PgDip Law at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The PgDip Law is a Qualifying Law Degree for students who want to complete the academic stage of legal qualification for Northern Ireland. It is designed for UK non-law graduates and for law and non-law graduates from other countries who want a grounding in the law of Northern Ireland. Teaching is mainly through group seminars, and assessment combines in-person exams and coursework.

Department: School of Law | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Intake: 2027/28 academic year | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The programme covers the fundamental doctrines and principles of Northern Ireland law, its interaction with national, European and international contexts, and the social, political and economic contexts of the legal system. A Legal Methods and Skills module develops research and referencing skills and knowledge of the court structure and legal system.

Career pathways

The diploma is aimed at those preparing for professional practice courses to enter the legal profession. Queen's Law was ranked top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent acceptable to the University) in a discipline other than Law. Graduates with law degrees not recognised by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Northern Ireland (for example international law degrees, Scottish law degrees, or Republic of Ireland degrees not recognised) are also eligible. Exemption may be considered for applicants with a Master's degree, or a 2:2 Honours degree in a non-law discipline plus 2 years' relevant professional experience. Graduates holding a law degree recognised by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Northern Ireland may not register. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (taken within the last 2 years) or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,167 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rate Source

International applicants: GBP 16,267 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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