Postgraduate Diploma Law *
* subject to final UWE Bristol approval
This course is open for applications
Designed for graduates without an English and Welsh law degree, or those looking to refresh their legal knowledge and skills, this PGDip Law course provides the foundations needed to progress towards Bar and highly recommended in preparation for Solicitor Training Courses.
About
Why study this subject?
Whether you're aspiring to become a Barrister, Solicitor, Legal Executive, Paralegal, or a profession allied to law, our PGDip in Law can help you build the knowledge and skills needed to take the next step.
This Law PGDip (PGDL) conversion course is like a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) but taught at postgraduate level and is designed for graduates from any academic background. You'll study English Legal Systems, helping you confidently transition into legal study if the subject is new to you. You'll also explore the core principles of English and Welsh law through the seven foundations of legal knowledge: Criminal Law, Contract Law, Public Law, Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and EU law.
The course is also relevant if you're looking to refresh and update your legal knowledge and skills before progressing your career.
Why UWE Bristol?
Study a PGDip in Law at Bristol Law School and benefit from our excellent reputation and established connections across the globe.
You'll learn from experienced legal academics and practitioners in a supportive, inclusive community. Our practice-led approach brings law to life, helping you apply legal theory to real-world situations while developing the skills valued by employers.
Based at our vibrant Frenchay Campus, you'll have access to the facilities, resources and opportunities available through Bristol Law School and be part of a respected legal community.
Where can it take me?
The PGDip in Law (previously known as the Common Professional Examination (CPE)) provides the academic foundations that you'll need to progress to the next stage of your legal training. Whilst 'Qualifying Law Degrees' (QLDs) are no longer part of qualification routes; this course includes all elements of a QLD.
We also offer an LLM Law for those seeking a full master's qualification. This builds on the PGDip Law and includes additional master's-level modules and study, enabling eligible students to apply for government postgraduate funding.
Entry
Entry requirements
You'll need to meet the following requirements:
- An honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
- If you do not meet the above requirements, but have relevant work experience, we'll assess your application on an individual basis.
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need in our English Language section.
How to apply
Applications must be made online via the Central Applications Board.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
Structure
Content
The structure and content of this new course is currently under review and subject to final UWE Bristol approval. It will be published on this page as soon as possible.
Learning and Teaching
Taught by experienced legal academics and practitioners, the Law PGDip (PGDL) combines academic rigour with practical insight. You'll learn through a range of teaching approaches designed to help you engage with legal concepts, develop your legal reasoning and build confidence in applying the law to real-world scenarios.
Throughout the course, you'll benefit from practice-led learning that encourages critical thinking, discussion and analysis. You'll be supported by experts with experience across a range of legal disciplines while developing the knowledge and skills needed for postgraduate legal study and future professional training.
See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.
Assessment
You'll experience a range of assessment approaches designed to help you develop and demonstrate your legal knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills.
Assessments are designed to support your learning, deepen your understanding of key areas of law and help you build skills that are valuable for future study and professional development.
Meet the teaching team
The staff profiles shown reflect the teaching team for this course at the time of publication. Teaching staff may change depending on your year of entry.
Fees
There is currently no published fee data for this course.
Supplementary fee information
Features
Professional accreditation
This course contributes towards the requirements for both Call as a barrister at the bar of England and Wales, and admission onto the roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.
Study facilities
Bristol Law School offers excellent, state-of-the-art facilities designed to support your legal studies. You'll have access to specialist learning spaces and mock courtrooms where you can put your legal knowledge and skills into practice.
Our 24-hour library provides access to extensive legal resources, including LexisNexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline and i-law, alongside a wide range of electronic and printed books, journals and legal publications.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's campus and facilities.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Law facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Careers
Careers / Further study
Our PGDip in Law is designed for graduates who want to move towards a professional legal career but haven't previously completed formal legal studies or have stale legal qualifications.
The Law PGDip (PGDL) gives you knowledge of the seven foundations of legal knowledge: Criminal Law, Contract Law, Public Law, Torts, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, and EU law. These foundations are required for enrolment onto a Bar Training course. They're also highly valuable if you want to progress towards training as a Solicitor or Legal Executive.
This conversion course could also be suitable if your previous legal studies don't meet current Bar Standards Board requirements, if five years have elapsed since your academic legal training according to BSB regulations, or you're inexperienced in UK legal higher education. Its postgraduate-level approach can help you make the step up from undergraduate study and prepare for the challenges of further professional training.
After completing the PGDip in Law, you could progress towards a Bar Training Course or Solicitors Training Course or progress into a range of legal roles including Paralegal, Legal Executive and regulatory roles.
The legal knowledge and postgraduate-level skills you develop could also support careers outside professional legal practice. The course has been designed to allow progression into other professions and strengthen your wider career and enterprise prospects.
We also offer an LLM Law for those seeking a full master's qualification. This builds on the PGDip Law and includes additional master's-level modules and study, enabling eligible students to apply for government postgraduate funding.
Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
Learn more about graduate destinations.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
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Campus and facilities
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