GDL course content and assessment
Getting started
The GDL starts with an online pre-course study programme in legal method, designed so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. This covers the English legal system, legal research and other essential skills. It acts as a bridge between your previous education and the law, and draws on practical examples of the law in a range of commercial and other contexts. This multi-media package will help build your business awareness.
Foundation subjects
You’ll then study the seven foundation subjects from a lawyer's perspective.
Preparing for practice module
A unique new module providing you with practical, skills-based training in real work situations:
- problem-solving to help you think like a lawyer
- commercial awareness training
- practice-related activity such as mooting or pro bono
- independent research and choice of academic dissertation or problem based report in your area of interest
- introduction to company law to develop your business acumen.
Assessment
Regular informal assessments and written and oral feedback from tutors will help you monitor your progress in preparation for the final exams.
Your final result is based on:
- a multiple choice examination on legal method
- two pieces of independent research: one on foundation subjects and a dissertation or problem based report on a legal subject of your choice
- final examinations in each foundation subject
