuable employability and pro bono opportunities, including a solicitor and barrister mentoring scheme, a court-based family law pro bono project, and training with the death row charity Amicus ALJ, providing real-world experience and professional networking.
Careers
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) provides a solid foundation for a career in law. It equips you with the essential legal knowledge and practical skills required to progress to further professional training.
- Barrister
- Solicitor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)?
- You typically need a second class honours degree (2.2) or above. For international students, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component is required, unless you have an A-level in English. If you intend to become a barrister without a UK first degree, you must obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board.
- How much does the GDL cost?
- For 2025/26 entry, international tuition fees are £10,800, subject to annual increases. Estimated annual living costs range from £16,796 to £22,256. Students are not eligible for the Postgraduate Master's Loan.
- How long does the GDL programme take?
- The programme is 12 months full-time.
- How do I apply for the GDL?
- Full-time applications are made through the Central Applications Board (lawcabs.ac.uk). Part-time applications are submitted directly to Oxford Brookes University via their online portal. Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements before applying.
- Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
- Oxford Brookes University offers a 20% Alumni Discount Scheme for eligible alumni for the 2026/27 academic year.
- What career paths can the GDL lead to?
- The GDL provides a foundation for a career as a solicitor or barrister. It prepares you for further professional qualifications like the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Training Course (BTC), and offers opportunities through mentoring and pro bono schemes.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeNormally a second class degree (2.2) or above. Applications are considered on individual merits, and candidates with a lower classification may be considered if they demonstrate commitment to a legal profession through awards, scholarships, or work experience (paid or unpaid). Applicants intending to become barristers who do not hold a UK first degree require a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
IELTS7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
A-level EnglishRequired if first language is not English
If you need a student visa for the UK, you must meet both UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements and the University's specific requirements. Pre-Master's and pre-sessional English language courses are available to help international students meet entry criteria.
Fees
Tuition (international)£10,800 (for 2025/26 entry). Fees are subject to annual increases.
Tuition (home)£10,300 (for 2025/26 entry). Fees are subject to annual increases.
LivingEstimated annual living costs for a 52-week postgraduate course range from £16,796 to £22,256. This includes accommodation, food, telephone, household goods, course essentials, and other leisure/socialising expenses.
Tuition fees are for the first year only and will increase annually. Students on this course are not eligible for the Postgraduate Master's Loan. Additional costs may include books (£20-60 per book), printing/binding (from £30), accommodation, graduation costs (typically £0-200), library fines, and local travel (from £3 per single bus fare). Oxford Brookes offers a heavily discounted bus pass for students.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic (2.2 honours degree or equivalent, commitment to legal profession) and English language requirements (IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component, or A-level English if applicable). If pursuing a barrister career without a UK first degree, apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for a Certificate of Academic Standing early, as it can take time.
2. Full-time ApplicationsApply through the Central Applications Board (lawcabs.ac.uk). Make sure to select Oxford Brookes School of Law from the available options.
3. Part-time ApplicationsApply directly to Oxford Brookes University via their online application portal.
4. Accept Offer and EnrolmentIf successful, you will receive an offer. Before accepting, read and understand the University's Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
5. Payment of FeesTuition fee instalments are generally due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Information on payment methods and refund policies is available on the university website. Note: students are liable for full fees for a semester if they leave after week 4.
Scholarships
20% Alumni Discount Scheme20% off tuition fees
Accreditation
Bar Standards Board (BSB)
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)?
+
You typically need a second class honours degree (2.2) or above. For international students, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component is required, unless you have an A-level in English. If you intend to become a barrister without a UK first degree, you must obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board.
How much does the GDL cost?
+
For 2025/26 entry, international tuition fees are £10,800, subject to annual increases. Estimated annual living costs range from £16,796 to £22,256. Students are not eligible for the Postgraduate Master's Loan.
How long does the GDL programme take?
+
The programme is 12 months full-time.
How do I apply for the GDL?
+
Full-time applications are made through the Central Applications Board (lawcabs.ac.uk). Part-time applications are submitted directly to Oxford Brookes University via their online portal. Ensure you meet the academic and English language requirements before applying.
Are there any scholarships available for this programme?
+
Oxford Brookes University offers a 20% Alumni Discount Scheme for eligible alumni for the 2026/27 academic year.
What career paths can the GDL lead to?
+
The GDL provides a foundation for a career as a solicitor or barrister. It prepares you for further professional qualifications like the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Training Course (BTC), and offers opportunities through mentoring and pro bono schemes.