Graduate courses
Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) First developed in 1977, our nationally renowned Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) was one of the first of the Common Professional Examination courses for non-law graduates wishing to start training for a career in law. Duration
Full-time: one year. Entry requirements
Applicants should hold a lower second class Honours degree in any subject or the equivalent from an international institution. English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required: IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL (internet-based): 107 or above.
The GDL allows students to gain a good foundation in law and fast-track their legal career. Students benefit from the expertise of academic staff at The City Law School, as well as that of leading visiting lecturers and speakers from the legal profession. The GDL covers the seven core foundation subjects that are prerequisites for taking the professional examinations. Throughout the year we hold regular careers events for aspiring solicitors and barristers, giving City students the chance to network with representatives from leading firms and chambers. Our GDL course has an unrivalled reputation within the profession for the quality of its education, the analytical abilities of its students and the preparation that it provides for students seeking pupillages or training contracts.
Course content The GDL allows students to cover the core material of an undergraduate law degree, together with some postgraduate level study, in one year. We place a strong emphasis on growing analytical and research skills to ensure graduates are fully prepared for practice. The foundation subjects studied are: • Contract law • Crime • Equity and trusts • European Union • Land law • Public law • Tort.
20
The City Law School Prospectus 2014/15
In addition, the Introduction to legal ethics module, unique to City, also allows students to reflect on the ethical challenges which lawyers might face in practice and the values which characterise the profession. Full details of the syllabus for the course can be found on our website: www.city.ac.uk/law/gdl. The course occupies around 18 hours each week. Every week students attend a two-hour lecture in six of the seven foundation subjects (contract lectures are in an online format) and a tutorial in each subject every fortnight. There will also be time for personal study to prepare for lectures and tutorials. Instruction in the use of legal materials and in legal research methods (including use of electronic retrieval systems) is also an integral part of the course, including The City Law School’s award-winning Lawbore (for more information on Lawbore, see page 9).
Assessment methods Formal assessment is based on written examinations held at the end of the course; formative coursework given throughout the year helps with preparation for these examinations. Students are awarded the University’s Graduate Diploma in Law upon successful completion of coursework and examinations.