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SQE
MA Law (SQE1)
The domestic application deadline for our May 2026 intake is Friday 1 May 2026 at 23:59pm (UK time).
Join the largest community of postgraduate law conversion students.*
Our MA Law (SQE1) is a law conversion course that also includes our SQE1 Preparation Course, which prepares students for the SQE1 assessments. The course is designed for non-law graduates who want to qualify as a solicitor and gain a legal qualification at Master’s level.
As an internationally recognised qualification, a Law Master’s is a great addition to your portfolio. With a strong level of support from the start, as well as four weeks guaranteed Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) within our Legal Advice Clinics. This course is a great introduction to law if you hold an undergraduate degree in another discipline. Successful completion of the MA Law (SQE1) also qualifies you to progress on to study the SQE2 Preparation Course to become a solicitor. Once you have passed the external SQE1 assessments you can also progress to study the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (SQE2 and SQE Plus).
Pass first time or study for free
We’re so confident in our SQE courses that, if you don’t pass SQE1, you can repeat our SQE1 Exam Preparation Course for free up to two further times.**
International Students: Students who require a visa to study in the UK are not able to start this course in September. Instead, please apply to start your studies with us in January.
*Central Applications Board (LawCAB) 2024.
Key Facts
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in any discipline (or equivalent).
Entry requirementsLocations
Birmingham, Bristol, Egham (Royal Holloway), Exeter, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Sheffield and OnlineStudy mode options
Full-time, Part-time Evening or Part-time Weekend
Next start date
May 2026
See all Start DatesStudy online
If you're looking for a more flexible approach to your studies, why not consider our online study option?
Course Details
MA Law (SQE1)
Our MA Law (SQE1) is a conversion course designed for non-law graduates. On successful completion of this course, including the SQE1 assessments, you will gain an internationally recognised Master’s qualification.
This comprehensive course will give learners not only the academic legal knowledge they need (as part of Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) for SQE1), but will also give them preparation for the SQE1 assessments.
This MA Law (SQE1) course also develops some key professional skills and behaviours required by lawyers, alongside skills required to pass professional examinations for qualification as a solicitor. In all modules there is a focus on combining knowledge and understanding of core areas of law with the ability to analyse, evaluate and form critical judgements about the law. Study is centred on practical activities that enable students to learn by doing to help them thrive as a lawyer in a work environment.
Many employers value the combination of a non-law undergraduate area of expertise combined with the solid grounding in core legal principles and legal skills, provided by a law conversion course.
Why choose the MA LAW (SQE1) course?
- Learn to think like a lawyer and develop practical legal skills through practical workshops and problem-based learning.
- Be ready to progress your legal training – this course includes the SQE1 Preparation Course which will prepare you for the SQE1 assessments. Once you complete this course, you will then be ready to progress onto our SQE2 Preparation Course.
- The Law of Organisations module focuses on company and partnership law - ideal preparation for your late studies and practice
- With one of the largest legal careers services in the UK, ULaw gives you the support and the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) opportunities you need to make the best start in your legal career.
- Experience of working in practice. As part of the SQE1 Preparation element of the course, you’ll learn in the context of our virtual law firm, ULaw LLP. ULaw LLP replicates the working environment of a law firm and students perform real world tasks on simulated cases, deals and transactions, as if they were in the office.
- Resources developed specifically for SQE by our expert lecturers. On the SQE 1 Preparation part of the course, you’ll be provided with all course materials, including:
- an extensive bank of practice exam questions
- ULaw SQE – our intelligent revision app provides practice tests and feedback
- brand new online study manuals
- In depth guidance and support from our experienced lecturers, who will monitor your progress and give feedback using predictive analytics, so you’ll know where to focus.
- Taught by qualified lawyers, with lectures and practical workshops to develop your legal skills, so you’ll know what to expect in a real-life work environment.
- If you choose online programmes, you will save the time and money on commuting to and from campus and it will allow you to study anywhere, across devices, however you can be reassured that the course won’t be compromised on quality or be less demanding than our on campus courses.
- Flexible study - We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of study modes (full-time, part-time, on campus, online) across our courses to provide you with the greatest choice and flexibility you need to succeed in your studies.
- We have a vast network in the legal industry, providing legal training for 90 of the top 100 law firms in the UK and exclusively delivering SQE training for over 65 leading UK and US law firms.
- Receive four weeks of guaranteed Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). Get hands-on legal work experience working with real clients in our Legal Advice Clinics. You’ll get to see how a case progresses in practice and how the skills that you will learn are relevant in a practical context.
Our years of experience in training more practising lawyers in the UK than any other law school has helped our students go on to succeed in law, business, politics and more. We believe in training students for the real world from the moment they accept a place with us.
