Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at Swansea University is a Master programme in Law over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of law. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 11,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,850 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Swansea, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) programme are prepared for diverse careers in law:
- Solicitor / Barrister
- Legal Counsel
- Policy Advisor
- Legal Researcher
- Compliance Officer
- International Arbitrator
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- The course is preceded by a two-week period of directed reading on the English Legal System and the principles of legal scholarship (no attendance required, home study)
- Teaching commences with an induction period which includes a short block of lectures and seminars concentrating on the English Legal System, the acquisition of legal skills, and European Union Law
- The foundation subjects of Contract, Tort, Public Law, Equity & Trusts, Land Law and Criminal Law are taught by means of a series of lectures and compulsory seminars spanning two teaching blocks;
- A further legal subject is studied by means of a supervised research project;
- Class contact averages 16 hours per week. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 40 hours per week, attending classes and undertaking private study.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
To enrol on the GDL an applicant must normally have obtained an undergraduate degree awarded by a recognised UK or Republic of Ireland institution. (Please note that those wishing to progress to the Bar should normally have achieved at least a 2 (ii) honours classification in their undergraduate degree. Candidates with alternative qualifications or experience are also encouraged to apply. Prospective students whose first language is not English may also be required to demonstrate their language proficiency by achieving IELTS Level 6.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 11,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,850 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 11,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,850 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Swansea University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Swansea University
Swansea University
Swansea, United Kingdom
Swansea University is a public research university located in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. It was established as University College of Swansea in 1920, as the fourth college of the University...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months