Graduate Diploma in Law

The Graduate Diploma in Law will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of basic legal principles, their application to the formulation and resolution of legal problems, and an enquiring, logical and critical approach to legal analysis. It builds upon the academic and professional expertise previously acquired by graduate students and develops the relevant skills needed to demonstrate competence in legal practice.
By the end of the course, you will have a greater understanding of the areas of law studied, of the legal process and the inter-relationship between different areas of law in a national and European context. You will also be able to identify, find and use a range of sources of legal information to assist in legal research, analyse legal information and apply it to the solution of problems.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Foundation subjects
CONTRACT LAW
This will introduce you to modern English contract law as part of the wider law of obligations. The module examines formation of a binding contract through agreement, the scope of both positive and negative contractual obligations, factors which affect an otherwise enforceable contract, and remedies available for breach of contract. In addition, the module considers special rules applying to particular types of contract.
CRIMINAL LAW
You will develop your understanding of criminal liability, and be able to analyse criminal law, as well as appreciating its nature, scope and purpose. The module covers the general principles of criminal law, including the definition of a crime, elements of criminal liability, defences, inchoate offences, and complicity. You will also focus on a number of specific offences, including fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, theft and criminal damage.
EQUITY AND THE LAW OF TRUSTS
You will consider the historical development of equity and the concept of the trust, and the rules on creation of express trusts. The module compares public and private trusts, and trusts for non-profit making associations. It also focuses on the principles of resulting and constructive trusts, trustees' powers and duties, and issues relating to liability for breach of trust. Equitable remedies are examined and, where appropriate, compared with common law remedies. The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 is also considered.
LAND LAW
This subject opens with an introduction to land ownership, before considering three main areas of land acquisition – adverse possession, the formalities associated with s.2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989, and an outline of the conveyancing process. You will also look at the landlord and tenant relationship, lease/ licence distinctions and leasehold covenants. Other areas covered include the rules relating to notice in registered and unregistered land, overriding interests, freehold covenants, easements and profits, and co-ownership. The module concludes by studying licences and estoppel, and mortgages.
LAW OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
You will develop your understanding of the legislative and judicial structure and functioning of EU institutions, the fundamental characteristics of EU law, its methods and procedures, and its relationship to national law. You will then apply this knowledge to substantive areas of law, such as the economic and social law of the internal market, social policy and competition law. The module shows how EU law has been influenced by its historical, political, economic and social contexts.
PUBLIC LAW
This module looks at the structure and principal characteristics of the constitution of the UK, comparing it with other constitutions, and analysing how it affects the exercise of governmental power and the protection of fundamental rights. You will gain a greater understanding of the role of the organs of government and their relations with each other, and the doctrine of Parliamentary supremacy. You will also examine the impact of membership of the European Community on the UK's constitution, the extent of prerogative powers, mechanisms for the protection of fundamental rights, and the role of judicial review and its relationship with the rule of law.
TORT
You will consider the key areas in the modern law of tort such as negligence, defamation and trespass and discuss the legal rules, concepts and policies involved in relevant case law and statute. The course also examines the wider social and economic issues raised by particular areas of tort, and the operation of the tort system.
PROJECT IN ADDITIONAL AREA OF LAW
You will be required to write a 4,000 word essay, from a choice of titles covering areas such as employment law, human rights and intellectual property.
LEGAL SKILLS
In addition to the legal skills that you learn as part of the course we aim to provide a series of extra curricula activities such as mooting and Pro Bono/clinical work. These help to put your legal knowledge into a practical context.
Course team
Derek Lavery, Course leader
Related course
Legal Practice LLM
Associated careers
The course is designed for those graduates who wish to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. The full-time course also enables overseas students to gain an English law qualification in one year.
Length of course
One year full-time or two years part-time (two evenings per week)
Location
Central London (Regent)
Additional costs information