In this article, Dr Kathryn Dutton, Programme Lead for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at The College of Legal Practice, explains one of the most common questions asked by aspiring lawyers: what is the difference between a GDL and a PGDL, and which one is right for you?
If you've spent any time researching law conversion courses, you've probably come across both the terms GDL and PGDL.
One of the most common questions we receive from prospective students is whether the GDL has been replaced by the PGDL, and whether one qualification is somehow more valid than the other.
The short answer is no. The longer answer is that it depends what you want to achieve.
Why are people confused about the GDL and PGDL?
Part of the confusion comes from the changes introduced alongside the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Historically, non-law graduates who wanted to become solicitors would complete a Graduate Diploma in Law before moving on to professional training.
Following the introduction of the SQE, different providers adapted their conversion courses in different ways. Some offer a GDL, others offer a PGDL and some offer aMasters conversion course.
As a result, prospective students are often faced with multiple course titles that appear similar but aren't always explained clearly.
What is a GDL?
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is a law conversion course designed to provide the foundations of legal knowledge.
It covers the seven foundation areas of law:
- English Legal System
- Criminal Law
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- Land Law
- Public Law
- Trusts Law
These are the same core legal subjects that underpin qualifying law degrees in England and Wales.
The purpose of the GDL is straightforward; it gives students who have not previously studied law the legal foundations they need before progressing to further legal training or study.
What is a PGDL?
The PGDL stands for Postgraduate Diploma in Law. Like the GDL, it is a law conversion course covering the foundations of legal knowledge. The key difference lies in the academic level and credit structure of the course rather than its professional validity.
This is often where students get caught up. Many assume that because the PGDL is a postgraduate-level qualification, it must automatically be better or more valuable, however that isn't necessarily the case.
What is the actual difference?
As I often explain to prospective students, the difference is largely about academic level and credit volume, not whether one course is recognised and the other isn't.
The College of Legal Practice’s GDL programme is designed as a Level 6 qualification, equivalent to final-year undergraduate study. Many PGDL courses are designed as Level 7 postgraduate qualifications.
For most aspiring solicitors and barristers, the key consideration is not whether the course is Level 6 or Level 7, but whether it delivers the legal foundations needed for the next stage of their journey.
Which is better for the SQE?
One of the most important points to remember is that the SRA does not require you to complete either a GDL or a PGDL before taking the SQE. You can technically go straight from a non-law degree into SQE preparation and sit the assessments.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean it is the right approach for everyone.
SQE1 is a demanding assessment that tests functioning legal knowledge across a wide range of subjects. Candidates are required to answer 180 single best answer multiple-choice questions across two assessments. With an average of just over 1 minute 40 seconds per question, there is very little time to work through unfamiliar legal concepts during the exam itself.
The pass rates help illustrate the challenge. According to the latest SQE1 statistical report, for example the overall pass rate for the January 2026 sitting was 53%, rising to 58% for first-time candidates.
This is why I would generally advise caution to anyone considering the SQE without prior legal study, particularly if they come from a completely non-law background.
So, which should you choose?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals.
If your priority is gaining the foundations of legal knowledge as quickly and affordably as possible before progressing towards the SQE or Bar training, a GDL may be the more practical option.
The College of Legal Practice GDL was designed to provide the seven foundations of legal knowledge in a focused, accessible format. Students can complete the course in as little as 20 weeks full-time or 40 weeks part-time, making it one of the fastest routes to building the legal foundations needed for further professional study.
Cost is also an important consideration. Many aspiring lawyers are self-funding their studies, and the overall cost of qualification can quickly add up. The College’s GDL programme is one of the most affordable, online law conversion courses on the market* at £3,950.
You do not need to spend over £12,000 to gain the foundations of legal knowledge required for progression towards the legal profession. The GDL covers the same seven foundation areas of law that underpin legal practice and provides a structured route into further study at a significantly lower cost.
There may be circumstances where a PGDL is the better fit. For example, if you specifically need a postgraduate-level qualification for employer requirements, funding reasons or progression onto a particular academic programme, a PGDL may be worth considering.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the right course is the one that helps you achieve your goal.
If you need a postgraduate-level qualification for a specific reason, then a PGDL may be the right fit. But if your objective is to gain the foundations of legal knowledge needed for the SQE, Bar training or a move into law, then a GDL can provide exactly that, in a structured, accessible and affordable way.
After all, most students aren't looking for more letters after the course title. They're looking for the knowledge, confidence and foundation they need for whatever comes next.
For many students, that's exactly where the GDL comes in.
These insights and tips have been taken from our webinar, Experience the GDL: How you'll Study & Succeed in July 2026.