Entry requirementsEntry Requirements: The Law School asks that applicants for the course should usually have a first degree (Bachelor) of at least a 2ii (Hons) as standard. Applicants should note the following: * Should you not hold a first degree from a UK/Irish university (eg. you may have a Masters degree alone or be a graduate of a university outside the UK/Republic of Ireland), you will be required to obtain, before entry to the course, a Certificate of Academic Standing (see below). * If you hold a first degree that is below a 2ii (Hons) standard or other qualifications that do not include a first degree (eg. an ILEX qualification), you are encouraged to contact the Course Director to discuss the position (eg. you may have considerable professional experience and/or qualifications). In any event, entry without a degree in such circumstances will require the applicant to obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing (see below). * If you already hold a non-qualifying law degree and entry to the Legal Practice Course/Bar Vocational Course is dependent upon completion of the GDL/CPE, and you wish to claim exemption from study subjects already obtained, you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Exemption from either the Law Society or Bar. A certificate will only be granted where exemption is sought for four or more subjects. * All applicants should satisfy themselves that where they wish to enter the legal profession, their qualifications achieve the minimum standards of entry for either the Law Society or the Bar. * Certificates of Academic Standing are issued by either the Law Society or the Bar. The professional body from which you obtain the certificate depends upon which branch of the legal profession you wish to enter. Information regarding applications for the Certificate of Academic Standing, information on the respective professional bodies’ requirements and general information with regard to legal practice can be obtained from the Law Society and the Bar Council. Certificates of Academic Standing issued by one body do not suffice for the other.
Academic titleGDL/Common Professional Examination (CPE) Law
Course descriptionGlamorgan is one of the oldest providers of the Common Professional Examination (CPE) in the country. It has been taught at Glamorgan for almost 30 years, and the University has awarded a qualification upon successful completion of the CPE for over ten years.
We have a wealth of experience and learning with regard to the teaching and study of the CPE and postgraduate education. We understand the essence of this course and what a prospective applicant is looking for when they decide to embark upon legal study. We also understand what it takes for students to achieve success in this course.
Course Content
The course is sometimes referred to, or viewed as, a ‘law conversion course’, but whilst the GDL/CPE at Glamorgan allows non-law graduates to progress to the vocational stage of legal education (ie. the Legal Practice Course for intending solicitors and the Bar Vocational Course for intending barristers), it can be studied for a variety of reasons. The GDL/CPE is a course that can be studied by graduates of any discipline:
* Those who wish to enter the legal profession as a solicitor or barrister.
* Those who wish to undertake the course for career development and enhancement.
* Those who wish to broaden their education with postgraduate legal study.
You will study all the legal subjects that the professional legal bodies regard as ‘core’ to an academic legal education.
How To Study
Glamorgan Law School offers the PgD/CPE in full and part time modes.
* Full time (1year study) intake is annual and applications are required to be made via the Central Applications Board.
* Part time (2 years study) entry is biannual (year one intake in September 2006, September 2008 and so on), and application is made direct to the University of Glamorgan . Applications for part time study outside of the biannual intake will be considered where the applicant can attend the course during the day.
Career prospects
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates may be permitted to undertake further study by dissertation of 20,000 words (subject to the agreement of the Research Degrees Committee), to obtain a Masters qualification in law (LL.M.)
This course offers links with the profession through the Legal Practice Course (See additional information).
Additional Information
Why study the PgD/CPE at Glamorgan Law School?
* History of dedicated PgD/CPE teaching and learning.
* Excellent facilities.
* Highly competitive course fee
* Links with the profession through the Legal Practice Course.
* Enviable staff/student ratio (currently 11 staff dedicated to the course)
* Research active staff teaching on the course.
* A stimulating learning environment that provides appropriate pastoral care.
* Manageable work loads (7 ‘core’ subjects of legal study combined as part of 5 subjects over the year and timetabled normally over 3 days per week).
* High pass rate.
* Student activities such as mooting.