There are many reasons why you might want to convert to law – perhaps you discovered your passion for it during undergraduate studies, or perhaps you’re passionate about social and legal issues that concern you. Whatever the reason, it is important to know that completing the PGDL will give you a competitive edge when it comes to applying for roles in the legal sector.
The PGDL (or postgraduate diploma in law) is a one-year course that non-law graduates must take before doing the Legal Practice Course (LPC). It’s also known as the ‘law conversion course’. It was previously called the CPE and some employers and law schools still use those terms along with PGDL.
It’s a laser-focused law course that prepares you for the modern professional legal exams you need to pass in order to become a solicitor or barrister. It teaches you the core legal knowledge that all legal professionals need, and it also covers a wide range of topics including trusts, charities, family law and estate administration.
You can study the PGDL full-time or part-time and many universities including University of Law and BPP University offer an online version of the course. The content of the courses is exactly the same, but some students prefer to learn off campus because they have work commitments or would like to study at their own convenience.
The PGDL is expensive, but there are a number of financial support options available. For example, some universities offer scholarships and government grants. Specialist student loans providers such as Lendwise also offer flexible loans for students. If you secure a training contract with a law firm before starting your PGDL, they may be willing to cover the cost of the course for you. PGDL