What do I need to know about the postgraduate law courses? In brief, this is the compulsory vocational stage that must be completed before you start either the training contract/QWE (solicitor) or pupillage (barrister). The LPC and Bar course are usually one-year courses, but each can be done over two years, part time or by distance learning. Many providers around the country offer the courses. Several providers have revealed details about their SQE preparation courses, designed to get candidates ready to take and pass the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. These vary depending on the provider.
How much longer will it take to qualify if I choose a non- law undergraduate degree? It only takes one year longer to
qualify if you choose a degree other than law (if studying full time). After graduating, you’ll need to complete a law conversion that covers the key parts of a law degree, before progressing onto the SQE 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 up to £19,500, £11,550 or £18,350 (plus living costs) for, respectively, the LPC, SQE and Bar course in 2023/24. And unlike undergraduate and master’s degrees, postgraduate loans are unavailable for the LPC, 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 £16,950. 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 £1,798 and SQE2 costing £2,766 from September 2023. 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 (GDL) and LPC, the SQE isn’t a course but a series of exams divided into two stages. As above, universities and law schools have released details about their new courses to prepare students for the SQE. Anyone who started a law degree, GDL or LPC before September 2021 can continue to qualify through the old system. Check LawCareers.Net’s dedicated SQE hub, sponsored by The University of Law, for the latest information.
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