Jonathan Foulds writes that the graduate diploma in law (GDL) is 'three times more challenging and time consuming than a geography degree' (see [2006] Gazette, 15 June, 16). This says more about his original degree than it does about the GDL.

The GDL is more time consuming than the vast majority of undergraduate degrees. More challenging though? I am studying the GDL (part-time on top of a full-time job). I get a manual that tells me everything I need to know. Should I find I need additional explanation on a particular point, I can turn to one of the prescribed text/case books. Tutorials concentrate over-whelmingly on how to answer the questions to pass the exam.


This is not a criticism of the GDL; it is a result of covering the basic points of law from a three-year undergraduate degree in a one-year course. The GDL should be recognised for what it is - a crammer to bring non-law students up to a level that allows them to undertake the legal practice course or the bar vocational course. A 'Bachelor of Law' degree (LLB) it is not.

Go on, award an LLB for completion of the GDL. Then I can start boasting about my MA from Cambridge. What a challenging three years of study that was.



Elaine Woollard, Leeds