Law

Overview

Ranked 13th among law schools in the UK (Times UK University Rankings 2025), our Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is your fast-track gateway into the legal profession. Designed for ambitious non-law graduates, this intensive one-year (two-semester) course transforms your career prospects by equipping you with a recognised academic legal qualification.



From day one, you’ll build a strong foundation in core legal principles while developing the practical skills top employers demand. Our dynamic, career-focused approach not only introduces you to essential legal knowledge but also challenges you to engage with more complex legal concepts — preparing you to stand out and succeed in a competitive legal market.



Take the first step towards an exciting legal career in a vibrant and highly ranked law school!

Year one

Criminal Law

Tort

Contract Law

Land Law

Equity and Trusts

Law of Evidence

European Union Law

Constitutional Law

Applicants must hold at least a second class Honours degree or above or equivalent (in any discipline) or demonstrate their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL).



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Attendance is available in part-time and full-time modes.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The programme forms an integral part of the Law School at Ulster University. The Ulster Law School is widely recognised as is evidenced by being in the Top 15 Law Schools in the United Kingdom (Times UK University Rankings 2025). Graduates from the School with Qualifying Law Degrees go into practice in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England Wales and further afield. A law qualification also offers options in cognate areas such as business and finance, human resources, politics, civil service, management consultancy and the community sector.