GradDip Commercial Law
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The Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law is aimed at those who are eligible for admission to the LLB but are looking for a shorter, more specialised programme focused on aspects relevant to English commercial law.
Key features
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A name that's respected worldwide
The University of London was the first to offer a degree in English law in the 1890s, and we've been a trusted provider of distance learning for over 160 years. When you study with us, you can be confident that your LLB will be valued by employers around the world.
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Study flexibly at your own pace
The programme is available online from anywhere in the world, so you can gain a respected qualification without putting your career on hold. You can earn your diploma in a minimum of one year or a maximum of five years, meaning you can learn at a pace that suits you.
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Learn from world-leading legal experts
The Graduate Diploma is developed by academics from six outstanding University of London law schools, known collectively as the Laws Consortium. Our distance learning students are marked to the same high standards as those on campus, so you can be confident of the academic quality of your qualification.
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Unparalleled learning resources at your fingertips
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you access to all the study materials you need, including audio lectures for some modules, module guides and past exam papers. The Online Library contains millions of academic publications for you to explore, and you'll benefit from free access to professional legal databases.
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Choose how you study
Choose between independent learning using our online resources or enrolling at a Recognised Teaching Centre in your home country for face-to-face tuition support. Our Recognised Teaching Centres give you the benefits of an on-campus experience with the flexibility of an online degree.
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Join a distinguished global alumni community
Take the first step in your career with a University of London law qualification, just like thousands of successful legal professionals worldwide. Upon graduating, you'll become part of our global alumni network of lawyers, solicitors, barristers and judges.
Video
Teaching Centre Support
General entry requirements
Course overview
You must complete four modules on the Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law.
Two compulsory modules:
- Commercial law
- Contract law
And two optional modules from:
- Company law
- Conflict of laws
- Intellectual property
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what modules you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
Two compulsory modules:
(LA2015)
(LA1040)
And two optional modules from:
(LA3021)
(LA3014)
(LA3026)
Local teaching support
Our programmes are designed to be studied:
- as an independent student where you control the pace and time of your learning. Independent students have access to our online resources on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) but will not receive online tutorial support, live lectures or tutor contact;
OR
- if you would like to attend classes, you can enrol at one of our approved local teaching centres around the world and benefit from local study support and the facilities of a campus-style environment. To receive teaching support, you must apply directly to an approved teaching centre. Teaching centres may set earlier deadlines than the programme deadlines listed above.
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a teaching centre.
Study materials
The University of London student materials are the same regardless of which mode of study you follow.
We will provide you with study materials developed by academics from the Laws Consortium. These include:
- Module guides.
- Statute e-books (for all modules where they are permitted in the examination).
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Laws Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to programme resources.
- An Online Induction offering live Q&A sessions on the VLE, study skills, the Online Library and Level 4 modules.
- Discussion forums for each module, where you can share perspectives with fellow students from all over the world.
- Online Library: As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require. Access more than 10 legal databases, including Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw and other valued materials.
- Tutor Feedback Activity: for a limited number of modules, you have an opportunity to receive feedback on how you are performing against the criteria applied by examiners.
Senate House Library
- If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Study events
The Study Support Event provides you with academic guidance from a University of London-approved tutor. Usually held in November, the event focuses on the core content of the first half of each module guide. Each day includes an overview of key topics, learning activities and guidance on planning your studies. There is a separate fee to attend this event.
The Revision Event typically takes place in March and focuses on revision for your examinations. Each day includes an overview of core topics and guidance on what examiners are looking for in an examination answer. There is a separate fee to attend this event.
Student support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a teaching centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Assessment
All modules (except the Dissertation) are assessed entirely by written/typed examination. These are held in April-June and October-November. Information on the format of the examinations will be made available on the Virtual Learning Environment. You can sit a maximum of two modules in the October session.
Our examinations are set and marked by academics appointed as examiners. They reflect the same standards as those who study on-campus at the University of London Law Schools.
The academic direction of the LLB is provided by a Consortium of outstanding University of London Law Schools: Birkbeck, King's, LSE, Queen Mary, SOAS and UCL.
Three of these (UCL, King’s and LSE) are ranked in the top 15 worldwide for Law (QS World University Rankings 2024) and in the UK's top 10 (The Complete University Guide 2024).
Academic Leadership
Upon graduation, you will be able to use the Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law as a bridging qualification for entry into postgraduate study on, for example, the LLM.
Key dates
Applications open | |
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Applications close | |
Registration deadline | |
Programme starts | November 2024 |
Applications open | |
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Applications close | |
Registration deadline | |
Programme starts | May 2025 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
To be eligible for this Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law you must have one of the following:
- an acceptable Bachelor’s or Associate degree;
- an acceptable Master’s degree (or any other appropriately accredited Level 7 award) provided this is at least one year full time in duration;
- an acceptable Level 5 or Level 6 award (such as an HND or Graduate Certificate) provided this is at least one year full time in duration.
English Language requirements
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case.
Do I meet the language requirements?
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
Academic year | 2024-2025 |
Registration fee | £638 |
Module fee | £198 |
Examination fee (per 30-credit module) | £242 |
Online examination fee* | £11 |
Credit transfer (per module) (non-refundable) | £130 |
Indicative Cost: Graduate Diploma in Commercial Law | £2502 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
You pay as you progress rather than in a single payment. The indicative costs are a guide to what you would pay if you allow for average fee increases and complete your qualification within the minimum time (with no resits).
*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions. This fee will be charged at the point of exam entry and is in addition to the exam entry fee listed above.
See the Programme Regulations for more details.
Additional Costs
You may also need to budget for:
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year);
- tuition costs (if you choose to study at an approved local teaching centre); and
- examination centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your examinations.
We accept most traditional payment methods, including debit/credit card, international money order, and Western Union.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
UK-based students may be entitled to apply for an undergraduate Student Loan or the City’s Business School Scholarship. Equally, some of our approved local teaching centres around the world offer discounts or scholarships for the face-to-face tuition they provide. (Check with your teaching centre for details.)
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
The University of London was the first to offer a degree in English Law in the 1890s, and continues to offer the security of an internationally recognised 'gold standard'.
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching centre.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.