94% of postgraduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2024.
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sqe The SQE Explained
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice. We are here to help you navigate this transition and support you in understanding the steps needed to achieve your career goals.
find your route to lawAn SQE course for everyone
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) has transformed the process of qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, offering a new and more accessible route into the profession.
This pathway opens doors for many but also raises important questions - do you have to study a specific course? How do you obtain Qualifying Work Experience? Should you still do the LPC?
If you’re exploring whether the SQE is the right path for you, our comprehensive guide has the answers. From understanding the steps to qualification to exploring career opportunities, courses, and funding options, find everything you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Your route to become a solicitor
If you want to become a solicitor, you should know that the route to qualifying is changing, with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). The transition from the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to the SQE route will be complete by the end of 2032.
We've developed a range of courses that will prepare you for a career as a solicitor, as part of the new SQE qualification route, and set you up for success. Our courses are delivered by expert lecturers, including subject matter specialists, former and current practitioners, and research and teaching focused academics.
Alternatively, you can still continue with the LPC route if you completed, started, accepted an offer, or paid a non-refundable deposit for one of the following by 31 August 2021:
- a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / the Common Professional Examination
- our MA Law
- the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- a period of recognised training (also known as a training contract)
For a qualifying law degree (QLD) and exempting law degree (ELD), such as our LLB, you must have completed, started, accepted an offer or paid a non-refundable deposit by 21 September 2021.
In most cases, for the QLD, ELD and CPE, the relevant course must have started at the latest on or before 31 December 2021.
If you have already started a qualifying law degree, GDL or training contract there are transition arrangements in place until 31 December 2032 to qualify as a solicitor under the current routes, as long as courses still remain available.
Routes to qualifying as a solicitor – infographic
SQE Newsletter
Introducing the SQE Navigator Newsletter. Stay informed with our monthly newsletter – your go-to resource for all things SQE. Sign up today for the latest news, resources and deadlines straight to your inbox.
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supportCareers & Employability
Get the work experience and employability support you need to start your career as a solicitor. You’ll receive four weeks guaranteed Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) within our Legal Advice Clinics if you are studying our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) or MA Law (SQE1) *eligibility criteria apply. You’ll also receive access to Pro Bono opportunities, as well as mentoring and leadership training. Our Employability Team will advise you, help with job applications and placements, and prepare you for interviews so you’ll enter the job market in a strong, competitive position.
law course finderFind the right course for you
You may be uncertain about which course is best for you. We’ve put together a useful tool to help you understand the different options available at The University of Law and make the best choice for you.
Get set for success withthe ULaw SQE Revision App
Our intelligent, free SQE Revision App is here to help prepare you for SQE1, part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE1). The App has been specifically designed to help you improve your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK), as well as your technique and confidence in attempting Single Best Answer Question (SBAQ) assessments. Students studying our applicable SQE courses will receive access to the full version of the App which includes a bank of over 3,000 SBAQ’s together with smart performance insights.
successSQE Pass Rates
We're proud to share our SQE pass rates and celebrate the success of our students.
SQE1: 78% of our students passed the January 2024 SQE1 assessments first time, compared to the industry average first attempt pass rate of 59%*
SQE2: 82% of our students passed SQE2 in October 2023 compared to the industry average pass rate of 64%**
*All eligible cohorts contacted, results based on over 1,800 responses.
**All eligible cohorts contacted, results based on student responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to support you throughout the transition from the LPC to SQE, and help you find the right course for your needs and aspirations. Take a look at some commonly asked questions and get in touch if we can help further, by emailing [email protected].
What is the SQE?
The SQE is the centralised assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is part of a new, four-stage route to becoming a solicitor, introduced in 2021. To qualify through the SQE route you'll need to:
- Have a degree (or equivalent) in any subject
- Pass SQE1 and SQE2 assessments*
- Undertake a minimum of two years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
- Show you are of satisfactory character and suitability
*Some exemptions apply. Please visit the SRA website form further information on the SQE assessment exemptions.
What does the SQE involve?
The SQE has been divided into two parts – SQE1 and SQE2.
In SQE1 you will be tested on ‘functioning legal knowledge’ which tests your application of law based on realistic client-based scenarios in multiple choice questions. The assessments will cover subjects you will have studied on a law degree or a conversion course, as well as the vocational practice areas in stage 1 of the previous LPC route. There will be two lengthy multiple choice papers of 180 questions each, covering all aspects of the SQE1 syllabus. You must pass SQE1 before being eligible to sit the SQE2 assessments.
In SQE2 you will be tested on the practical legal skills required for practice, including:
- Interviewing (with written attendance note/legal analysis)
- Advocacy
- Legal research
- Legal drafting
- Legal writing
- Case and matter analysis
How is the SQE different to the LPC?
SQE1 and SQE2 are centralised assessments introduced by the SRA and are not examined by The University of Law. These assessments are an essential requirement to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. The LPC is a course with its own individual assessments set by The University of Law and accredited by the SRA.
