Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE)

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies is for graduates in disciplines other than law who wish to enter the legal profession.
Several institutions offer CPE programmes but ours is one of only two at redbrick universities. We attract well-qualified students who are looking for more than just a conversion course. All lectures and classes are given by academic staff, most of whom are internationally or nationally recognised experts. The workload and the academic standards expected of you are high.

This full-time only programme consists of the seven foundation subjects - Criminal Law, Contract, Equity, Land Law, Legal Foundations of the European Union, Public Law, and Tort, together with certain other elements which are separately assessed, including the English Legal System, Legal Research Skills (also developed through study of the foundation subjects) and an additional area of legal knowledge, which is assessed by an extended essay.

This is an academic programme demanding commitment and willingness to undertake independent research and study. It begins with a period of directed reading during July and August. This is followed by a three-week induction course in early September. The main teaching period covers the two semesters of the normal academic year, and the Diploma programme ends in June.

Teaching comprises a mixture of lectures and small-group supervisions and is undertaken by established members of the school's academic staff. A considerable amount of reading outside class contact hours is expected. Assessment methods vary between modules, and include formal examinations and essays written during the year.

The Birmingham School of Law has a high reputation in many areas of law, including applied legal research, where its investigations into the administration of justice have brought it to public notice.

The school has also been a pioneer in the study of European law. In addition we have a strong reputation in research in substantive law, in particular public law, human rights, criminal law, criminal justice, company law, comparative law, conflict of laws, consumer law, international law, anti-discrimination law, and socio-legal studies. This is one of the UK's largest undergraduate law schools.

Please note that applications for this programme must be submitted through the Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination Central Applications Board whose address is:

PO Box 84
Guildford
Surrey GU3 1YX
Tel: 01483 451080

Career opportunities
If you are intending to qualify as a barrister or solicitor, this diploma gives you exemption from the academic stage of the Bar and Law Society examinations in England and Wales provided you pass all the foundation subjects.

Detailed Entry Requirements
A first or upper second class Honours degree in any subject. However, students with lower second class Honours degrees will also be considered if supported by strong academic references and where some modules were of good upper second class standard

Language
For students whose first language is not English, our standard entry requirement for those offering TOEFL or IELTS qualifications will be expressed in the alternative as EITHER:

(i) TOEFL 600 (paper based)/ 250 (computer based) to include a TWE score of 4.5 or IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any band)
(ii) TOEFL 580/237 to include a TWE score of 4.0 or IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band). Candidates who attain these lower grades will also be required to attend and complete a 6 week pre-sessional course offered by our English for International Students Unit.

Certificate of Academic Standing
Students whose degree is from a university outside the United Kingdom will be required to obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from the professional body which they propose to join. This can only be obtained after a student has received an offer of a place on a CPE or Diploma course and the procedure for obtaining such a certificate is explained in the offer letters