Northumbria’s GDL is taught using a practical, student-focused approach providing a solid grounding in the major areas of law.
It covers the foundations of legal knowledge which are taught by means of lectures, group sessions and seminars. Students are provided with comprehensive study materials, textbooks and step-by-step workbooks to support their studies.
At the beginning of the programme students are required to study the English Legal System by means of a pre-attendance package and induction programme.
In addition, students must study the following seven subjects, which are stipulated by the professional bodies as being the foundations of legal knowledge:
Contract Law
Criminal Law
Equity and Trusts
European Union Law
Property Law
Public Law
Law of Tort
All students are required to undertake research into a further area of law. Past options have included Company Law, Commercial Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Evidence and Legal History among others. Students receive initial guidance on the subject and advice on how to conduct legal research.
Standard Entry
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in any subject from a UK or Republic of Ireland Higher Education Institution or a Certificate or Academic Standing from the Law Society or the Bar Council.
Applicants who have previously studied four or more of the foundation subjects may obtain an exemption from those subjects. If you are granted a certificate of exemption, the certificate must be shown to us at enrolment. Applications for exemption should be made to the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board. Please note that students with exemptions who pass the outstanding subjects will pass the programme, but will not generally be awarded the Diploma.
Plus one of the following:
International/English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below.
A British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 5.5
Pearson Academic score of 62 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51
The University also accepts many other English language qualifications and if you have any questions about our English Language requirements please contact the International Admissions Office and we will be glad to assist yo
Applications for this programme must be made online through the Central Applications Board, accessible at www.lawcabs.ac.uk