The Common Professional Examination (CPE), also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), is an academic qualification in law for individuals who hold a non-law undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career in law.
The CPE is designed to provide a foundational understanding of legal principles and concepts for those who do not possess a law-related educational background. It is commonly undertaken by individuals seeking to pivot into the legal field, such as career changers or graduates from other disciplines.
The curriculum of the CPE typically covers subjects such as constitutional law, contract law, criminal law, equity and trusts, European Union law, land law, and tort law. It aims to equip students with a broad legal knowledge base, essential legal skills, and the ability to think critically and analyze legal problems.
Upon successful completion of the CPE, students can progress to the next stage of legal education, usually the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for aspiring solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for prospective barristers. The CPE is recognized by legal professional bodies and universities in the United Kingdom as a prerequisite for legal practice or further legal study.
In summary, the Common Professional Examination is an academic qualification designed to provide non-law graduates with a fundamental understanding of legal principles, preparing them for a career in law and offering a pathway into further legal study or practice.
