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LLM in Legal Practice programme (SQE prep) 

LLM in Legal Practice programme (SQE prep) 

Gain a Master's in Law online and prepare SQE1 and SQE2 prep

Discover the online LLM in Legal Practice Programme at The College of Legal Practice. This fully accredited postgraduate master’s degree programme is designed for aspiring solicitors to qualify and gain essential skills and practical expertise. The College’s LLM in Legal Practice is offered as either full-time or part-time study and will fully prepare you for the SQE exams. It will also give you a strong platform to become a newly qualified solicitor through online legal training and is tailored to the demands of modern legal practice. Alongside two SQE preparation modules, you will study two legal skills modules and submit a capstone project to complete this Master's of Laws. You will be supported by experienced LLM programme supervisors who have all been solicitors and can share their expertise with you through personal supervision. This course is available to you at a cost of £7,245 and can be covered by a master’s Loan.

Apply Try our llm module Demo

LLM in Legal Practice introduction video

Learn more about our LLM in Legal Practice programme from the Head of Curriculum Design and Development, Jane Waddell in this short film.

LLM in Legal Practice (sqe prep)

 


 

Course Overview

  • Includes SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses
  • Choice of two transactional modules
  • Capstone Project
  • 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time programmes
  • Award of Master's of Laws qualification from The College of Legal Practice
  • Eligible for a postgraduate master's Loan
  • Price: £7,245

 

This LLM programme is specifically designed to enable you to prepare for SQE1 and SQE2 whilst providing you with practical legal knowledge and skills through our transactional and business modules. Our transactional modules are the perfect opportunity for you to gain a deeper insight into practice areas you’re interested in pursuing as a qualified solicitor. If you’re looking for a competitive edge to progress your legal career, then this LLM in Legal Practice is the programme option for you.

This master’s programme option is also eligible for a postgraduate master’s loan, which, if granted, allows you to financially support your SQE studies, your master’s programme and the SQE assessments.*

LLM Programme Materials and Resources

    • Full access to the Learning Portal and virtual community
    • Comprehensive SQE1 & SQE2 preparation modules
    • Timed SQE1 and SQE2-style assessments with individual feedback
    • Gaps in the study schedules for you to take the SQE1 and/or SQE2 exams
    • Develop your in-depth legal skills and knowledge in two practice areas
    • Hard copy and electronic manuals available for SQE1 and SQE2
    • High levels of personal supervision and support throughout the master’s programme

     

    Course Options

    There are two LLM in Legal Practice programme options for students, all are suitable for international students, and offered with the same fees as UK-based students:

    Full-time: A 1-year full-time programme, with an average of 30-35 study hours a week

    Part-time: A 2-year part-time programme, with an average of 15-20 study hours a week

    Please note: every student’s weekly study hours vary depending on your academic ability, legal knowledge and progress through the SQE exams.

    Programme start dates Apply

    LLM in Legal Practice Programme Structure

    The LLM structure consists of 180 credits of learning through five modules. There are three core modules, SQE1 preparation, SQE2 preparation and the Capstone project.

    LLM Module Credits
    Core module Solicitors Legal Knowledge (SQE1 preparation) 30 credits module details
    Core module Solicitors Legal Skills (SQE2 preparation) 30 credits module details
    Elective modules Choice of Transactional and Business Skills Modules: 
    Acquisitions & Finance, Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Personal Injury, O Shaped Skills
    30 credits module details
    Core module Capstone (Legal Research Project) 60 credits

     

     

    Please note the College’s programmes are constantly developing, and the exact details of the module are subject to change.

     

    If you are a non-law graduate or do not have a current knowledge of England & Wales Law, we recommend that you take the College's Graduate Diploma in Law before starting the LLM in Legal Practice.

    You have the best chance of passing the SQE with us - why?

    Why choose our LLM in Legal Practice? Here are four reasons why studying with the College for the SQE gives you the best chance to pass SQE1.

     

    SQE Practice and Expertise


    2300+ MCQs for SQE1 & 16 skill practices for SQE2 with individual feedback

    Multiple timed mock SQE1 and SQE2 assessments

    A Ready Review advising whether you will pass the SQE

    Personalised Support


    High levels of personalised supervision

    Experienced solicitor supervisors to develop your in-depth practice knowledge

    Value for Money


    Low programme fees and eligible for postgraduate master's loan

    10 months of continued free access to SQE preparation modules

    No additional or hidden costs

    Highly Rated by Students


    83% of students would recommend or highly recommend our LLM to others

    100% of respondents would recommend our graduation ceremony

    Looking to cover your costs with a loan?

