Law - GDL

Oxford Brookes University

United Kingdom, Oxford

University RankQS Ranking

416

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/Oxford /Oxford Brookes University/Law - GDL

Oxford Brookes University

United Kingdom , Oxford

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Headington

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 11,150 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Law - GDL

About

Overview

Join a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course where you’ll build effective legal knowledge and develop practical legal skills.

You’ll be part of a supportive, acclaimed and successful course. You’ll learn from qualified legal practitioners and key international law researchers; with a deep understanding of the subject area and close links to the profession.

You'll develop an awareness of how to apply the law in professional practice. You will also advance your research and professional legal skills. You'll study in small groups and receive expert tuition. You can also join our award winning mooting and client interviewing teams, to build your advocacy skills.

There's also access to employability and pro bono opportunities - including:

Solicitor and barrister mentoring scheme
A court-based family law pro bono project
Training to work with the death row charity Amicus ALJ.

You’ll gain expert legal knowledge and skills to equip you for the Bar Training Course (BTC) or to start the preparation courses for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

Law, GDL, course from the School of Law and Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University

Disciplines

School of Law

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Specific entry requirements

You will normally have a second class degree or above and your application should also demonstrate a commitment to the legal profession.

All applications are considered on their merits and we'll consider applicants who do not have an upper second class honours degree who can demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a legal profession and have other strengths or evidence of achievement such as awards, scholarships and work experience - paid or unpaid.

A Certificate of Academic Standing is required for applicants whose intention it is to become a barrister and who do not hold a UK first Degree. Applicants are strongly advised to apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) as soon as possible for a Certificate of Academic Standing for the GDL as these can take some time to obtain.

You can also join the GDL on a training contract or with qualifying work experience. And every year some of our students join us having secured positions with legal firms.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

English Program Requirements

Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.

Career

‘This degree awarded to you is supremely valuable. The award is from a university which... commands very considerable respect. A Law degree from Brookes leads us London lawyers to say: well, she or he must be bright as well as knowledgeable’. Lord Wilson of Culworth, Justice of the Supreme Court (2019)

When you graduate, you’ll be ready to progress into a law career. You’ll be ready to progress onto the Bar Course, if you want to become a barrister. You’ll also have a strong foundation of knowledge to take the further SQE1 and SQE 2 requirements to then take the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE).

You’ll graduate with a reputable qualification that is highly regarded by employers in the legal profession. You’ll have a thorough knowledge base and proven practical skills.This will set you up for success in your further training. And it can give you a competitive edge on the jobs market or in a pupillage. Take a look at our Routes to Legal Qualification page, that show you the paths into a legal career.

You’ll also be supported to apply for funding for the Bar - and every year some of our students are awarded the prestigious Inns of Court scholarships. And many Oxford Brookes students secure pupillages in leading firms like Quadrant Chambers, 4 Pump Court and XXIV Old Buildings.