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FAQs

Why choose The College of Law?

The College is focused on the law, and only the law. We set the standard for legal education in the UK and internationally, constantly pioneering new and better ways to train the legal talent of tomorrow. We’re the first choice of study for more prospective and qualified lawyers than anyone else.

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What courses do you offer?

We offer a range of full-time and part-time legal courses with unmatched opportunities to specialise in your chosen area of law. From the graduate conversion course (GDL), to the compulsory postgraduate vocational training for prospective solicitors (LPC) and barristers (BVC), through to Master’s-level law degrees (LL.M).

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What is the GDL?

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) – also known as the Common Professional Exam (CPE) – is a one-year conversion course for non-law graduates, which leads to a qualification equivalent to a law degree. Our GDL is much more than a just a conversion course, however, and, with its emphasis on preparation for practice, is the perfect stepping stone to a successful legal career for non-law graduates.

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What is the LPC?

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is the compulsory vocational training and next step towards your career as a solicitor once you’ve completed a qualifying law degree or GDL. We offer three specialist study routes through the LPC depending on your career aspirations and the widest choice of elective subjects available.

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What is the BVC?

The Bar Vocational Course (BVC) is the compulsory vocational training required to become a barrister. Our BVC gives you the skills you need to cut it in a highly competitive environment, with an outstanding range of opportunities for you to put your learning into practice.

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How do you get an LL.B from the College?

If you successfully complete our GDL and go on to pass your LPC or BVC at the College, you’ll graduate with an LL.B law degree. There is no need to study or finance additional modules.

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What qualifications do I need to study at the College?

To study the GDL you’ll need a UK degree in any discipline, or an equivalent qualification. For the LPC or BVC you’ll need a minimum of a qualifying law degree of at least lower second class honours or the GDL. To study our LL.M courses you’ll need a UK undergraduate degree, or international equivalent, or a GDL, LPC or BVC.

GDL

LPC

BVC

What are your selection criteria?

Selection criteria are largely based on academic performance, but will depend on the course you intend to study.

GDL

LPC

BVC

What is an LL.M?

An LL.M is a Master’s-level law degree. The College of Law offers LL.Ms in both Professional Legal Practice and International Legal Practice. If you pass your LPC or BVC with The College, you’re already a third of the way towards the LL.M in Professional Legal Practice. Unlike the majority of LL.M courses, ours are professional rather than academic Master’s, and are designed to give you the practical skills and knowledge to make you a more marketable lawyer.

LL.M in Professional Legal Practice

LL.M in International Legal Practice

Are the courses available part-time as well as full-time?

The GDL, LPC and BVC are available to study on a full-time or part-time basis. Part-time courses offer day, evening and weekend options. Our LL.M in Professional Legal Practice can be studied via supervised online or blended learning modules (a mix of online and face-to-face tuition). Our LL.M in International Legal Practice is studied exclusively via supervised online modules.

Who teaches the courses?

Our courses are designed and delivered only by qualified lawyers with practical legal experience.

Where can I study at The College of Law?

We offer the widest choice of UK study locations available, with centres in London, Birmingham, Chester, Guildford and York. Our LL.M courses are also available to study via supervised online modules which do not include face-to-face tuition.

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What makes learning different at the College?

Your training will mirror life as a lawyer, preparing you for the pressures and rewards of the real world. We employ a unique blend of traditional and innovative learning styles to help you get the most from your course. The majority of our teaching is done in small, student-centred groups, with direct contact with your tutor, but training can also include online interactive tutorials, test and feedback exercises and podcasts where beneficial.

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Other than the training, how can you help me with my career?

We do everything we can to give you a real head-start to your career – and our legal careers service is the largest and best-resourced in UK legal education. It’s staffed by a dedicated team of careers experts who are backed up by an award-winning pro bono service and strong links with law firms, barristers’ chambers and other legal service providers.

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What happens if I need advice and support?

There’s plenty of personal and academic support on hand. You’ll be allocated personal tutors for face-to-face appointments or contact by phone, fax or e-mail. Private counselling is also available.

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Does the College cater for students with special needs?

There’s a special needs contact at each of our centres to make sure we do everything we can to support all our students, no matter their requirements. If you do have special requirements, you can contact us to discuss your specific needs in more detail.

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