Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE)

Overview & facilities

The intensive Graduate Diploma in Law course provides an excellent opportunity for non-law graduates to complete the academic stage of legal professional training. Students are supplied with comprehensive learning materials, authored by Middlesex staff and available both in hard-copy and on-line. These are complemented by a state-of-the-art suite of electronic legal research tools and a modern Learning Resource Centre.  The programme is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Council through the Joint Academic Stage Board (JASB). The JASB panel has commended the level of staff commitment, the support offered to students, and students’ inclusion in a wide variety of programme, University and external activities and events relevant the discipline. The panel also commended the academic team’s success in providing an academically rigorous and fulfilling experience for students on this programme.

Flexible Learning
We have been teaching the Graduate Diploma in Law in both full time and distance learning modes for more than 20 years. Our one year full time mode GDL concentrates weekly attendance on one day a week.  Ourdistance learning mode is taught online, with web support, and can be completed in 2 years. We also offer modular learning for students who have already studied some of the core modules on this course.

Law Library
Law students have 24 hour online access to the 3 primary legal databases; Heinonline; Lexis Library; and Westlaw. There are many other subscription databases available to students that are also useful for legal research. Instruction in their use as well as on particular areas of legal research is provided throughout the academic year. Law students can contact a dedicated law librarian directly and can access more detailed information about the databases anytime on the librarian’s law subject web pages.

All of our Graduate Diploma in Law students have access to our exclusive law library. Located on the 2nd Floor of the Sheppard Library, it houses the law textbooks, law journals and law reports. The law library is for Silent Study and the Open Access area contains individual study carrels equipped for WIFI. There is also another Silent Study room with 12 PCs adjacent to the Open Access area and a small group study room for group work..

Programme Support 
The programme of study is intensive, but student are offered excellent support from an experience administrative and academic programme team.

Susan Scott Hunt – Programme Leader:
“The Middlesex programme is recognised for its academic rigour and the professionalism, commitment and experience of the programme team. Its blended learning design skilfully guides students through comprehensive learning materials written specifically for the programme by tutors and combines frequent opportunities for individual feedback with all the information technology and communication tools of the modern law school. Many students who have completed the programme achieve high standards and go on to success on the LPC or BPTC and in employment in the legal professions and elsewhere.”

Sharon Procter - Dedicated Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE Administrator
“I have worked with the Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE team for nearly four years now and can honestly say that I enjoy my job very much. My main role is to support our students and academic staff. Being the dedicated administrator for this course enables me to do this effectively.”

"I have a lot of personal contact with the Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE students from the application stage through to Graduation. Acting as liaison between staff and students is a way of making sure that the whole Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE team is working with the same information, from day-to-day course details to weekend workshops to exams. Our students are always aware of my whereabouts, To have this close contact with the team helps me troubleshoot any problems that may arise, be it personal or academic difficulties. This ensures that the time spent with us runs as smoothly and happily as possible for each student.”

Skills and Language Support
The GDL programme team works closely with Middlesex Business School’s excellent Learner Development Unit. LDU staff and GDL programme staff frequently collaborate on skills teaching, including sessions on examination technique and coursework preparation.
Your individual progress is closely monitored by the programme team and extra support is available from the LDU for those for whom English is a second language, those who have specific learning difficulties or those returning to academic life after an absence.

Careers advice and support
Students have access to individual advice from the Hendon Campus Careers Service, including its website. They are regularly given information about career opportunities through notice boards, invited guest speakers, and activities organised by Middlesex University Careers Service, as well as liaison with relevant professional bodies and LPC and BTPC providers. The following are also provided:

• Careers Service: GDL students have access to an extensive careers database, help with CVs and interviews, an annual Law Careers Forum and can book individual appointments with a careers advisor. 
• Middlesex Law Society: The Law Department has excellent links with local practising lawyers through Middlesex Law Society (MLS), of which a member of staff is currently Vice President. Through MLS we contribute to recommendations to the Law Society and engage with issues relevant to legal practice and education. Law students attend MLS educational and social events, contribute to MLS's quarterly publication and arrange work placements with MLS firms.
• GDL students attend the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn University Information Afternoon & Dinner, for those wishing to become a Barrister.
• Legal Practice Course advice events for those wishing to pursue a career as a Solicitor are held.
• Current GDL students are invited to a Law Luncheon and other events attended by former students who have gone on to study and practice at the bar or as solicitors.

