The SQE1/LPC (law graduates)

The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is the new two-stage centralised assessment for anyone beginning a law or non-law degree from 1 September 2021 onwards. This section focuses on the first stage, SQE1.

For graduates with a qualifying law degree, the usual next step is to take a short SQE preparation course before attempting the centralised SQE1 exam. These courses are not compulsory, but they are highly recommended. They act as a refresher on key legal knowledge while also preparing students for the unique multiple-choice format of the SQE.

This format is very different from traditional undergraduate assessments, which are usually essay-based or problem-solving in nature. Prep courses therefore help law graduates bridge the gap and give themselves the best chance of success.

The SQE1 is made up of two Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessments, which together cover a wide range of legal subjects

The SQE1 exam fee is £1,888 in total (£944 each for FLK1 and FLK2). Keep in mind this does not cover the cost of SQE2 (currently £2,902) or any preparation courses you may choose to take. Exam fees are paid directly to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Although taking a prep course is not compulsory, most students find it helpful. The SQE uses a different style of assessment from typical law school exams, so structured preparation can make a big difference.

Costs for SQE1 prep courses vary widely depending on the provider. Basic online packages start at around £1,500, with more comprehensive options costing more. Preparation for SQE2 comes at an additional cost on top of the exam fee.

If you have already gained a training contract, then it is likely that your firm will specify the SQE provider and location. However, if you have not yet secured a training contract, there are a range of law school and institutions across the UK which offer various levels of SQE prep. You can find a list of SQE providers here.

An LLM (Master of Laws) is a postgraduate degree that usually takes one year full-time or two years part-time, depending on the university. Some programmes focus on a specialist area of law chosen by the student, while others offer a broader curriculum covering multiple areas.

Increasingly, law schools are offering LLM programmes that include preparation for SQE1 and SQE2, allowing students to combine advanced study with the solicitor qualification route. This pathway also means students may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan, helping with the cost of study.

Entry requirements for LLMs vary by university, so it’s important to check the specific details on each law school’s website before applying.

Many law firms cover the cost of SQE preparation courses and also provide a maintenance grant to support living expenses while you study.

If your fees are not being covered by a firm, there are still several funding options available, including:

• Self-funding – through personal savings or part-time work alongside part-time SQE prep.
• The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme – offering financial support and mentoring to eligible candidates.
• Scholarships – many SQE providers offer their own scholarships; check the scholarship section on their websites.
• Flexible payment plans – some law schools allow you to spread the cost of SQE prep over instalments.
• Postgraduate Master’s Loan – available if you choose an SQE prep course combined with an integrated master’s (e.g., LLM).

The Legal Practice Course (LPC), sometimes called the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, is a vocational course traditionally taken after completing an undergraduate law degree or a law conversion course. It formed part of the previous route to becoming a solicitor.

The LPC is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. Its content closely mirrors the kind of tasks trainee solicitors carry out in a law firm, helping students build the practical knowledge and skills needed for a training contract or qualifying work experience (QWE).

The LPC is divided into two main stages:

Stage One – Core Practice Areas and Skills
In this stage, students complete compulsory modules that provide a solid foundation in key areas of legal practice. These include:

• Criminal Litigation
• Business Law and Practice
• Property Law and Practice
• Civil Litigation

Stage Two – Vocational Electives
Here, students choose from a range of elective modules based on their interests or the type of firm they hope to join. Options may include areas such as Employment Law, Housing Law, or Real Estate Law.

Entry requirements
Most LPC providers require a UK degree with at least a 2:2 classification and if applicable, students must have also passed a law conversion course.

Where to study the LPC?
If you already have a training contract, your firm will usually decide which LPC provider and location you attend.

If you haven’t yet secured a training contract, you can choose from 34 different institutions across the UK that currently offer LPC courses.

What is the cost of the LPC?
The cost of the LPC depends on the provider and location, typically ranging from £9,000 to £17,500. Courses based in London are usually at the higher end of the scale.