Talk to law firms, schools and potential employers to ensure that the extra cost and time spent getting an LL.B. degree is worth it to you. If you have a CPE/GDL, you don't need an LL.B. to continue your studies to become a solicitor or barrister. To some, it may be a waste of time and money. However, some employers may prefer it, and you may want the additional legal training. Also, if you plan to practice law outside of the UK, it may be advisable.
Research colleges that offer the upgrade or conversion of GDL to LL.B. Some schools, such as the privately owned BPP Law School, allow you to take almost all the courses online; some courses require a couple of face-to-face seminars and tutorials. Some schools may not have the particular courses you want to take or may not have scholarship or funding available. Also, some schools only allow conversion courses to current CPE students or alumni.
Choose the school or schools that have the courses you seek and fill out an application. Some schools accept applications any time of year; because the courses are online, you can start them any time. Usually the application requires a nonrefundable deposit. When you are accepted, you will be notified as to how many credits you need. Usually, it's only 60. The LL.B. requires a total of 360 credits. You should have received 120 with your undergraduate degree and another 180 with your GDL/CPE. You must complete the 60 credits for your LL.B. within seven years of having started your GDL.
Complete the courses satisfactorily. This will require the completion of long research papers as well as tests and oral assessments. At BPP, you have between four months and five years to complete the conversion courses.
Continue on with your studies to become a solicitor or barrister. You cannot practice law in the UK with an LL.B. You must take the Legal Practice Course, or LPC, to become a solicitor, or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) to become a barrister.