Download the Law Department brochure.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Constitutional and Administrative Law FT (20 Credits) - Compulsory

  To develop a sound knowledge and critical understanding of constitutional and administrative law and practice, including the specific protection afforded to human rights, in England and Wales. Encourages an awareness of the relationships between constitutional and administrative law and public policy, an understanding of the status and importance of international conventions on human rights and an appreciation of the importance of the role of state institutions in a study of individual and collective rights.

  Contract Law Ft (20 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module introduces students to the main principles, cases, statutory provisions and public policy issues affecting the law of contract. It provides a sound framework of knowledge to enable students to develop their ability to critically analyse and identify solutions to contract law problems, and to develop an awareness of the relationship between contract law principles and principles of other areas of English law.

  CPE Project FT (20 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to provide student with detailed knowledge and understanding of an eighth legal subject gained and to develop and enhance the ability to write effectively, fluently and in detail. Critical, analytical and research skills are developed through independent detailed study of a specific legal issue or area or law not within or significantly covered by one of the foundation subject modules. Independent work by students is supported by tutor conferences and comments.

  Criminal Law (25 Credits) - Compulsory

  Develops a sound knowledge and critical understanding of English criminal law, providing grounding in substantive legal rules and concepts as a basis for the study of specific offences which include offences against the person and property offences. Provides a sound understanding of preliminary offences, participation and defences in context. Develops student competence in legal analysis, problem solving and critique and the ability to transfer and apply legal knowledge and skills from one legal context to another.

  Equity and Trusts Ft (25 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide a critical and broad knowledge and understanding of the nature of equity, its maxims, remedies and its operation through the trust. Students will develop their ability to present and argue stances towards issues in equity and trust law. Competence is developed in assimilating a breadth of material, solving problems accurately and analysing issues at a high level of understanding.

  Introduction to Law (10 Credits) - Compulsory

  To introduce students to the fundamental features of the British Constitution, the English legal system and the European Union s legal system. To introduce legal research skills by developing and extending previously acquired skills in a legal context. To provide a sound foundation on which to build legal knowledge in subsequent modules.

  Land Law Ft (25 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide a critical and broad knowledge and understanding of English land law and the application of rules of land law to practical scenarios concerning rights in land. Students will develop their ability to present and argue stances towards issues in land law. Competence is developed in assimilating a breadth of material, solving problems accurately and debating issues at a high level of understanding.

  Law of the European Union Ft (15 Credits) - Compulsory

  To build on the understanding of the development of the European Community EC and the European Union EU gained in CPE1500 Introduction to Law . To develop the student s ability to retrieve and analyse information about EU law from a range of sources. To set the student s understanding of the EU/EC in a political and economic context. To develop an awareness of the purpose and functions of the EU/EC institutions and the essential principles underlying the single market.

  Principles of Fair Trial Ft (20 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to develop in students a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of fairness in criminal and civil trials. It builds on the understanding of the substantive law achieved in study of the core areas of law. The extent to which the law of evidence and criminal and civil procedure accords with principles and standards of justice and the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 is evaluated. The module also gives a historical overview of fair trial procedures in international law. An understanding of the application in English civil and criminal procedure of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights will be gained. The module extends the student s ability to work with information technology in the context of law and legal study. Writing and research skills and the capacity for a critical assessment of the law will be enhanced through preparation of a research outline and essay.

  Tort Ft (20 Credits) - Compulsory

  Aims to provide an overview of the nature and theory of the law of tort, the types of tort that exist and their related causes of action. Gives an overview of the function and scope of the law of tort as a branch of civil law providing a cause of action in relation to it in certain situations. An in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key torts is developed, including relevant defences, with a detailed knowledge of relevant legal principles, cases and statutes.

