Law conversion courses

Do I need to take a conversion course?

No, it's not mandatory. Under the SQE qualification route non-law graduates don't have to study a law conversion course (or SQE preparation course) to sit the SQE. In fact, there are no degree requirements to sit the SQE exams.

Therefore, it's possible to take the SQE without ever having studied law at university although we wouldn't advise it.

The best chance non-law students have of passing the SQE and qualifying as a solicitor is to take a:

• stand-alone law conversion course and then an SQE preparation course, or
• conversion course that incorporates SQE preparation into the programme.

What is the GDL?

Traditionally the GDL provided non-law graduates access to a career as a solicitor or barrister. It put those who didn't study law at undergraduate level on an equal footing with those who did.

Before the introduction of the SQE, which changed the way aspiring solicitors qualify, non-law graduates completed this form of law conversion course after finishing their undergraduate degree, but before taking on the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

Eventually the SQE will replace the GDL (and the LPC) but for now transitional arrangements are in place. Those who started a law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021 will be able to qualify via the traditional route until December 2032.

The premise of the GDL won't vanish completely though. While some organisations and institutions continue to provide the GDL throughout the transitional period, many now offer updated law conversion courses, commonly known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), or MA in Law.

The process to convert to law in Scotland is different and the equivalent of a GDL is the Graduate Entry LLB/Accelerated LLB, which takes two years. Find out more about training to be a solicitor in Scotland.

What does the GDL involve?

The course fits approximately 18 months' worth of content from a three-year law degree into one year full time or two years part time.

In addition to providing non-law students with a basic foundation in legal theory, there are seven core modules covered on the course:

• contract law
• criminal law
• equity and trusts
• European Union (EU) law
• land law
• public law
• tort law.

You'll also have to study an eighth subject, which may be determined by the institution or a free choice from a set list. This could include:

• directors' duties
• immigration law
• legal ethics
• patent law.

Each week, you'll have around 45 hours of lectures, tutorials, and self-study culminating in a three-hour final exam on each subject.

How do I apply for the GDL?

Students apply in the final year of their undergraduate degree. All applications for full-time places are made through the LawCab (Central Applications Board), while part-time applications go directly to course providers.

You need to submit your application as early as you can in the autumn term, as there is no closing date and applications are dealt with as they are submitted. This means that the later you apply, the more flexible you will have to be about where you study.

The LawCAB application fee is £30 and enables you to apply to up to three institutions at a time.

How much does the GDL cost?

Fees vary depending on where you choose to study.

For example in 2026/27:

• City, University of London charges £14,890 for its full-time GDL
• the GDL at London Metropolitan University costs £8,260
• the online GDL at Leeds Beckett University costs £11,850.

Some courses expect you to pay a deposit when you accept your place and then you need to arrange how to pay the remainder of your fees.

Some law firms sponsor their future trainees' studies and this means looking at the law firms that recruit two years in advance.

Students intending to pursue a career at the Bar can apply for scholarships from the Inns of Court.

Discover more about funding postgraduate study.

What about the new law conversion courses (PGDLs)?

Aimed at non-law graduates, a PGDL is an all-round general conversion course perfect for those who have yet to decide between a career as a solicitor or barrister. Just like with the traditional GDL you'll study for a PGDL after your undergraduate degree, but before embarking on the SQE exams.

Other conversion course titles include:

• MA Law (conversion)
• Law conversion LLM.

Providers title their courses differently, so you'll need to do your research to decide which one is right for you.

Where can I study a PGDL or Law LLM conversion course?

• The University of Law (ULaw) have replaced their GDL with a PGDL. Taking one year to study full time and two part time. ULaw also run an MA Law (conversion) course, designed for non-law students who want to gain a general legal qualification at Masters level.
• BPP University offer a PGDL Law Conversion Course that takes eight months to complete full time. The course is closely aligned with the foundational law elements of SQE1. Upon completion of the course, you'll be able to take an SQE preparation course if needed or progress straight onto taking the SQE exams.
• Nottingham Trent University (NTU) switched out their GDL with a PGDL. Providing a foundation of legal knowledge, you can choose to study full or part time.
• The University of Sussex runs a Law MA, giving non-law students the chance to gain a Masters while getting up to speed on legal concepts.
• University of Brighton offers a Law Conversion LLM. It takes one year full time and two part time, and costs £11,508.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list, search for law conversion courses.

What do PGDLs involve?

Like the GDL, these courses condense the key principles of a qualifying law degree into an intensive programme. Students typically study the foundations of legal knowledge, including:

• contract law
• criminal law
• tort law
• public law
• land law
• equity and trusts
• constitutional and administrative law.

Many providers also incorporate practical legal skills, such as legal research, problem solving, advocacy and professional communication, to help students develop the competencies expected in legal practice.

The main differences between course types are the qualification awarded and how the content is structured. A PGDL focuses on core legal knowledge, while an MA Law or Law Conversion LLM combines legal foundations with additional research, professional development or dissertation modules, allowing students to graduate with a Masters-level qualification.

How much do PGDLs cost?

Each university or institution sets its own postgraduate course fees so costs vary. Studying in London is often more expensive and international students pay considerably more than UK students.

For example, UK students in the 2026/27 academic year will pay:

• ULaw PGDL - £15,450 (London) and £12,450 (outside London)
• BPP PGDL Law Conversion Course - £15,800 (London) and £12,600 (outside London)
• Nottingham Trent PGDL - £10,650 (full time)
• University of Sussex Law MA - £11,250
• University of Brighton Law conversion LLM - £11,250.

Do new conversion courses incorporate SQE preparation?

As well as these overarching qualifications, institutions have also begun to provide conversion courses that incorporate SQE preparation, such as:

• MA Law (SQE1) run by ULaw
• LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 at BPP University
• Solicitors Training Course (SQE prep) LLM at the University of the West of England
• Law and Legal Practice SQE1 Preparation Course LLM at Nottingham Trent University.

For more information on specific SQE preparation courses, see our SQE page.

In terms of funding, firms may pay their future trainees PGDL and SQE fees if they've been recruited to their training contracts at undergraduate level. Course and exam fees may also be paid retrospectively if a trainee has already started a course.

How do I apply for PGDLs, MA Law and Law conversion LLMs?

Application procedures vary by provider. Just like with the old GDL for most PGDLs you apply through LawCAB. For MA Law and Law Conversion LLM courses you’ll need to apply directly with individual universities and law schools.

Most institutions require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, typically at 2:2 or above, although entry requirements can differ. Some providers may also consider relevant professional experience or alternative qualifications.

Applications usually require:

• academic transcripts or degree results
• details of qualifications and education history
• a personal statement
• references (depending on the provider)
• proof of English language proficiency for international applicants.

Find out more

• Discover how to become a lawyer.