    Explore funding options

    WHAT'S IT LIKE STUDYING LAW WITH US?

    Wondering what the College’s learning experience is like?  Wonder no more. We go into depth on what the online learning experience is, what support is available for students and who the supervisor team at the College are.

     

    Online learning experience
    Find out how you will learn online with us, and the dedicated support for you from qualified supervisors.

     

    The learning experience  

     

    College supervisors
    Our supervisors are all experienced lawyers and tutors, guiding and supporting you to succeed.

     

    Meet your supervisors 

     

    Support for students
    We offer a range of support for students including personal supervisors and a dedicated wellbeing hub. Explore everything we provide to support our students here.

    Support for students  

    Choosing the right legal course for you

    The LLM in Legal Practice qualification can be taken either full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). The course content and learning approach are the same, but you can choose the number of hours that you wish to learn each week depending on your experience and work and life circumstances. Whilst the majority of learning for all modules can be completed at a time that suits you across the week, you should attend the live sessions to give yourself the best chance of passing the modules. You can see sample weekly timetables for each module on the individual course pages.

    Take a look at the two options below, the module structures and timing to see which programme works best for you:


    1 year (Full-Time) LLM in Legal Practice


    Full time LLM in Legal Practice example timetable

    You should only choose this course if you:

    • Have an excellent level of foundational legal knowledge from a UK law degree (LLB) or a law conversion course (eg GDL)
    • Are able to study every week in the course for 30-35 hours per week
    • Have a strong academic record – eg 1st or 2:1 in your undergraduate degree
    • Have few personal or work commitments each week

    This course is very intensive and if you are working alongside your study, you may find you don’t have sufficient time to fully prepare for the SQE Assessments.

    The order of the modules is currently: 

    • Solicitors Legal Knowledge (SQE1 prep) 
    • 2 Transactional Skills Modules 
    • Solicitors Legal Skills (SQE2 prep) 
    • Capstone Project (can be started earlier in the programme) 

    Please note, there are internal assessments that you need to pass to complete the LLM and there is an expectation that students continue on to the programme whether or not they sit or pass the SQE1 or SQE2 assessments at the recommended assessment point. 

    FULL TIME LLM STRUCTURE



    2 year (Part-Time) LLM in Legal Practice

     

    part time LLM programme example

    The 2 year LLM in Legal Practice is considered part-time, as you will be learning on average 15-20 hours a week. We would recommend this course if you are able to be a part-time student or work full-time.

    The order of the modules is currently: 

    • Solicitors Legal Knowledge (SQE1 prep) 
    • 1 Transactional & Business Skills Module 
    • Solicitors Legal Skills (SQE2 prep) 
    • 1 Transactional & Business Skills Module 
    • Capstone Project (can be started earlier in the programme) 

    • Please note, there are internal assessments that you need to pass to complete the LLM and there is an expectation that students continue on to the programme whether or not they sit or pass the SQE1 or SQE2 assessments at the recommended assessment point.

    PART TIME LLM STRUCTURE


    Please note, our courses are constantly developing and the exact details are subjec
    t to change.

     

    Still not sure which course option is right for you? We know that students who are stronger academically, have a strong and up to date grounding in the law of England and Wales, and have more time to study are more likely to pass the SQE first time. If you are at all concerned about one of those areas, please consider the 2 year part-time LLM in Legal Practice. We have a detailed webpage below that highlights everything you should consider before committing to a course via the link below and we are also happy to advise you on a 1-2-1 basis.

    what's the right course for me?

    APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR OUR LLM IN LEGAL PRACTICE PROGRAMME

    Apply now

     

    What do students say about this Programme?

     

    83% of students would recommend or highly recommend the LLM to others
    83% of students were satisfied or very satisfied with supervision support in Capstone module
    78% of students satisfied or very satisfied with feedback meetings in LLM transactional modules

     

    (Source: SLK/Transactional Modules Students 2024)

     

    Hear from our students 

     

    LLM IN LEGAL PRACTICE COURSE DETAILS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

    These are the course details for the LLM in Legal Practice – the College’s master’s Programme which includes SQE1 and SQE2 preparation:

    Admissions Criteria

    • UK undergraduate degree with minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification or experience.
    • Applications are still invited from those with a third-class degree, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with a third-class degree, you will be asked to submit a Personal Statement as part of your application, summarising any circumstances which resulted in your degree classification. You may also be invited to an informal interview with our Academic Team to further discuss suitability for admission.
    • If English isn’t your first language, English language qualifications equivalent to IELTS at level 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each component (writing, listening, speaking, reading). You can be exempt from this requirement if you have a qualification which is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree which was taught in English. Please refer to our Admissions Guidance for full entry criteria details.