Before you join the programme, you will be supplied with and expected to work through study materials for the first module, English Legal System and Legal Skills. The five-day induction at the end of September includes programme information, careers guidance, teaching on English legal system, skills and research and introductions to your first modules.

During induction there is a multiple choice test on the English Legal System. You must pass the test in order to continue on the programme.

The full-time programme lasts for 10 months. You attend interactive tutorials one day a week and intensive revision weekends in November, January, March and May. Several early evening drop-in clinics are available for skills teaching and revision during the term. You have multiple opportunities to submit and receive individual feedback on formative assessment questions and ‘mock’ examinations.

The distance learning programme lasts 20 months over two years. You work through learning materials available on line, have weekly opportunities to submit and receive individual feedback on formative assessments and can attend early evening drop-in clinics for legal skills teaching and revision as well as intensive revision weekends in November, January, March and May.

Introduction to English Law is assessed by a short test during induction and by legal research exercises later. EU Law, Constitutional Law, Tort and Criminal law are assessed both by coursework and examination. The eighth legal subject is assessed by coursework and the remainder of the modules are assessed by examinations. There are three opportunities for each assessment and examinations can be sat abroad by prior arrangement.

Students tackle the seven foundations of legal knowledge and choose either a supervised research project or a module on the law of evidence for their eighth legal subject.

Modules

English Legal System and Legal Skills(20 Credits) - Compulsory

Constitutional and Administrative Law (20 Credits) - Compulsory

Law of the European Union (20 Credits) - Compulsory

To develop a sound knowledge and critical understanding of constitutional and administrative law and practice, including the specific protection afforded to human rights, in England and Wales. Encourages an awareness of the relationships between constitutional and administrative law and public policy, an understanding of the status and importance of international conventions on human rights and an appreciation of the importance of the role of state institutions in a study of individual and collective rights.

Contract Law (20 Credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces students to the main principles, cases, statutory provisions and public policy issues affecting the law of contract. It provides a sound framework of knowledge to enable students to develop their ability to critically analyse and identify solutions to contract law problems, and to develop an awareness of the relationship between contract law principles and principles of other areas of English law.

To provide students on the CPE/Graduate Diploma in Law Programme with detailed knowledge and understanding of an Eighth Legal Subject gained through guided independent research in law. To develop and enhance critical, analytical and research skills through deep study of a specific legal issue or area. To develop and enhance the ability to write effectively and fluently and in detail on a legal issue or area.

Criminal Law (20 Credits) - Compulsory

Tort (20 Credits) - Compulsory

Develops a sound knowledge and critical understanding of English criminal law, providing grounding in substantive legal rules and concepts as a basis for the study of specific offences which include offences against the person and property offences. Provides a sound understanding of preliminary offences, participation and defences in context. Develops student competence in legal analysis, problem solving and critique and the ability to transfer and apply legal knowledge and skills from one legal context to another.

Equity and Trusts (20 Credits) - Compulsory

To provide a critical and broad knowledge and understanding of the nature of equity, its maxims, remedies and its operation through the trust. Students will develop their ability to present and argue stances towards issues in equity and trust law. Competence is developed in assimilating a breadth of material, solving problems accurately and analysing issues at a high level of understanding.

To introduce students to the fundamental features of the British Constitution, the English legal system and the European Union s legal system. To introduce legal research skills by developing and extending previously acquired skills in a legal context. To provide a sound foundation on which to build legal knowledge in subsequent modules.

Land Law (20 Credits) - Compulsory

To provide a critical and broad knowledge and understanding of English land law and the application of rules of land law to practical scenarios concerning rights in land. Students will develop their ability to present and argue stances towards issues in land law. Competence is developed in assimilating a breadth of material, solving problems accurately and debating issues at a high level of understanding.

To build on the understanding of the development of the European Community EC and the European Union EU gained in CPE1500 Introduction to Law . To develop the student s ability to retrieve and analyse information about EU law from a range of sources. To set the student s understanding of the EU/EC in a political and economic context. To develop an awareness of the purpose and functions of the EU/EC institutions and the essential principles underlying the single market.

