Lancaster University and The University of Law (ULaw) have announced a new strategic partnership that will bring leading postgraduate legal training to a new cohort of students from September 2026.
As part of this collaboration, ULaw will deliver its flagship LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) as a full-time, in-person programme at the Lancaster University campus.
The University of Law is one of the longest-established specialist providers of legal education in the UK, alongside offering a wide range of professional courses.
Designed to prepare aspiring solicitors for qualification under the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) framework, the course goes beyond core assessments to equip students with advanced legal knowledge, practical skills and the commercial awareness required for a successful legal career.
ULaw will also offer its Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) in Lancaster from September 2026. This programme provides a comprehensive foundation in legal training, supporting progression to the SQE pathway or Bar Practice Course (BPC).
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening access to professional legal education and successful progression into the legal profession.
By delivering vocational programmes within Lancaster University’s academic environment, the collaboration supports a more seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study and complements the suite of postgraduate Law programmes already offered by Lancaster University.
Students will benefit from ULaw’s established reputation for legal training, strong employer connections and a focus on employability outcomes. The partnership combines ULaw’s specialist expertise in professional education with Lancaster University ’s commitment to enhancing student opportunity and progression.
ULaw’s partnership model is designed to increase accessibility to professional education. By offering their programmes at Lancaster University, this collaboration helps to reduce financial and personal barriers, allowing students who previously needed to relocate or commute to continue their legal studies, to stay close to support networks while pursuing their career ambitions.
At a time when the cost of qualifying as a solicitor is significant, this approach supports regional talent and promotes greater inclusivity within the legal profession.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, Professor Steve Decent, said: “In partnership with The University of Law, Lancaster University is proud to welcome a new generation of aspiring legal professionals through our doors. As a research-intensive institution, we take pride in our teaching excellence, our belief in the transformative power of education and our deep commitment to widening opportunity through knowledge and skills that make a difference.”
Professor Peter Crisp, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at ULaw, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Lancaster University to broaden the reach of our high-quality postgraduate legal training.
“This collaboration brings together complementary strengths to create a clear and supported route into the legal profession. By combining academic excellence with practical, career-focused training, we aim to equip students with the capability and perspective needed to succeed in a competitive and evolving legal market.”