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Help for choosing Unis that provide GDL/Law conversion courses

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who’s done (or is currently doing) a law conversion course. (GDL, PGDL)

I’m a non-law graduate (my degree is in Business (Marketing) and I’m now seriously considering going into law. I’ve been looking at King’s College London and the University of York, since both seem to have good reputations and solid PGDL/SQE pathways.

However, I'd like to explore more options but have also heard some negative feedback from the University of Law and BPP.

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent3

Official Rep

Original post

by wintergenes!

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who’s done (or is currently doing) a law conversion course. (GDL, PGDL)
I’m a non-law graduate (my degree is in Business (Marketing) and I’m now seriously considering going into law. I’ve been looking at King’s College London and the University of York, since both seem to have good reputations and solid PGDL/SQE pathways.
However, I'd like to explore more options but have also heard some negative feedback from the University of Law and BPP.

Hello!

I did the PgDL at the University of Law last year (2024-2025), and I would absolutely recommend it. It is a very condensed course, and I found the textbooks and other resources super helpful. The classes were structured well, focusing on group work and the application of difficult concepts to problem questions, and I had tutors who were great at explaining things further where needed. Crucially, I think it has set me up very well for the SQE, which I am taking this year. From the start of the PgDL you work on multiple choice questions in the exact same style as in the SQE1 exams, which has made the learning curve on the course I am currently taking much easier. Also, firms that fund their future trainees through conversion and SQE courses usually send them to places like the University of Law (which is my position). Attending ULaw gives you proximity to partner law firms that host events with the university, plus access to a network of students with training contracts.

Where you take your law conversion course will not have a material impact on your applications to law firms, as it is highly regulated, so there is very little difference in taught content or assessment depending on where you take it (as opposed to your undergraduate degree, where more consideration might be placed on this). You should prioritise choosing a university and course which works best for you in terms of location, funding and lifestyle. I would recommend attending an open day or booking a campus tour to meet our teachers and have more of your questions answered!

Layla
SQE LLM student

Reply 2

BPPUniRepStudent

Official Rep

Original post

by wintergenes!

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who’s done (or is currently doing) a law conversion course. (GDL, PGDL)
I’m a non-law graduate (my degree is in Business (Marketing) and I’m now seriously considering going into law. I’ve been looking at King’s College London and the University of York, since both seem to have good reputations and solid PGDL/SQE pathways.
However, I'd like to explore more options but have also heard some negative feedback from the University of Law and BPP.

Hi @wintergenes!,

I’m currently studying the PGDL at BPP. From a students perspective it’s quite enjoyable! I think it really prepares you well for the SQE and the teachers are really friendly, welcoming and supportive. I always ask lots of questions during my seminars and the teachers answer them really well.

BPP also has a very structured approach to learning the law which I quite like, they offer lots of SBAQ practice and I think the course is assessed more leniently compared to other providers. They also give you a paper copy of the workbooks for free which is really helpful and is something that not many other providers can offer.
Ultimately though, the PGDL is a bit a like a driving test. I say this because it doesn’t really matter where you do it at the end of the day just as long as you pass and get the qualification.

Everyone’s going to have different preferences like location, cost, how the course is taught/ assessed etc. It’s just about finding the provider which works best with you. But no complaints here as a BPP student!

Thanks,

Ronak

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

Original post

by wintergenes!

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who’s done (or is currently doing) a law conversion course. (GDL, PGDL)
I’m a non-law graduate (my degree is in Business (Marketing) and I’m now seriously considering going into law. I’ve been looking at King’s College London and the University of York, since both seem to have good reputations and solid PGDL/SQE pathways.
However, I'd like to explore more options but have also heard some negative feedback from the University of Law and BPP.

Avoid BPP and University of Law. They only exist because of the high demand for law courses. Posters from BPP and ULaw here are paid shills. The standards of BPP and ULaw are very low. Go to KCL or York.