Evidence Law (20 Credits) - Optional

CPE Project (20 Credits) - Optional

The module aims to develop in students a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of fairness in criminal and civil trials. It builds on the understanding of the substantive law achieved in study of the core areas of law. The extent to which the law of evidence and criminal and civil procedure accords with principles and standards of justice and the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 is evaluated. The module also gives a historical overview of fair trial procedures in international law. An understanding of the application in English civil and criminal procedure of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights will be gained. The module extends the student s ability to work with information technology in the context of law and legal study. Writing and research skills and the capacity for a critical assessment of the law will be enhanced through preparation of a research outline and essay.

Aims to provide an overview of the nature and theory of the law of tort, the types of tort that exist and their related causes of action. Gives an overview of the function and scope of the law of tort as a branch of civil law providing a cause of action in relation to it in certain situations. An in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of key torts is developed, including relevant defences, with a detailed knowledge of relevant legal principles, cases and statutes.

The programme structure is as follows:

Full time 

Term One

• Constitutional Law
• EU Law
• Criminal Law
• Contract Law

The English Legal System and Legal Skills module is partly assessed in Induction through a test and partly in the second term through legal research exercises. During the first term of teaching there is a weekend session on legal skills, including paper-based and electronic legal research held on a weekend in October.

There are 15 hours of weekly teaching on each core module in term one. There are three formative assessment Exercises and one multiple choice formative test for each foundation subject module. During teaching weeks early evening clinics are held. These cover legal skills, study and revision techniques and revision of subjects being studied.

There will be a weekend revision session on EU law, C&A law, Crime and Contract in November. Partial mock examinations for the full time mode students will take place in the first term.

Formal (summative) coursework assessments for EU Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law are due by the end of teaching in term one. There will be a one day weekend revision session for EU and C&A law immediately before the summative examinations in early January.

Term Two

• Tort
• Equity and Trusts
• Land Law
• Evidence Law or the Project Module

In term two full time students are introduced to Tort, Equity & Trusts, and Land Law. Students will have an opportunity to elect their eighth legal subject at this point. These eighth subject modules require advance legal research skills. Where election for the Project Module is approved a student will be assigned a project supervisor and set up a series of meetings or telephone conferences with the supervisor.  Students who choose the Evidence Law module engage with bespoke interactive learning materials including a series of podcasted lectures. An outline of the Project or the topic for coursework in the Evidence Law module is due near the end of March.

The programme continues with 1.5 hours of face-to-face weekly teaching over 11 weeks in Equity & Trusts, Tort Law and Land Law. There are three formative assessment Exercises and one multiple choice formative test for each foundation subject module and further mock examination opportunities in all core subjects. During teaching weeks early evening clinics are held. These cover legal skills, study and revision techniques and revision of subjects being studied

In March there is a further revision weekend focusing on Tort, Land Law and Equity & Trusts with sessions also in Contract Law and Criminal Law. 

The summative assessment coursework components of Tort and Criminal Law are due during the second term.

In April, there is a final revision weekend covering all foundation subjects. Examinations take place in May. Eighth subject coursework is due in June.

Part time, distance learning

Year One:

• Constitutional Law
• Contract Law
• Criminal Law
• EU Law

The English Legal System and Legal Skills module is partly assessed in Induction through a test and partly in the second term through legal research exercises. During the first term of teaching there is a weekend session on legal skills, including paper-based and electronic legal research held on a weekend in October.

Induction week includes sessions introducing students to modules in EU Law and Constitutional & Administrative Law. This is followed by 11 weeks of self-guided study using bespoke learning materials. There are weekly formative assessment Exercises on which prompt individual feedback is given, a multiple choice formative test and mock examination opportunities in all core subjects. Distance learners can attend early evening clinics during teaching weeks. These cover legal skills, study and revision techniques and revision of subjects being studied

There is a revision weekend on EU and C&A in November and a final revision weekend before examinations in January.

Formal (summative) coursework assessments for EU Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law are due within the first term, at the end of teaching. The examinations are in January.