Not sure if this course is right for you? Download our free guide, An SQE Course for Everyone, to find your path to becoming a solicitor.
*All eligible cohorts contacted, results based on over 2,000 responses.
Access to the SQE app
Students studying our MA Law (SQE1) course will receive access to our intelligent SQE revision app ULaw SQE whilst studying the SQE1 component of the course. The app is designed to help prepare and embed your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK), ready to take on the SQE1 assessments.
Find out moreCourse Structure
Required pre-course study
You will undertake 25 hours of pre-course study as part of your English Legal System & Constitutional Law (including EU Law) module, through guided module units with all materials provided online.
Modules
The modules you’ll study during the course are:
- English Legal System and Constitutional Law (including EU Law) (15 credits)
- Tort Law (15 credits)
- Contract Law (15 credits)
- Criminal Law (15 credits)
- Administrative Law and Human Rights (15 credits)
- Land Law (15 credits)
- Equity and Trusts (15 credits)
- Law of Organisations (15 credits)
- Skills and Behaviours (non-credit-bearing)
- SQE1 (60 credits):
- Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 1 (Business, Legal Services, Dispute Resolution)
- Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 2 (Property Law and Practice, Wills, Solicitors’ Accounts, Criminal Practice)
This course develops the key intellectual and personal skills required by lawyers, alongside skills required to pass professional examinations for qualification as a solicitor.
All modules focus on combining knowledge and understanding of core areas of law with the ability to analyse, evaluate and form critical judgements about the law. Study is centred on practical activities that enable students to learn by doing. Workshops involve students completing further practice based tasks, including an application of FLK to Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs).
Alongside academic modules, students will engage in a Skills and Behaviours module, allowing you to recognise and develop key professional and personal attributes necessary to thrive as a lawyer in a work environment, and to manage your career.
The SQE1 Preparation Course will also prepare you for the SQE1 assessments, which will test your FLK.
On successful completion of this course, including the SQE1 assessments, you will gain an internationally recognised Master’s qualification.
Course Start Dates
May 2026
-
MA Law (SQE 1)
- Full-time: London Moorgate
September 2026
-
MA Law (SQE 1)
- Full-time: Birmingham, Bristol, Egham (Royal Holloway), Exeter, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading and Sheffield
- Part-time Evening: London Bloomsbury and London Moorgate
- Part-time Weekend: Birmingham, London Bloomsbury, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham
January 2027
-
MA Law (SQE 1)
- Full-time: Birmingham, Bristol, Egham (Royal Holloway), Exeter, Leeds, Liverpool, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading and Sheffield
- Part-time Evening: London Bloomsbury
- Part-time Weekend: London Bloomsbury, Manchester and Newcastle
Online
Study MA Law (SQE1) Online starting September 2026 or January 2027
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
As part of the new SQE route to practice, you must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) which can be completed with up to four employers.
For all students on this course, we’re offering you the chance to complete four weeks of QWE within our Legal Advice Clinics*.
How it works
You’ll get the opportunity to work on a range of real-life cases by providing free legal advice and representation to members of the public.
Throughout the programme you’ll get to put the theory and skills you have learnt into practice. You’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to deal with a number of processes such as triaging, conflict checks, familiarisation with Case Management Systems, client meetings and interviews, drafting letters, research and ensuring solicitor competencies.
At each stage you will be closely supervised by a qualified Supervising Solicitor to ensure what you are doing and the advice you are giving is correct.
*On enrolment to the course, you’ll get the opportunity to opt-in to complete QWE within our Legal Advice Clinics.
Get to know our lecturers
Hear from our lecturers about what makes law conversion a fascinating path to study leading to a fulfilling and dynamic career.
Watch now
New in 2025
A new financing option provided by third-party firm StepEx is now available for selected courses.
Find out more
Course requirements
Learn more about how the course is taught and how learning time is distributed by taking a look at our MA Law (SQE1) infographic. You can also look at the course demands document which shows the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments the course will involve.
Law Conversion Courses
Start your legal journey
We offer a number of law conversion courses, which offer you a pathway to progress onto become a solicitor or barrister.
View our law conversion guide to make the best choice for you and your career.
Will non-law graduates on the SQE pathway be required to complete a conversion course?
Hear from Annabel Hale, Graduate Recruitment & Development Manager at Wedlake Bell.
Study Online
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of a flexible study programme to fit around your other commitments together with the benefit of our expertise, experience and employability focus, why not consider our online study option?
eventsUpcoming Dates
Mar 4th
Real World Lecture: Are Women Fully Protected by the Law?
