Course Overview
Course summary
This intensive course is designed for non-law graduates of any discipline, or overseas law graduates who wish to qualify as either barristers or solicitors. The course begins with a two-week introduction to the English legal system and the legal profession. You will then study the seven foundation subjects.
If you successfully complete the course you will be eligible for entry on to the LLM in Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).
We have been successfully running this conversion course since 1977 and our students have taken a variety of first degrees at a wide range of universities. Our teaching team contains a rich mix of those who are professionally qualified and others who are active researchers. The course therefore provides a stimulating learning experience. This is reinforced by our small class sizes and the supportive atmosphere within the Westminster Law School.
The Graduate Diploma in Law will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of basic legal principles, their application to the formulation and resolution of legal problems, and an enquiring, logical and critical approach to legal analysis. It builds upon the academic and professional expertise previously acquired by graduate students and develops the relevant skills needed to demonstrate competence in legal practice.
By the end of the course, you will have a greater understanding of the areas of law studied, of the legal process and the inter-relationship between different areas of law in a national and European context. You will also be able to identify, find and use a range of sources of legal information to assist in legal research, analyse legal information and apply it to the solution of problems.
In addition to the legal skills that you learn as part of the course we aim to provide a series of extra-curricular activities such as mooting and Pro Bono/clinical work. These help to put your legal knowledge into a practical context.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
This will introduce you to modern English contract law as part of the wider law of obligations. The module examines formation of a binding contract through agreement, the scope of both positive and negative contractual obligations, factors which affect an otherwise enforceable contract, and remedies available for breach of contract. In addition, the module considers special rules applying to particular types of contract.
You will develop your understanding of criminal liability, and be able to analyse criminal law, as well as appreciating its nature, scope and purpose. The module covers the general principles of criminal law, including the definition of a crime, elements of criminal liability, defences, inchoate offences, and complicity. You will also focus on a number of specific offences, including fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, theft and criminal damage.
You will consider the historical development of equity and the concept of the trust, and the rules on creation of express trusts. The module compares public and private trusts, and trusts for non-profit making associations. It also focuses on the principles of resulting and constructive trusts, trustees' powers and duties, and issues relating to liability for breach of trust. Equitable remedies are examined and, where appropriate, compared with common law remedies. The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 is also considered.
This subject opens with an introduction to land ownership, before considering three main areas of land acquisition – adverse possession, the formalities associated with s.2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, and an outline of the conveyancing process. You will also look at the landlord and tenant relationship, lease/ licence distinctions and leasehold covenants. Other areas covered include the rules relating to notice in registered and unregistered land, overriding interests, freehold covenants, easements and profits, and co-ownership. The module concludes by studying licences and estoppel, and mortgages.
You will develop your understanding of the legislative and judicial structure and functioning of EU institutions, the fundamental characteristics of EU law, its methods and procedures, and its relationship to national law. You will then apply this knowledge to substantive areas of law, such as the economic and social law of the internal market, social policy and competition law. The module shows how EU law has been influenced by its historical, political, economic and social contexts.
This module looks at the structure and principal characteristics of the constitution of the UK, comparing it with other constitutions, and analysing how it affects the exercise of governmental power and the protection of fundamental rights. You will gain a greater understanding of the role of the organs of government and their relations with each other, and the doctrine of Parliamentary supremacy. You will also examine the impact of membership of the European Community on the UK's constitution, the extent of prerogative powers, mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights, and the role of judicial review and its relationship with the rule of law.
You will consider the key areas in the modern law of tort such as negligence, defamation and trespass and discuss the legal rules, concepts and policies involved in relevant case law and statute. The course also examines the wider social and economic issues raised by particular areas of tort, and the operation of the tort system.
Option modules
Students are required to undertake research into a further area of law, leading to the submission of a 4,000-word essay. The title is chosen from a designated list set by the Module Leader. Past options have included Commercial Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Evidence, Media Law, Human Rights Law. Students receive initial guidance on the subject and advice on how to conduct legal research.
This module provides students with the opportunity to gain credit for reflecting on work experience that has relevance to their GDL studies, and that has been pre-approved by the module leader. The module is assessed by the submission of a short portfolio containing reflection on aspects of their work, accompanied by a 3,000-word essay communicating what they have learned. Students must also produce a certificate from their employer stating that they have completed a sufficient number of hours in the workplace.