In the Spring Term distance learning students are introduced to Criminal Law and Contract Law. This is followed by 11 weeks of self-guided study using bespoke learning materials. There are weekly formative assessment Exercises on which prompt individual feedback is given, a multiple choice formative test and mock examination opportunities in all core subjects. Distance learners can attend early evening clinics during teaching weeks. These cover legal skills, study and examination techniques and revision of subjects being studied.

There are revision weekends focusing on Contract Law and Criminal Law in March with a final revision weekend in April before the examinations in May.

Year Two:

• Tort
• Equity and Trusts
• Land Law
• Evidence Law or the Project Module

Year two of the part time distance learning mode begins at the end of September with an introduction to Equity & Trusts and Land Law on the weekend immediately following Induction. This is followed by 11 weeks of self-guided study using bespoke learning materials. There are weekly formative assessment Exercises on which prompt individual feedback is given, a multiple choice formative test and mock examination opportunities in both core subjects being studied. Distance learners can attend early evening clinics during teaching weeks. These cover legal skills, study and examination techniques and revision of subjects being studied.

The spring term of year two for distance learners begins with an introduction to Tort and information on choosing your eighth legal subject. These eighth subject modules require advance legal research skills. Where election for the Project Module is approved a student will be assigned a project supervisor and set up a series of meetings or telephone conferences with the supervisor.  Students who choose the Evidence Law module engage with bespoke interactive learning materials including a series of podcasted lectures.  An outline of the Project or the topic for coursework in the Evidence Law module is due near the end of March.

Year two distance learners have 11 weeks of self-guided study using bespoke learning materials for Tort. There are weekly formative assessment Exercises on which prompt individual feedback is given, a multiple choice formative test and mock examination opportunities in Tort. Distance learners can attend early evening clinics during teaching weeks. These cover legal skills, study and examination techniques and Tort.

There is a revision weekend in March which covers Tort, Equity &Trust and Land Law. Further support on choosing the eighth subject modules is also given.

Preceding the examination period there is a further revision weekend (the April Weekend Workshop) covering all foundation subjects (Land, Tort, Equity & Trusts).

Coursework in Tort is due in the second term. The examinations in Land, Tort and Equity & Trusts take place in May. The coursework on the eighth subject modules is due in June.

Modular Learning 

If you have studied law before and have passed some of the core modules you may be able to seek an exemption from those modules. You must seek an exemption NOT from the university, but directly from the professional bodies. You should look for information on seeking exemptions on the website of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (www.sra.org.uk) or the Bar Standards Board (www.barstandardsboard.org.uk).  If you are successful in obtaining an exemption you must provide an exemption certificate before enrolling. You can study individual modules on either the full time mode or by distance learning. You will then only pay for the modules you still need to complete.

Entry & applying

Entry is open to UK law and non-law honours graduates with a minimum 2.2 honours degree, but we also consider further academic qualifications, legal and business experience and strength in writing. If you have an overseas degree or are seeking mature non-graduate student status, you are also eligible for the programme provided that before you start the CPE course you have obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing from the professional bodies. We also require IELTS 7.0 if your first degree was not taught in English.

Standard entry requirements

Entry is open to UK law and non-law honours graduates with a minimum 2.2 honours degree, but we also consider further academic qualifications, legal and business experience and strength in writing. If you have an overseas degree or are seeking mature non-graduate student status, you are also eligible for the programme provided that before you start the CPE course you have obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing from the professional bodies. We also require IELTS 7.0 if your first degree was not taught in English.

Non-UK degrees and mature applicants without undergraduate degrees

If you have an overseas degree or are seeking mature non-graduate student status, you are also eligible for the programme provided that before you start the CPE course you have obtained a Certificate of Academic Standing from the professional bodies. When your undergraduate degree is not from a UK university you must obtain such a certificate even if you have a subsequent post graduate degree or PhD from a UK university. If you intend to train as a barrister you must obtain the certificate from the Bar Standards Board (www.barstandardsboard.org.uk). Go to the website and search under education and training, then under forms.  If you intend to qualify as a solicitor, you must obtain the certificate from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (www.sra.org.uk). Go to the SRA website, select the tab for students and trainees and search for certificate of academic standing.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language. If your undergraduate degree was not taught and assessed in English, we require, as a minimum, a recent IELTS score of 7.0. However, we evaluate competence in written English on a case-by-case basis; if you have studied in English at post graduate level or have been in employment requiring good written English for a significant period, we will be able to waive the IELTS score requirement.

