The GDL is suitable both for recent graduates and more experienced graduates from diverse backgrounds who wish to change or develop their careers. The course is offered at institutions across the country and takes one year (full time) or two years (part-time).

Applicants with non-standard UK degrees or overseas qualifications wishing to complete the CPE/GDL must confirm with the Bar Standards Board or Solicitors Regulation Authority that their qualifications meet the minimum entry requirement - usually equivalent to a lower second class honours or above.

Students who wish to qualify as a solicitor should obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Students who wish to qualify as a barrister should obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Bar Standards Board.

On the GDL you will study the seven foundations of legal knowledge that represent the basic knowledge requirements for the Legal Practice or Bar Vocational Course. These are: contract; tort; criminal; equity and trusts; EU; property; and public. Each institution will set its own curriculum but wherever you take the course exams in four foundation subjects must be passed in the first year, and the remaining three areas in the second year. Part-time and distance-learning students must complete the GDL course within four years. All students successfully completing a GDL course will be awarded a diploma in law.

Applications for full-time courses are made online. Application forms (for full-time courses) are available online: www.lawcabs.ac.uk in the November of the year prior to you requiring a place. For example, to start the course in September 2009 you must make your application by February 2009 (first round). Online application forms for full-time 2009-10 Graduate Diploma in Law will be available from 1st November 2008. Applications for places on part-time GDL must be made direct to the providing Institutions and are subject to alternative deadlines.

Completion of the CPE/GDL does not automatically guarantee a place on the LPC. However, there are some institutions that do guarantee places if the GDL is passed at the same college. As with a law degree, the LPC must be started within seven years of passing the GDL / CPE.

Interested in qualfying in the UK? To find out which course you need to take and when visit our online guide to qualifying as a lawyer in the UK