The PGDL is a law conversion course, designed for non-law graduates with a degree from another subject. It is an important step for those who want to work in the legal industry. Almost all law firms expect a PGDL distinction and some even have exclusive arrangements with GDL providers, so getting on the right track is vital to realise your aspirations.
In general, the PGDL lasts one academic year and covers all the subjects that you need to know in order to qualify as a solicitor. It is much shorter than an undergraduate law degree, which is typically three years. This means you need to prepare much more quickly and with greater intensity.
This intensive pace is also reflected in the way assessments are structured. The exams tend to be at the end of each term, but there may be mocks halfway through as well. This is in addition to the essays and coursework that will probably make up a significant part of your overall grade. It is therefore vital to treat the PGDL as if it was a full time job and put in the effort. This will pay dividends when it comes to your assessments.
It is a good idea to attend lectures whenever possible and not just use the lecturer’s handouts. In-person teaching offers the opportunity to build a relationship with fellow students and lecturers. It can be a big change going back to studying after working for a while, and it is useful to have a sense of community to help you settle in. You might not get on with the lecturers’ style or find them easy to understand, but you should still try to go to lectures, unless you have a really good reason for not doing so.
The most difficult element of the PGDL is probably the volume of work that you will have to do each week. You will have to read up on a lot of the law that you are learning, so it is important to plan ahead and budget your time accordingly. The more you plan in advance, the less stress you will have when it comes to juggling everything and making sure that your assignments and exams are on time.
You will likely study whole modules (such as company law, contract law, public law I and II, tort, and criminal law) each week. Some of these will be compulsory, and others you will choose yourself depending on your areas of interest.
You will have to complete a lot of writing, so it is worth investing in a good word processor and getting plenty of practice. The personal statement is also a big element of the application and it’s worth taking the time to write something that will stand out from the crowd. A strong statement will demonstrate your passion for the law and your commitment to becoming a solicitor. It will also help you to show that you can handle the intense workload of a PGDL and fully understand the law’s fundamentals.
