Graduate Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination)

Our Graduate Diploma in Law is a conversion course designed to give non-law graduates a route into the legal profession. As such, in just one year, you can achieve an academic legal qualification that will lay down the foundations for a career in law.

Throughout the course, there is a strong focus on both the fundamental knowledge and the practical legal skills you’ll need to pursue a future in the sector. Above all, the course offers a well-rounded introduction to law and a great stepping-stone to further qualifications. From here, you can look ahead to the Bar Training Course to become a Barrister, or to further study leading to complete the Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination.

Building your legal knowledge

You will study a range of topics covering the core areas of law, from contract law and criminal law, to equities and trusts, while there’s also a unit designed to prepare you for the practicalities of the legal profession. Across it all, you’ll learn from a team that includes experienced legal professionals who understand what you need to succeed in the field. And, with high levels of face-to-face teaching and an open-door policy for academic advice and pastoral guidance, you can count on the support of your tutors during your time with us.

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 facing those issues. And 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 equities and trusts. With our legal skills and practice unit, 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’ll 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 Solicitor or Barrister.

Manchester Law School offers the ideal setting. It’s a well-equipped environment, with an impressive law library and a mock courtroom where you can hone your skills in a realistic environment. We also offer a range of opportunities for developing your interest 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.