Graduate Diploma Law

Legal Skills and the English Legal System

The legal skills element of this unit incorporates both theoretical propositions and practical application. For example, in addition to learning how to “find” and “read” the law, students will be invited to practice the skills of [judicial] reasoning and legal argument construction. Part of the skills programme is delivered by the Academic Subject Librarian for Law who facilitates hands-on practice in using the law library and using electronic retrieval systems. The components of research and how to solve legal problems play an important part in this unit, as one of the overall aims is to assist the student in developing the fundamental skills needed for all the other units undertaken on the course.

The second element of this unit consists of an introduction to the English Legal System in which students are given an overview of the civil and criminal court structure in England and Wales, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the legal profession.

Law of Contract

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to those aspects of the common law of obligations which arise from the general principles of contract. The unit, therefore, develops students’ understanding of enforceable civil law obligations based on agreements and, in doing so, complements their introduction to civil law obligations in respect of tortious wrongs provided by the Law of Tort unit.

Law of Obligations

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to those aspects of the common law of obligations which arise from the general principles of contract and tort. The unit, therefore, develops students’ understanding of enforceable civil law obligations based on agreements and liability for tortious wrongs with particular reference to negligence.

Criminal Law

This unit introduces students to the general principles of English Criminal Law, with particular emphasis on the essential elements of a crime, namely ‘actus reus’ and ‘mens rea’, strict, vicarious and corporate liability and the defences. Criminal liabilities in relation to offences against the person and offences related to property are examined. The relationship between criminal and civil law is analysed and the rationale of sentencing and punishment considered.

Public Law

The central aim of this unit is to examine critically the "the law about government". The unit also seeks to develop in students an understanding of the political context in which government operates. Examining the relationship between the institutions of government and the relationship between government and citizen, the unit aims at fostering a critical appraisal of the institutions of government and of the legal and conventional rules which underpin and regulate them.

European Union Law

The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the constitution and institutions of the European Union and the substantive law of the European Community. Students will be expected to analyse and evaluate the principles of the supremacy and direct effect of European Community law and the principles of interpretation and Member State liability. They will also gain an understanding of substantive European Community law through the study of the free movement of goods and workers, social policy and equality of treatment and pay in employment.

Property Law

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the concept of property - with the emphasis on real property. The nature of legal and equitable rights is investigated together with the concept of a trust. There is an examination of how property rights can be acquired, how they may need protection and how they can be alienated. Third party interests in property, such as easements, covenants and mortgages are also considered. The unit includes an examination of the law relating to leasehold interests.

Equity and the Law of Trusts

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the principles, maxims and remedies of equity, building on the legal knowledge and skills acquired in other areas of the GDL syllabus. The trust is the major concern of equity and the unit contains a detailed examination of the law relating to the classification and creation of various types of trusts, both express and implied. The legal position of trustees is examined and the implications of a breach of trust for both trustees and beneficiaries evaluated.

Independent Study

The Independent Study unit provides students with the opportunity, at the final stage of their course, to undertake a substantial piece of investigative work into two areas of law not falling within the foundation subjects. Students are required to choose two problem questions to answer from specialist areas of law such as employment, human rights, consumer transactions and family law. The answers (which will not exceed 2,000 words in length) are produced through independent research on the part of the student.

A variety of teaching and learning methods are employed in the course, including lectures, seminars, workshops and independent study.

The course commences with a three-week introduction to legal skills and the English legal system. Skills continue to be developed in the study of the seven foundation subjects which form the bulk of the course. Students are expected to acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of the foundation areas of law and to develop their evaluative, analytical, problem-solving and research capabilities. These capabilities play an important part in the completion of the Independent Study module which forms the final stage of the course.

Normally an honours degree. Applicants other than UK graduates (i.e. applicants with overseas degrees, degree equivalent qualifications and those seeking mature, non-graduate student status) must obtain a Certificate of Academic Standing from either the Bar Council or the Law Society. Students who have obtained their degrees in countries where English is not the official first language will normally be required to possess a minimum of 6.5 points in IELTS or 650 points in TOEFL.

GDL Course Leader
Brian Coggon
bcoggon@lincoln.ac.uk 
+44 (0)1522 886273

Applications should be made through the Central Applications Board. An application form can be obtained by writing to the Board at CPE/Diploma in Law Courses, Central Applications Board, PO Box 84, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1YX or by going online to www.lawcabs.ac.uk.