Where to study
updated on 01 February 2023
Use the sub menu above to find out more about who is eligible, what you learn, where to study and more!
Find out which institutions offer the GDL by using our Course search.
This information applies to non-law graduates pursuing the barrister route and non-law graduates pursuing the solicitor route who meet the SRA’s transitional arrangements (ie, you started your GDL on or before 31 December 2021).
The GDL is only the first steppingstone on the way to becoming a lawyer for non-law graduates. The overriding criteria for choosing where to study the GDL should therefore be the quality of the tuition and the subsequent impact on the likelihood of getting a place on an LPC or Bar course. Some institutions may even guarantee a place on the subsequent course if you pass the GDL.
Find out as much information as possible about the various institutions before applying. You should try to find out about not only the academic programme, but also any links with the profession, the level of individual career guidance, the facilities available and any relevant extracurricular activities.
It would also be helpful to get an idea of the institution's reputation among both students and the profession.
If you don’t meet the SRA’s transitional arrangements, much of the same advice applies when considering which provider to choose for your SQE preparation courses. You should consider cost, location, content and study options.
LawCareers.Net’s guide to SQE preparation courses is a good starting point at this stage. You can also use the courses search tool to filter education providers based on course (eg, SQE) and location.
