Pick a Provider
updated on 12 July 2005
Dear Oracle
I have a place to do the GDL at one provider, but I'm not sure if it has a good reputation. Where is the best place to do the GDL? Is any one institution better than another?The Oracle replies
In all honesty, when choosing an institution for the GDL the same rationale applies as when choosing an LPC or degree provider. It is important to check the different careers guides to get independent feedback on the quality of the institution. It is also important to remember that there can be crossover, so that an institution with a good LPC will be likely to run other quality courses – ie, a good LPC rating is probably indicative of general good practice. The Law Society grades LPC providers, so you could check with them ([email protected] or 01527 504433) or go to the Law Society's website page on LPC providers. The Law Society's website also lists CPE/GDL providers, and provides links to course details published by providers.
It is also a question of visiting the institutions and speaking to students, or finding former graduates if possible and speaking to them. Objectively, facilities are extremely important, and the cost of whichever course is chosen is crucial - is it affordable to you? Something else to bear in mind is what type of law you intend to practice in. For example, media law is now taught as part of the LPC offered at the University of Westminster in London, while few other institutions offer this as an option.