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
Course Leader
Derek Lavery
Senior Lecturer
Derek joined the Westminster University School of Law in 1999 as a member of the Legal Practice Course teaching team. He became leader of the part-time Graduate Diploma in Law in 2004, and is now the overall Course Director of the GDL programme. Derek’s areas of teaching include Contract Law on the GDL, Civil and Commercial Litigation on the LPC; he also teaches Solicitors’ Accounts and Advocacy, and is actively involved in coaching law students for participation in moots, sitting often as a judge in national mooting competitions.
Derek’s other related activities are that he is involved in validation and monitoring of a number of external law courses, has been an external examiner for the Legal Practice Course at several institutions, and has been engaged in the development of a legal skills course for patent attorneys.
Derek’s areas of teaching include Contract Law on the Graduate Diploma in Law and he is actively involved in coaching law students for participation in moots, sitting often as a judge in national mooting competitions.
Course Team
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). This course is open to non-Law graduates who wish to convert their existing degree to a law degree by completing the academic stage of legal training in one year.The full-time Graduate Diploma in Law Course, also known as the CPE, is open to graduates who have a non-law degree or those who have an equivalent qualification as well as mature entrants who are deemed eligible by the SRA.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). This course is open to non-Law graduates who wish to convert their existing degree to a law degree by completing the academic stage of legal training in one year.The full-time Graduate Diploma in Law Course, also known as the CPE, is open to graduates who have a non-law degree or those who have an equivalent qualification as well as mature entrants who are deemed eligible by the SRA.
If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
More information
Careers
Westminster law students benefit from the following:
- Dedicated 1-2-1 appointments with careers advisors.
- Feedback and advice on CVs, applications and interview preparation.
- Employer panel events and talks.
- Law vacancy jobs bulletin.
- Annual Law Fair Consortium.
- Mock Assessment Centres and Interviews.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we provide you with a variety of opportunities to work and develop new skills. As a University of Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.
We can help you:
- find work placements, graduate jobs or voluntary experience related to your course
- discover international opportunities to enhance your employability
- write effective CVs and application forms
- develop your interview and enterprise skills
- plan your career with our career consultants
- gain insights into your chosen industry through mentoring
- meet employers and explore your career options at our employer fairs, careers presentations and networking events
Find out more about the Careers and Employability Service.
Find out more about other employability initiatives at the University of Westminster.
The Legal Skills Academy is a joint initiative between Westminster Law School and the Careers and Employability Service.
As a law student you will have access to specialist workshops and presentations to help you to develop your employability skills. Our events are usually led by legal professionals, giving you the opportunity to network with lawyers and other professionals in the field.
Find out more about the Legal Skills Academy.
Find out more
Postgraduate Law Courses at Westminster Law School
Professional training in Law at Westminster Law School
Student success

Katie Sills
Legal Practice LLM
I had heard horror stories about how tough the Graduate Diploma in Law was, but the lecturers were brilliant at structuring the course in a way that was easy to process and they offered assistance whenever it was needed.
Unlike a number of other providers, Westminster also delivers the majority of lecturers live, which I found particularly helpful as it gave me the opportunity to interact and ask questions when was needed.
I had heard horror stories about how tough the Graduate Diploma in Law was, but the lecturers were brilliant at structuring the course in a way that was easy to process.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £8,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Funding
Please note, students applying to study on this course are not eligible for student finance and the University does not currently offer Advanced Learner Loans. When making an application we recommend all applicants check their funding options and plan for a self-funded period of study. For more information on payment dates to help plan your finances please refer to the paying your fees section.
International tuition fee: £14,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Funding
Please note, students applying to study on this course are not eligible for student finance and the University does not currently offer Advanced Learner Loans. When making an application we recommend all applicants check their funding options and plan for a self-funded period of study. For more information on payment dates to help plan your finances please refer to the paying your fees section.
Course Location
Westminster Law School resides at Little Titchfield Street, part of our Regent Campus. Alongside a full mock courtroom, hi-tech learning spaces and a pro-bono clinic, it also houses our state-of-the-art, 382-seat lecture theatre. For more details, visit our Little Titchfield Street page.
Contact us
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
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