The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Law - GDL
GradDip
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: 12 months
Part time: 24 months
Department
Overview
Are you looking to launch your legal career? Or access a surefire path to becoming a solicitor or barrister? A path that is highly regarded by employers?
When you study a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at Oxford Brookes, you’ll join a close-knit team of students - with an international reputation for excellence.
You’ll gain firsthand legal experience early in your training. You’ll be coached by expert tutors, as well as leading barristers and judges. You’ll be connected with leading QCs, gaining valuable courtroom experience. And you’ll be able to join our internationally recognised mooting and client interviewing teams.
You’ll build careers skills that will set you apart, and equip you for:
- The Bar Training Course (BTC) or
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC)
You’ll be taught by experts whose research is internationally recognised. And you’ll graduate with a reputable legal qualification that is highly regarded by employers - setting you apart from other candidates.

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
You will normally have, or be predicted to have, a second class degree or above and your application should also demonstrate a commitment to the legal profession.
All applications are considered on their merits and we'll consider applicants who do not have an upper second class honours degree who can demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a legal profession and have other strengths or evidence of achievement such as awards, scholarships and work experience - paid or unpaid.
A Certificate of Academic Standing is required for applicants whose intention it is to become a barrister and who do not hold a UK first Degree. Applicants are strongly advised to apply to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/ as soon as possible for a Certificate of Academic Standing for the GDL as these can take some time to obtain.
You can also join the GDL on a training contract - and every year some of our students join us having secured training contracts with legal firms.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Students whose first language is not English will need A-level English, or an IELTS score of 7.0, including a minimum of 6.5 in each component. This is for all applicants whose first language in not English including those who may have a degree from the UK.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Full-time applications
Applications for full-time study are made through the Central Applications Board.
Please ensure that you select Oxford Brookes School of Law from the options available.
Important deadlines
The closing date for full time and part time applications for the Graduate Diploma in Law is 31st August 2021.
Part-time applications
Applications for the part-time course are received directly to Oxford Brookes University:
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Students on this course are not eligible for the Postgraduate Master's Loan.
Financial support and scholarships
There's a scholarship competition for those who are holding an offer for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). You can win an award of £2,000 towards your course fees for September 2021, find out more about the scholarship competition.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
You’ll kick off your learning experience with a two-week induction course. This includes a study of the English legal system, legal theory, legal writing and problem-solving. You must pass the induction course before progressing onto the GDL.
Once on the course, you’ll start building essential legal knowledge and skills immediately. You’ll explore all the core legal subjects, including:
- criminal law
- contract law
- human rights law
- and constitutional law
You’ll also be able to carry out a research project in a legal area that interests you - like sports law, intellectual property or workplace rights. You’ll be supported all the way through by a tutor who is an expert in your chosen field. And you’ll start to develop a specialism early, setting you apart from other candidates.

Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Your lectures and workshops will be led by active legal researchers, as well as qualified barristers and solicitors who are passionate about teaching.
You’ll also have access to regular mooting and client interviewing workshops. This will build your advocacy skills - crucial to professional practice as a solicitor or barrister. You’ll experience the courtroom firsthand - via competitions and in our own moot court. And you’ll be connected with leading solicitors and law firms.
And, if you’re joining Oxford Brookes without any prior experience of law, you’ll have access to our Mentoring Scheme - where you’ll be mentored by a practising barrister or solicitor.
If you choose to study the GDL part-time, you’ll attend lectures and seminars two days per week. This can help you balance your study around employment and family commitments.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
You will have an ongoing awareness of your progress. Assessments are spread throughout the course and include both coursework and exams.
Our staff and students monitor and analyse the effectiveness of teaching and assessments. Our methods are described in the course handbook.
Research
Research strengths and interests among staff include:
- public law
- international law and human rights
- employment
- religion and the law
- criminal justice
- IT and the law.
- Research areas and clusters
Research degrees can be undertaken in the following areas:
- access to justice
- accountability
- company law
- comparative constitutions
- criminal justice
- family law
- human rights
- information law
- international economic law
- international law and policy
- international trade and commercial law
- international and European environmental law
- intellectual property law
- law and religion
- migration
- workplace rights and employment law
- WTO law.

After you graduate
Career prospects
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to progress into a career as a solicitor or barrister. You’ll be equipped to hit the ground running on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Course.
You’ll graduate with a reputable qualification that is highly regarded by the legal profession. You’ll have a thorough knowledge base and proven practical skills. This will give you a competitive edge on the jobs market, or in your pupillage.
You’ll also be supported to apply for funding for the Bar - and every year some of our students are awarded the prestigious Inns of Court scholarships. And many Oxford Brookes students secure pupillages in leading firms like Quadrant Chambers, 4 Pump Court and XXIV Old Buildings.
Student profiles
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.