Graduate Diploma in Law - GDL at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University

United Kingdom, Oxford

University Rank:#374

Oxford Brookes University offers the Graduate Diploma of Law - GDL as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Headington campus in Oxford, United Kingdom. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for law - gdl and related professional fields. Tuition fees are USD 14,991 / year, and the next available intake begins on September 1, 2026.

About Graduate Diploma in Law - GDL

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 and Admission Criteria for Graduate Diploma in Law - GDL at Oxford Brookes University

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 Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5

English Program Requirements

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

Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Diploma in Law - GDL

‘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.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

14,991 / year

Graduate Diploma in Law - GDL at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University

United Kingdom, Oxford