     

    If you don’t have a UK law degree or equivalent experience based on the Law of England & Wales, we strongly recommend you take our Graduate Diploma in Law before the LLM in Legal Practice.

    Click here to see our Admissions Guidance.

     

    Assessment

    Assessments for each LLM module can be found on individual course pages. All modules must be passed to be awarded an LLM in Legal Practice qualification, each with one re-sit opportunity. Students must book the centralised SQE assessments themselves independently via the SRA’s website to take the SQE exams. Please note that being awarded the LLM is not dependent on taking the SQE assessments.

     

    Credits for LLM in Legal Practice

    180 credits with a minimum requirement of 150 credits at FHEQ level 7 and the remaining credits at FHEQ level 6.

    Being awarded the LLM in Legal Practice is not contingent on taking or passing the SQE assessments set by the SRA.  


    Course options

    Full-time LLM in Legal Practice (SQE prep): 1 year
    Part-time LLM in Legal Practice (SQE prep): 2 years

     

    Course Fees

    £7,245

    A deposit is required to secure your place and you can pay via instalments, please see the fee schedule for details.

    Please note, if you are an international student there may be an additional postage fee for hard copy materials.

    If you are a GDL student at the College, you are eligible for a 10% discount on course fees.

    Visit our funding page for further guidance.

     

    Timing

    Full-time LLM in Legal Practice (SQE prep): March and September start dates

    Part-time LLM in Legal Practice (SQE prep): February and August start dates

    See programme start dates on the Course Schedule.

     

    How to Apply

    Applications are open for courses starting in 2025.

    APPLY HERE

    If you have any questions about your circumstances or the programme, please contact us.

     

    Funding

    If you take the full LLM in Legal Practice with the College and you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a government-backed postgraduate master's Loan. A loan in the UK, for example, will cover the full course fees and the SQE Assessment costs.

    Postgraduate loan guidance for students

    Apply now

    SUCCESS STORIES

    Meet Dan

    Supervising Solicitor at Cumbria Law Centre and LLM student, passed both SQE1 and SQE2 with the College.

    It is official! I am over the moon to be admitted as a solicitor after qualifying under the SQE route. I am very grateful for all of the support I received from The College of Legal Practice and for their brilliant preparation for both SQE1 and SQE2.

    Read more on Dan's experience

    Meet Erin

    Trainee Solicitor at Heringtons Solicitors and LLM in Legal Practice student, passed SQE1 and SQE2 with the College

    I know I can’t speak for everyone, but from my perspective, as someone with dyslexia and ADHD, the format of the materials was really accessible. The manuals were available digitally and physically, and the video content came with transcripts. You could really take the materials and find ways to make them work for you.

    Read more on Erin's experience

    Meet Matt

    Trainee Solicitor at Brabners and LLM in Legal Practice student, passed SQE1 and SQE2 with the College.

    The SQE1 is a tough exam but the College's course built me up well to be able to pass it. By having a day one focus on MCQ questions plus lots of additional resources I felt I was progressing week by week with the College.

    Read more on Matt's experience

    Student Experiences

    Graduation Ceremony

    At the College of Legal Practice, all students who complete the LLM in Legal Practice programme will be offered the opportunity to attend an in-person graduation ceremony. As part of the experience, the graduates' academic achievements will be formally recognised and celebrated by the College community.

    Here’s what some of our LLM graduates had to say about our graduation ceremony:


    Meet Sydney

    I’m so happy that we have this ceremony. My family have come from Florida and Leicester to support me and celebrate, it is a great experience. Everything at The College of Legal Practice made me feel like I wasn’t just a number, they made me feel special and nurtured my career and my education.”

    Sydney graduation

    Give yourself the best chance to succeed in the SQE

    Access our SQE guide now. The College’s unique guide to the secrets of the SQE includes:

  • The SQE route to qualification: What is it? What are the costs? 
  • Top tips on how to succeed within your SQE prep studies
  • The College's approach to preparing students for the SQE assessments
  • Students sharing their experiences with the prep course and assessments
  • Funding your SQE 
  • Tips and thoughts from our supervisors and much more!
  •  

    SECRETS TO SQE SUCCESS GUIDE 

     

     

    Book a 1-2-1 meeting to find out more

    Book now

    LLM IN LEGAL PRACTICE PROGRAMME FAQS

    How long is the LLM course?

