Graduate Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination)

The law is connected to every issue we face as a society – whether local or global, environmental, political or criminal. Joining the legal sector, whatever the role, offers the chance to make a contribution towards tackling those issues. This course can be your way in, whether you graduated in another discipline or you’ve spent your career in a different profession.

In just one year, you can build the knowledge and skills to achieve an academic legal qualification, preparing the groundwork for a career in a range of legal professions. While you’ll learn about the fundamentals of law, it’s also a course with a focus on the practice of law too.

Before you even start the course in September, we’ll send you an induction pack to help you get started. With a wealth of online resources, you can get a solid introduction to the English legal system, essential research techniques and the systems we use on campus.

From there, you’ll be ready to explore the seven foundations of legal knowledge, from contract and criminal law to equity and trusts. With our Legal Skills and Practice module, you’ll then have a chance to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional practice, discovering the realities of applying the law to practical scenarios. Throughout it all you will analyse issues, conduct legal research and sharpen your problem-solving skills, developing the understanding fundamental for a career in law and laying the foundations for future training, potentially toward becoming a Barrister.

Manchester Law School offers the ideal setting. It’s a well-equipped environment, with an impressive law library and a moot courtroom where you can hone your skills in a realistic environment. We also offer a range of opportunities for developing your interests in law, with a busy programme of guest lectures and events, a Mooting and Advocacy Society, and various pro bono schemes where you can learn real-world professional skills while making a real difference in the community.

You should have an honours degree from the UK or the ROI. We may also consider your application if you do not have a degree, but have appropriate professional experience.

International students with a degree are eligible to apply as long as equivalence to a UK/ROI honours degree can be demonstrated. For further information, please visit mmu.ac.uk/international.

If you have any questions about our entry requirements, please contact our Course Enquiries Team.