Other important information about applications for the programme

Employment and other commitments: The Graduate Diploma in Law is an intensive programme that requires serious and sustained commitment. If you are considering applying for the full time mode of the programme,you are strongly advised not to continue in full time employment at the same time. Although weekly teaching is concentrated on one day a week, you are unlikely to be able to engage with the programme successfully whist remaining employed full time. However, most full time students are able to carry part time work commitments. This advice does not apply to distance learners.

Access to computing facilities and computing competence: Both modes of the programme require significant engagement via our Virtual Learning Environment, the ability to send and receive email and to access legal research and other online resources. While PCs are available for student use at the university campuses, we will assume that you have adequate computing facilities and the ability to use them elsewhere.

Availability for Induction and occasional weekends: The course begins with a five-day compulsory induction, which includes a test which you must pass in order to proceed onto the diploma. While revision weekends are not compulsory, attendance is strongly recommended. You will also normally be required to sit examinations at the university during January and May.

Applying

Full time mode

Applications for the full time mode of the programme must be made via the Central Applications Board (www.lawcabs.ac.uk).

Distance learning mode

Applications for distance learning should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  Apply now

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for Graduate Diploma in Law for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK Students

Full-time students: £7,500

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600

Careers & placements

What can you do with a law degree?
Many students embarking on a law degree will be considering a career as a solicitor or barrister after they graduate. Additionally, there are also many other career opportunities for law graduates to purse as a law degree develops skills highly sought-after in business, management and administration.

Following a Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE) degree you may consider:

• The option of studying a PhD
• Academia In-house lawyers
• A wide range of jobs in the public and private sector.

Where do our graduates go?
Based on data from the respondents of the 2009-10 Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey, six months after graduating:

• 75% of Middlesex GDL graduates were in employment
• 25% were doing further studies 

Middlesex graduates from this group have been successful at gaining employment in the following companies:

Barnet Council
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Brent Council
Accenture
Organisation of Young Africans
NW London Jewish School
London Fire Brigade

Graduate Roles

Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate.  

Solicitor
A solicitor provides legal advice and assistance that covers any issue arising in private or business life for a variety of clients from private individuals to large companies. They represent clients in the lower courts and, with specialist training, in the higher courts. Qualified solicitors have a variety if career options and can choose to work in a private practice (in a firm of solicitors), within a business or organisation, in local or national government, or in the court services.

Barrister
Barristers are specialists offering advocacy and advice on legal matters and points of law and plead cases on behalf of their clients. There are a wide range of specialist areas including criminal law, chancery law and civil law and not all appear in court. Most barristers work from Chambers and are self-employed. An increasing number of employed barristers work in private and public organisations.

Legal Executive
A legal executive does similar work to that of a solicitor but do a more limited range of work often specialising in a particular branch of the Law for example, conveyance, wills and probate. 

Court Reporter
Court reporters record verbatim court hearings for official transcripts. They attend court cases and record all that is said using either a computer-aided transcription system or traditional shorthand.

Paralegal
A paralegal provides administrative and legal assistance for a firm of solicitors. Their duties range from clerical, to similar duties that would be undertaken by a trainee solicitor.

Community advisory work
If you are interested in the 'welfare' side of law you could consider social and probation work, welfare advice and housing management. At a professional level these careers require relevant experience and further training and qualifications. Considerable voluntary work experience is usually a pre-requisite for entry.

In-house Legal Departments
You will be involved with the legal aspects of your company (your employer). The areas of law dealt with will depend upon the legal issues arising within that company, ranging from routine contractual duties and dealing with external solicitors.