There is no specific SQE course as such, but there are important topics that you’ll need to study in order to pass the assessments. We offer a range of SQE courses to prepare you for the SQE assessments, as well as your future career as a solicitor.
Do I have to do the SQE?
During the transitional period between LPC and SQE, there are a number of criteria which will determine whether you have to sit the SQE assessments in order to qualify as a solicitor, or if you can still take the LPC.
If you started, completed, accepted an offer for, or paid a non-refundable deposit for one of the following courses by 31 August 2021, then you can choose between studying the LPC and the SQE - both are open to you:
- Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Common Professional Examination (CPE)
- MA Law
- A period of recognised training (also known as a training contract)
For a qualifying law degree (QLD) and exempting law degree (ELD), such as our LLB, you must have completed, started, accepted an offer or paid a non-refundable deposit by 21 September 2021, in order to still choose the LPC route.
If the above requirements for the LPC don’t match your qualifications background, you’ll need to progress through the new SQE route.
Not sure which route is right for you? Get in touch with our team by emailing [email protected] or call 0808 253 7683 for advice.
Will I have to complete a training contract?
No, if you choose to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route, you will not be required to complete a training contract. However you will need to complete two years of QWE instead.
What is Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?
Under the new route you will need to complete a minimum of two years’ QWE before you can qualify as a solicitor.
QWE is similar to a training contract and can be completed at any point during the qualification process (although it is anticipated that most students will complete this after SQE1).
QWE may be completed with up to four different legal employers. The type of work which qualifies as QWE includes placements while studying for your degree, time spent as a paralegal or working in a law clinic, as well as working for a two year period within a single law firm.
All QWE is signed off by the legal employer, who must be a solicitor, and is usually also the compliance officer.
If you have already completed part of the required QWE, such as through a Pro Bono placement, it will be up to individual law firms to decide how they accept your previous work experience. On obtaining QWE at a law firm, you might be required to complete the entire two year period of QWE with them, if that is what they require for practice at that firm.
To help you progress your legal training and prepare you for your career as a solicitor, we’re offering four weeks guaranteed QWE within our Legal Advice Centre to our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) and MA Law (SQE1) students. Find out more about our careers and employability support.
How can I apply to sit the SQE assessments?
You can book your assessments directly with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). To book onto one of our SQE courses, visit the page for the course you're interested in.
How much will the SQE assessments cost?
In addition to tuition fees, students will pay exam fees directly to the SRA. The current total cost for taking both SQE assessments (from September 2024) is £4,790.
SQE1: £1,888 from September 2024 for the two examinations.
SQE2: £2,902 from September 2024 for the written and oral tasks.
All fees are tax exempt and resits are subject to additional fees.
To check the current fees for exams and resits, always refer to the SRA website.
If I start a course can I switch to the SQE later?
Yes. If you have chosen to study the LPC during the transitional period, you will be able to sit the SQE exams in the future if you wish. Although this is unlikely to be necessary if you pass the LPC as you can continue to qualify under the current route.
If you have chosen to study the GDL or MA Law, you will be able to select either route on completion of your programme.
Can I do the SQE and the LPC?
In specific circumstances, it may be necessary to take a different approach to qualifying that combines both LPC and SQE. For example, the SRA has advised that LPC students or graduates who have not secured a training contract can combine the SQE pathway’s two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and SQE2 assessment as an equivalent to a period of recognised training. On successful completion of this you would be admitted as a solicitor under the LPC route. You can find out more on the SRA website.
What are my funding options for an SQE course?
If you study one of our Master’s courses, such as our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) course, you could be eligible for a postgraduate student loan of up to £12,471.
Webinar: SQE or LPC
Are you deciding which route to take on your journey to qualifying as a Solicitor? In this webinar you’ll find out about the different routes available to qualify as a Solicitor and how to decide which route is best for you and your career.
Watch webinar
Listen to the Podcast: An LLM Legal Practice Student’s Journey
Mental Health Advisor Jessica Massie, is joined by current LLM Legal Practice student Meg Kelly, to discuss her studies and journey into law to date and how she has become involved in the legal mentoring charity, Grow.
Stream this episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Our SQE Courses
Whether you’re a law or non-law graduate, want to study full-time, part-time, on campus or online, we have the right course for you. We offer a wide range of SQE courses from Master’s with SQE1 and SQE2 included, to short revision courses to help you get ready for your SQE exams.
Find out moreOur Employment Promise
We know you are driven to succeed, and we will equip you with the knowledge and skills to fulfil those ambitions. With years of experience, outstanding teaching, and a commitment to your future employability, we provide the foundation for your success. If you study our Legal Practice Course or LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) you'll benefit from our Employment Promise – secure a job within 9 months of completing your studies with us, or your fees back (Terms & Conditions apply).
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