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Failed a pgdl module + training contract

Hello,
If you fail a pgdl module does it say it on your degree? Also would it make it harder to get a TC, even if your overall grade is say a 2:1 you just had to do 1 resit capped at 50%?
Thank you

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

A PGDL is not a degree. It's a Diploma. Although people talk of "converting" a degree in a subject other than Law into a Law degree by obtaining a PGDL, that isn't what happens. The first degree remains a degree in whatever it is. The classification of that degree is not modified by success or failure in the PGDL. The PGDL is essentially a pass/fail thing. I wasn't aware until I read your post that any of the PGDL providers use degree-style classifications to indicate performance in a GDL. I was aware that some use terms such as Merit and Distinction.

In my experience of assessing candidates for pupillage and tenancy in chambers, and candidates for employment in law firms, it does not matter much or at all where a candidate obtains a PGDL or how well the candidate does in the PGDL, so long as he or she passes. Performance in the undergraduate degree is more important. Doing well in the PGDL is a bonus, but isn't usually a decisive factor.

Reply 2

Stiffy Byng

PS: You have to pass the exams in each of the seven subjects included in the PGDL course.

Reply 3

17Student17

Original post

by noabat10

Hello,
If you fail a pgdl module does it say it on your degree? Also would it make it harder to get a TC, even if your overall grade is say a 2:1 you just had to do 1 resit capped at 50%?
Thank you

You need to work out first if you are under the old LPC system or new SQE. Under the LPC if you failed even part of one module and had to resit then your overall PGDL grade is capped at a mere pass even if every other mark was very high.

Under the SQE system as there is no such thing as a" qualifying law degree" any more or a need for the PGDL (although the PGDL is often wanted by firms) I believe BPP, for example, no longer caps your overall grade at a pass if you resit and pass part of a module on the pass. However law firms might ask to see the marks on every part of the PGDL. You get a transcript of the PGDL with marks in each module - company, contract, criminal etc.

If you are eligible to go the LPC route then your PGDL if you have a resit is indeed capped at a pass overall. Law firms will ask to see not just the overall mark but usually want the marks in each module I think just as they ask for the marks in each module you do in all of years 1 - 3 of a first degree.

However I would not worry about it and just make sure you apply to a variety of firms well in advance and keep going.