LLM Law with SQE1 Preparation

Throughout the course, you will complete three parallel components of study: your dissertation, an SQE1 preparation module, as well as elective modules worth up to 60 credits.

You will have three terms to undertake BARBRI’s SQE1 preparation course, tracking your professional development with a reflective practice supported throughout by regular individual and group sessions.

The dissertation module starts with workshops that introduce you to advanced legal research. You then have three terms to write up your dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff. Your elective modules can be spread across our autumn, winter, and spring terms. Depending how you spread your electives, you will study a maximum of two electives in a term, and may have one or two terms dedicated solely to SQE1 preparation and your dissertation. Please note that students on a visa will need to spread their electives more evenly across three terms to comply with visa requirements.

Please see the Programme Specifications, as well as our list of Elective Modules for further module details.

This programme supports students in their journey to qualify as Solicitors. Students starting our programme in September are expected to sit SQE1 the following July. Students starting our programme in January are expected to sit SQE1 the following January.

The programme also supports students to thereafter progress onto Qualifying Work Experience (or legal practice for those who are exempt or have already accrued 2 years of QWE) and subsequently SQE2 with confidence. As part of our programme, students will begin to explore and develop the professional competences that they will be required to demonstrate as part of their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and in SQE2.

During their studies, students can opt to participate in our extensive extra-curricular Clinical Legal Education Programme which includes opportunities for mentoring, shadowing, court visits, and work experience with a wide range of legal professionals.

Here are just some of the career opportunities and skills that can stem from studying on this course:

Careers and Employability Support

Our courses strive to effectively combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. The Buckingham tutorial teaching model means that our students are well prepared as they embark on their careers and future study.

Find out more about our Careers and Employability Service.

Further study

Further your expertise in your field of study with our doctoral degrees.

See our general University entry requirements for information on flexible entry, mature students and alternative qualifications.

The standard entry requirements for this course are:

1. Eligibility to sit SQE1 as defined from time to time by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
2. To satisfy ONE of the following:

• a. A first- or second-class honours law degree from a UK institution or equivalent foreign institution.
• b. A first- or second-class non-law honours degree or equivalent from a foreign institution which incorporates the study of legal topics, and the candidate obtained a minimum of a 2:2 grade in those topics.
• c. A first- or second-class non-law honours degree or equivalent from a foreign institution which did not include the study of legal topics, however the candidate can demonstrate the necessary analytical skills and/or has relevant experience in a legal or commercial environment.
• d. Persons who have not attained a degree of the standard and type indicated in a-c above may be considered if they have relevant practical experience in a legal or commercial setting.

International Applicants

Find out about our requirements and see useful information for international applicants:

• International entry requirements by country
• English language levels

If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact our Admissions team.

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

In addition to our fees for this programme, students will need to pay the SRA Examination Fee for taking SQE1. Please check the SRA website for details. These fees are subject to review annually by the SRA. Students will also need to factor in the cost of travel to an SQE1 test centre. We will discuss the logistics of registration for SQE1, as well as any financing options as and when they become available, with students on our programme to support them in that important stage of their journey towards qualification.

Please note that there is no obligation for students to sit the SQE1 in order to complete our LLM Law with SQE1 Preparation, and students can therefore graduate without having sat the SQE1 if they wish, for example if they prefer to take it at a later date. Please note however that sitting SQE1 at a later date will require students updating themselves on any changes in the law since completing our SQE1 preparation programme, and it therefore not advised.