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What is the difference between the GDL/PGDL and the LLM?

Hi, I've been researching trying to answer this question and I'm still quite confused especially since things are changing with regards to the GDL.

I have a BA in a non-law subject and I was looking to do the GDL at UoL and then do a LLM at Queen Marys which requires you to have a GDL if you didn't do a LLB.

While looking further I've discovered that Queen Mary does a Postgraduate Diploma in Law which seems to be more or less the same as the GDL from what I've seen?

What I wanted to ask is whether the GDL and the PGDL are indeed the same or are they different? I know UoL also have a PGDL/LLM course and I wanted to know whether is the same at Queen Marys or whether its different entirely.
If I were to take the PGDL route would I need to apply for an LLM afterwards or would is be equivalent? I ask because at Queen Marys the module you do on the PGDL are the same modules you'd do on a LLM so I'm confused.

Any help would be great :smile:
is the PGDip youre referring to... this?
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/coursefinder/courses/laws-pgdip/

this doesnt seem to qualify you for ****. it's not a GDL. it says that the modules are taken from the LLM "We have a wide range of LLM modules to choose from". and it wants you to have "a 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Law or a degree with substantial law content" which is never a GDL entry req.
also why are you so keen on doing the LLM and the GDL the LLM is expensive and wont help you. you dont need to do it. the GDL is enough
Reply 3
I wanted to specialise in intellectual property law which was why I was interested in doing the LLM but since I don't have a law degree they would accept the GDL.
Put now I'm thinking should I just skip the GDL and do the PGDL instead since I can choose to do the modules on the LLM on there.
I just wanted to know what the difference between the two would be. Would I still learn the same things on the PGDL that I would on the GDL or not. At UoL for their PGDL you would and I was wondering whether the PGDL at UoL and the one at Queen Mary would be the same or not.
I also need a LLM if I want to qualify to be a lawyer in America which I plan on doing later down the line.
Original post by Tamimin
I wanted to specialise in intellectual property law which was why I was interested in doing the LLM but since I don't have a law degree they would accept the GDL.
Put now I'm thinking should I just skip the GDL and do the PGDL instead since I can choose to do the modules on the LLM on there.
I just wanted to know what the difference between the two would be. Would I still learn the same things on the PGDL that I would on the GDL or not. At UoL for their PGDL you would and I was wondering whether the PGDL at UoL and the one at Queen Mary would be the same or not.
I also need a LLM if I want to qualify to be a lawyer in America which I plan on doing later down the line.

can you link the PGDL you are referring to? the QM diploma is not a PGDL. it's a PGDip. Its called "Laws PGDip". i dont know how youve gotten so mixed up.
(edited 2 years ago)
Reply 5
Oh I didn't realise they were too different things. Sorry my mistake :/
Original post by Tamimin
Oh I didn't realise they were too different things. Sorry my mistake :/

generally GDL = PGDL
PGDL is just a rebrand for SQE stuff. used to be called GDL till two years ago.
PGDip is just a diploma that doesnt lead to anything. probably meant for professionals and nerds? who enjoy studying law that much?
Reply 7
Haha I've only just got into learning a bit about law and I find contracts and intellectual property really interesting especially tech law. Thanks for the clarification though :smile:
Reply 8
Hey,I am in a similar situation (looking to do law in Intellectual Property) and I was hoping to know which one you ended up going with; GDL, PGDL or LLM.Also, I wanted to know which university you went to or which university would you prefer?
Reply 9
Hey I know this was asked a year ago but I'll just answer it for future ref.

I decided not to go with the LMM at Queen Mary since I think it wouldn't be much help for me at this time since I want to work in Intellectual Property rather than just learn about it. I think an LMM would be helpful if you really wanted to specialise in the study of Intellectual Property and want to maybe go down a route of teaching or specialise as an IP corporate counsel. Maybe in the future it might be something I'd like to pursue.

QMU actually do a Law Senior Status degree with is basically a LLB condensed into two years which you would study part-time. Just be aware that student finance will not pay for it if you already hold a degree, the course is specially made for people who already hold a degree but want to change careers; so you'll have to come up with other ways to fund it. I would've loved to have done that but can't really afford it :flute:

I am now planning on doing the Master of Arts in Law (conversion) course at the University of Law hopefully next year. It's basically the same thing as the old GDL or current PGDL, only difference is you'll need to do a 8,000 word dissertation in your law topic of choice (mine would be IP of course :biggrin:) and student finance will pay for most of it. UoL also offer quite a few scholarships and bursaries to help if you need the financial help. I recommend attending their open days to get a better picture.

The goal for me now is to get a TC so then I'll be able to work in IP and learn on the job *fingers crossed*

I hope that was helpful in any way and good luck!
I actually did do Qmul senior status law then did a Qmul llm (in tech law but focusing on ip too)

You’d still need to do most of the sqe stuff -this is very much academic rather than practical cal. Though we made a short film for the business of film module! That was cool.

People probably want the llm that say university of law does which covers sqe stuff but adds a dissertation on to access £12k masters loans.

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