    The LLM can be taken full-time for 1 year or part-time for 2 years

    Is the LLM in Legal Practice a full master's programme?

    Yes, the LLM in Legal Practice is a fully accredited Master’s programme. The College of Legal Practice is registered as  Higher Education Provider with Degree Awarding Powers.

    What is the difference between LLM in Legal Practice and the Legal Practice Course (LPC)

    Our LLM in Legal Practice programme prepares you for the SQE route to qualifying as a solicitor, including two SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses as core modules in our LLM. The Legal Practice Course (LPC) on the other hand, takes you through the LPC route to qualification as a solicitor where you require a training contract for qualification. If you’re looking to study for the LPC then our LLM in Legal Practice is not a suitable option for you.

    SQE V LPC

    Does an LLM allow you to practice law?

    Our LLM in Legal Practice provides you a Masters of Law and prepares you for the SQE. It also gives you a strong grounding in legal skills in specific practice areas. However, the SQE exams are completely separate from the Masters programme. If you are awarded an LLM in Legal Practice that doesn’t mean that you are a solicitor. The SQE exams and pathway to become a solicitor is a separate exam process, that we will fully prepare you for as part of the programme.

    You may be able to work as a paralegal or legal assistant, or un-qualified lawyer after completing the LLM in Legal Practice, but you will need to complete the SQE and 2 years QWE to become a solicitor.

    SQE hub

    Do I need to apply for Postgraduate master’s Loan first or the LLM in Legal Practice?

    We recommend that you apply for both at the same time if possible. However, applications for loans may open later than our applications for the LLM. We recommend that you apply for the loan as soon as loan applications are open for the relevant academic year.

    Is everything online?

    Yes, at The College of Legal Practice all the learning is fully online through our learning portal. We are a purely online law school, so all our courses are run entirely online including our LLM in Legal Practice. Our virtual learning portal is highly interactive with various formats of learning including podcasts, videos, text, interactive activities, MCQs and much more.

    The online learning experience

    Will I need to get any books?

    As part of your LLM in Legal Practice, you’ll receive your SQE1 and SQE2 modules both physically and digitally, allowing you to study in a way that feels most comfortable to you. These are provided at no extra cost as part of the programme fees and you do not need to purchase any additional books.

    Do you need to pass SQE assessments to pass the LLM programme?

    No, you do not need to pass the SQE assessments to pass the LLM in Legal Practice. The SQE assessments are external and booked by the SRA and completely separate to our modules. You have internal assessments for each LLM module that you need to pass to be awarded the Master’s of Law.

    Can you provide information on SQE exam pass rates for previous students?

    We don’t have any definitive date on the College student’s pass rates. We understand that the SRA are looking at releasing data soon.

    Students do report back to us that they are happy with our preparation, and you can read our student experiences here.

    Student experiences

    What career support is offered for LLM students or graduates?

    College students receive regular updates that includes job opportunities, careers and SQE articles and event invitations. The College’s focus is providing affordable and high quality learning rather than wider career support.

    Do you have to sit the SQE immediately or can you wait until after the LLM is completed?

    You can wait to sit the SQE until after they have completed the LLM. The timing of when you choose to take the SQE exams and  your LLM studies can be separate from each other.

    However we would advise you to take the opportunity of access to the preparation modules to help you study for the SQE exams. You have access to the SQE1 and SQE2 modules for 10 months after that module has finished to help you with taking the SQE exams.

    Will the postgraduate loan cover the cost of the LLM and SQE assessments?

    The postgraduate loan from Student Finance England covers up to £12,471, if you’re eligible for the full amount this will cover both your LLM costs and the SQE assessment costs. This is different for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    More on funding

    Do I need to attend any exams in person?

    No, you do not need to attend any of the LLM learning or exams in person. So for all  your  LLM module assessments you can complete them all virtually.

    For the external SQE exams however you’ll need to book them via the SRA and attend them in person at test centres.

    What is the SQE?

    Can I swap the SQE modules for other transactional modules?

    No, the SQE modules are mandatory modules in our LLM in Legal Practice alongside the capstone project. You can choose two transactional modules as part of your LLM, and if you’re stuck on which to choose you can have a chat with our team who can help you figure out what might be right for you

    Can I take more than 2 transactional modules?

    No, from 1st August 2024, the College has changed the number of elective modules to be taken as part of the LLM from three to two. This is based on student feedback and will improve the learning experience.