What do I need to know about the postgraduate law courses? In brief, before you start either
How much longer will it take to qualify if I choose a non- law undergraduate degree? It only takes one year longer to
the training contract/QWE (solicitor) or pupillage (barrister), you must complete the compulsory vocational stage (SQE assessments for solicitors, and Bar course and exams for barristers). While it isn’t technically required for aspiring solicitors to complete an SQE preparation course before taking the SQE assessments, it’s unlikely that QWE alone will develop the skills and knowledge needed to pass. SQE prep courses differ in length depending on the provider and course content, with options to complete the courses part time, full time or via distance learning. Meanwhile, Bar courses are usually one- year courses, but can be done over two years, part time or by distance learning (depending on the provider).
qualify if you choose a degree other than law (if studying full time). After graduating, you’ll complete a law conversion that covers the key parts of a law degree, before progressing onto the SQE (this could involve taking a non-law specific SQE prep course, depending on the education provider and course you choose) or Bar course.
Are postgraduate law courses expensive? Do I have to pay for them myself? The total cost of qualifying
as a solicitor or barrister shouldn’t be underestimated. Over and above the £9,250 per year you’re likely to pay for your undergraduate degree, you’ll have to pay around £13,000 or £17,000 (plus living costs) for, respectively, the SQE and Bar course in 2024/25. And unlike undergraduate and master’s degrees, postgraduate loans are unavailable for the SQE and Bar course (unless they include a master’s on top of the core qualification). SQE prep courses with an LLM can cost around £17,800. If you’re not doing an LLM, it’s best to have a training contract or pupillage lined up before embarking on any of the courses – many large firms/ chambers offer sponsorship (usually covering course fees and maintenance grant) to their future trainees/pupils. Bank loans are usually the preferred option for those who self-fund. In addition, the cost of taking the SQE can be broken down into two parts, with SQE1 costing £1,888 and SQE2 costing £2,902 from September 2024. For more detailed funding advice, look at the ‘Finances’ section on LawCareers.Net.
What’s the SQE? The SRA introduced the SQE in 2021 to replace the LPC as the assessments that all solicitors
must pass to qualify. It’s designed to ensure that all qualified solicitors are of the same high standard, regardless of the route (eg, university or apprenticeship) they take to get there. Unlike the Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC, the SQE isn’t a course but a series of exams divided into two stages – SQE1 and SQE2. Check LawCareers.Net’s dedicated SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law, for the latest information on transitional arrangements, SQE prep courses, fees, exam results and more!
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