Postgraduate and Undergraduate
16:00 - 17:00
Online
Mar 5th
A Fireside Chat with Paul, Weiss
Postgraduate
17:00 - 18:30
Online
Mar 10th
Bar Series Part 3: Chambers, Circuits and Practice Areas
Postgraduate
16:30 - 18:00
Online
next event
15d 16h 52m
Course Information
Application and booking deadlines vary by intake - take a look at our key application and enrolment deadline dates for more information.
With so many options for how and where you can study the MA Law (SQE1), you can be sure to find a start date and study option to suit your needs.
Internal assessments
60% of the credit for each module will vary according to the module. These will include:
- online examination
- coursework
- oral question and answer
40% of the credit for each module will be comprised of Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) to support any future progress onto SQE1 or Bar assessments.
Functioning Legal Knowledge is assessed internally through the following final assessments:
- FLK1 Students will sit a Multiple Choice Question paper using Single Best Answer style questions (SBAQs) covering the topics in Functioning Legal Knowledge 1. The assessment will consist of 90 SBAQs and will be delivered online using the University’s Virtual Learning Platform Elite. The SBAQs will mimic the SRA’s SQE1 assessments in terms of syllabus coverage and timings to best prepare students for these external assessments.
- FLK2 Students will sit a Multiple Choice Question paper using Single Best Answer style questions (SBAQs) covering the topics in Functioning Legal Knowledge 2. The assessment will consist of 90 SBAQs and will be delivered online using the University’s Virtual Learning Platform Elite. The SBAQs will mimic the SRA’s SQE1 assessments in terms of syllabus coverage and timings to best prepare students for these external assessments.
Once successfully passed, the assessments will contribute 60 credits towards the student’s master’s award.
Ethics will be assessed pervasively across FLK 1 and 2 including unflagged ethical questions.
External assessments
SQE1 is assessed by centralised assessments introduced by the SRA. These assessments are an essential requirement to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales (together with SQE2) but do not need to be passed in order to gain our master’s award.
The SRA assessments for SQE1 and SQE2 are under the control of the SRA’s chosen assessment provider Kaplan. For details on how to book, pay and receive your results for your SQE assessments, as well as request any reasonable adjustments, please visit the SRA website.
- Each taught module comprises of workshops and incorporates streamed lectures or media.
- Class contact time is combined with online tutorials, online Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs) and self-study from study manuals and online research.
- The learning model is based around undertaking activities in the workshops (or equivalent online activities) to develop both knowledge and key skills
- The Skills and Behaviours module will comprise of workshops spread over all semesters.
- The SQE1 Preparation Course will be delivered as a blended learning programme, including face to face workshop delivery, and also online.
Employability We Set You Up For Success
We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.
Discover more
Find a career that suits you
Fees and Applying
If you’d like to study full-time you can apply through CAB. For part-time study you can apply directly with us.
Please note: The SQE assessment fee is not included in this course fee.
2025/26 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2025)
Domestic
- London: £18,650
- Outside London: £15,700
Non-domestic
- London: £19,950 (or £18,950 including a £1,000 International Bursary*)
- Outside London: £16,900 (or £15,900 including a £1,000 International Bursary*)
2026/27 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2026)
Domestic
- London: £19,400
- Outside London: £16,350
Non-domestic
- London: £20,550
- Outside London: £17,400
All fees above include a deposit amount of £250.
See our full fees schedule here.
Discounts:
For the 2025/26 academic year, we are offering a £500 Postgraduate Award to students studying at Newcastle University and a £1,000 Postgraduate Award to students studying at our Nottingham Campus. Dependant on start date. Terms and conditions apply.
We’re so confident in our SQE courses that, if you don’t pass the SQE1, you can repeat our Exam Preparation Courses up to two further times.**
Study manuals: eBooks are included in the course fee, and you’ll receive a 50% discount if you’d like to purchase print versions.
If you’re a ULaw alumnus, you may be eligible to receive our £500 General Alumni Discount and receive an additional £250 discount, as part of our Early Bird Alumni Offer.
You could also be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan.
We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available which make studying with us more affordable than ever.
StepEx: Financing options are now available for eligible postgraduate students through the third party provider StepEx. To find out more about their financing options and to check if this is suitable for you, visit their website.
We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.
If you are an international student and are coming to the UK to study, then you must apply to the Home Office for a visa. In most cases you will need to obtain a Student Route visa. In order to apply for this visa you must be sponsored by an education provider which is licensed by the UK Home Office.
The Home Office has also introduced a Graduate Work visa which allows Graduates to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career in the UK for 2 years post completion of a UK degree. The Graduate route is an unsponsored visa, meaning students will not need a job offer to apply for this visa.
Please note that the University does not currently provide visa sponsorship to students for part-time study. We also cannot sponsor students for online courses due to Home Office regulations.
