The GDL programme is a conversion course that allows non-law graduates or those with an overseas law degree an opportunity to pursue a career in law. This rigorous and challenging one or two year learning experience – which is commended by employers – can lay the foundations of law knowledge necessary for you to move to the professional stages of legal training in the UK; either by way of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for barristers, or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for those wishing to become a solicitor (for practice in England & Wales only). It is also recognised by the Council for Vocational Legal Education (CVLE) in Mauritius for admission onto the vocational examination conducted under the supervision of the CVLE.

Your studies on this course aim to consolidate and enhance your existing intellectual rigour through legal research, reasoning, and argument. You will be equipped with knowledge and experience with foundational legal areas such as contract law, criminal law, and public law. You can also develop transferable skills in areas such as oral and written communication, group work, advocacy, critical thinking and more to support you in entering the law professions and throughout your career.

Applicants who are graduates must hold a degree in any subject, with a minimum 2:2 grade, from a recognised institution. Applicants will also be required to apply for a Certificate of Academic Standing (COAS) issued by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) UK. The issue of the COAS means that the BSB has accepted that you have attained the required standard to undertake the GDL course for the purpose of training as a barrister at the Bar of England and Wales. International applicants are also required to provide evidence of English Language competence and an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent).