PGDL – Choosing Where to Study
The Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is a law conversion course that condenses an LLB down to one year for those who wish to become barristers or solicitors. It is not for people with undergraduate law degrees but it is the first step if you are converting from another subject or industry.
Choosing where to study for your PGDL is a key decision. It should be aligned to your career aspirations and where you want to work. The law school and university should be able to offer you the best support and guidance for your legal future.
You can also choose if you would like to study part-time or full-time on your PGDL. The law school and university you choose should be able to offer you the best opportunities for funding your PGDL. This is a key aspect as PGDL costs can be significant, especially in London. There are specialist student finance companies such as Lendwise that provide loans for professional qualifications and PGDL, as well as the high-street banks.
You can also decide if you would like to take your PGDL online or in-person. Taking it online will save you time travelling and will allow you to work alongside your studies, if that is what suits your circumstances. However, studying in-person will allow you to build relationships with other students and lecturers, which can be a huge benefit to your studies. Depending on your institution you may also need to consider immigration issues if you are an international student.