Guest written by Jays law life.
To help students prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), there are a number of preparation courses available to help you learn more about what the exam tests, and to help guide your studying. However, taking a preparation course is not mandatory for the SQE. So why should you still take one?
Contents
- Are SQE preparation courses mandatory?
- Disadvantages of taking a preparation course
- Advantages of taking a preparation course
- Why a preparation course might be right for you
Are SQE preparation courses mandatory?
While SQE preparation courses are designed to help students prepare for the SQE, they are not required in order to sit the exams. To sit the SQE, you must have completed a degree (or equivalent level 6 qualification) in any subject. Yes, that means if you are a non-law student you don’t even necessarily have to do a conversion course.
Therefore, in theory, you could finish your undergraduate law degree and immediately book to sit the SQE. But the questions is, will you pass?
Disadvantages of taking a preparation course
The biggest disadvantage would be the cost. The cost of SQE prep courses varies enormously, from £5,000 to upwards of £10,000 to prepare for both SQE1&2. And this doesn’t include the cost of actually taking the exams themselves, which will now cost students an additional £4,790.
Additionally, if you struggle with the structured nature of a daily or weekly course, you might find it hard to complete. With regular classes and contact time, this may not be suitable for everyone looking to take the SQE.
Advantages of taking a preparation course
The biggest misconception with the SQE (and one I definitely fell for) is that it only tests knowledge taught on an undergraduate law degree. The SQE tests both the underlying law which you may have studied in your law degree, and procedural law – which, for many students, will not be something you have studied before. To pass the SQE exams, you’ll need to know up-to-date legal knowledge in 13 areas of law.
Therefore, one of the main advantages of taking a prep course is that your course provider will help guide you in your preparation for the SQE. They have tutors with experience in practice who help you learn the various areas of the law in preparation for your exams. If you are self-studying and don’t have this source of guidance, it can make the whole process very overwhelming (especially given the vast amount of information you need to know for the exams).
Additionally, course providers often have many resources which they may provide you with which you can use to prepare for the exams. From textbooks, to regular practice assessments, to scheduled personal supervision sessions – these resources can be invaluable for students studying the SQE. Given the intensity of the exam, being able to take practice assessments in exam conditions will be extremely helpful in preparing to actually sit the SQE.
Why a preparation course might be right for you
Trying to go through the vast amount of information the SQE tests is extremely difficult, especially if you are self-studying. Having the support of a course provider who has already helped so many SQE students pass the exams, and can guide you on exam technique, might be helpful in understanding what you will need to do to be ready to sit the SQE.
If you struggle to self-motivate studying, the timetabled element of a prep course may suit you well. Following the structure set by course providers means you know you will cover all the content in the time you have, and it will guide your studying within course timetable, helping you to hold yourself accountable when it comes to your progress.
Classmates are also an amazing source of support to have when taking these exams. The intense nature of the SQE can make studying for the exams feel quite isolating. However, knowing you have other students going through it with you who can be there to support you when you need that extra help or motivation can be genuinely lifesaving. I know I would’ve struggled without the support of my classmates!
And finally, having direct contact with tutors who have experience in practice, you get personalised feedback on your progress, helping you learn how to improve on your weaknesses in advance of taking the SQE exams. If you are self-studying, you will not have this external source of feedback which can be vital when preparing for the SQE.
Overall, students are likely to have more guidance, support, and resources when taking a prep course, and feel more motivated to keep going when it get tough!
Want to learn more about the SQE? Visit the link below to start exploring the SQE.