GDL Law (Full-time)

Institution Nottingham Trent University
Method At the institution
Location Nottingham
Type Courses
Course fee By request

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GDL Law (Full-time)

Objectives Entry requirements The principal criteria for admission to the full-time course are: * the applicant's academic record (at least an actual or predicted 2.2 or equivalent, and references) * previous qualifications and work experience (whether legal or otherwise) * demonstration of an interest in legal work * fluency in written and oral English. Applications must be submitted before early February deadline. Applicants holding degrees/qualifications from non-UK universities will need to contact the SRA or Bar Standards Board for a Certificate of Academic Standing at the application stage. However, Nottingham Law School does not need to see this certificate until enrolment. If you have a non-UK degree we are looking for as much evidence as possible of a strong academic record. To assist us you need to specify on your application form whether your first degree (and any other degree/award) is equivalent to a first or good second class award and whether that placed you in the top 10%, 20%, 30% etc of the year. It would also help if you could translate your A-levels or equivalent into As, Bs, Cs etc, in case we need to refer to these. Evidence of academic ability in your reference is also important. Note that no concession is made on our GDL course if English is not your first language; fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement for entry onto it. All applicants are required to confirm this when an offer is accepted. However, we do not require specific test grades (e.g. ILETS/TOEFL).
Entry requirements A one year full-time course for non law graduates who wish to qualify as solicitors as barristers. Successful completion of the course allows candidates to proceed to the LPC or BVC. Overseas students should note that the GDL is usually only recognised as a qualifying law programme within the UK. If you wish to apply for an exemption from any subjects please note that these are available on the GDL Distance Learning course.
Academic title GDL Law (Full-time)
Course description Course content
This is a fast track conversion course which effectively covers the seven core subjects of a law degree in one year.

Successful completion of the GDL (full-time) at first attempt, guarantees students a place on our excellent rated LPC and favourable consideration for our high quality BVC.

The course begins with a three week induction programme giving an introduction to the English legal system, legal method and legal research.

The main teaching programme covers the following seven subjects:

    * contract
    * tort
    * land
    * equity and trusts
    * criminal and police powers
    * constitutional and administrative law
    * EU law.

You will also cover an additional area of study as a research project. This is an extended essay of around 5000 words. The main object of this exercise is to improve research skills in an area of interest.

There are six or seven hour lectures and six or seven one and a half hour tutorials per fortnight, plus significant independent study. Class hours are usually between 9am and 5pm.

How do you study?
The Law School has a reputation for teaching law in a practical and relevant way. The GDL aims to combine academic study with a practical focus. Lectures and tutorials are designed to encourage interactive learning, where students learn by doing in small groups rather than by passive listening in 'old style' chalk and talk lectures. Fortnightly tutorials are designed to allow time for consolidation and analysis.

Assessment
It is assessed by a combination of in course assessments (approximately 40%) and end of year examinations (approximately 60%).

Resources and facilities
Teaching on the GDL takes place mainly in the Belgrave Centre. Our lecture theatre was purpose built for the professional courses. Small group sessions also take place in purpose built teaching and syndicate rooms. Our purpose designed Professional Resource Centre provides IT and AV resources, study areas and libraries.

Lots of GDL providers make claims for their IT delivery - we think that ultimately a course of this complexity needs to be taught by humans and supported by IT rather than the other way round. So, as ever, we generate top quality teaching materials here on site, but we make them available 24/7 through our Citrix remote access systems.

Study Location
You can now study in Nottingham or London. We have partnered with Kaplan Law School to offer Nottingham Law School's LPC and GDL from a brand new central London campus, as well as from Nottingham.

Study routes
One year full-time course running from September to June.

Special benefits
Successful students are guaranteed a place on the excellent rated Nottingham Law School LPC. Successful candidates intending to be barristers are also considered favourably for a place on the BVC.

Students who successfully complete the GDL followed by Nottingham Law School's LPC or BVC have the opportunity of obtaining a full LLB (known as a graduate LLB), reflecting the significant effort and achievement of the combination of a GDL and an LPC/BVC.

Accreditation
The Joint Academic Stage Board.

Professional development
Nottingham Law School offers students the opportunity to get involved with pro bono opportunities.

We believe language skills will prove very useful to you professionally. The University runs courses in a wide variety of major languages from beginner to advanced. We encourage you to take part. There are fees but we subsidise them on your behalf.