At The College of Legal Practice, our main goal is to make a career in law more accessible and affordable. We designed our LLM in Legal Practice as a comprehensive programme that prepares you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while also earning you a Master's degree. This approach offers a strong, flexible path to becoming a solicitor.
The SQE requires a degree, two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and passing SQE1 and SQE2. What's key is that the SQE assesses you at the standard of a day one solicitor, meaning you need practical application skills, not just theory. Our LLM addresses this directly as well as preparing you for practice.
Lastly, our LLM is one of the most affordable, yet fully accredited LLMs in Legal Practice in the UK market, you are receiving excellent value for money.
Funding options
If you're based in the UK, a Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with both course fees and living costs while you study. Eligible students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 through Student Finance.
This loan will fully cover the cost of our LLM course (£7,245) and the combined cost of SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, making it a practical and affordable option for many aspiring solicitors. Loan eligibility depends on factors such as your nationality and whether you are based in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for your studies.
The structure of our LLM programme
Our LLM is a 180-credit programme delivered fully online. We offer both a full-time (one-year) and a part-time (two-year) option. The part-time route is very popular because it's built to fit around your work or other commitments, with breaks that line up with the national SQE exam dates.
The LLM is made up of several key modules:
- SQE1 Prep: This module covers all the functioning legal knowledge (FLK) you need for SQE1. We provide focused materials, including manuals and videos, and plenty of practice with over 2,300 multiple-choice questions that match the exam format. This helps you apply the law to real-life scenarios
- SQE2 Prep: After SQE1, this module focuses on legal skills. You'll practice key skills like legal writing, drafting, advocacy, and client interviewing. You'll complete activities and assessments, receiving individual feedback from experienced supervisors to help you refine your abilities
- Two Transactional Modules: These are a unique part of our LLM, giving you a real feel for legal practice. You choose two modules from options like Commercial Law, Commercial Property, or even our O-shaped skills module, which teaches crucial human skills for lawyers. You'll complete practical tasks and build a portfolio of work, just like in a law firm. This forms 60% of your assessment for these modules, with a 40% reflective piece on your learning
- Capstone Project: The LLM finishes with an 8,000-word Capstone Project (dissertation). You'll pick a legal topic, often related to your transactional modules, and conduct in-depth research. You get three meetings with a personal tutor to guide you through this process
You can see the structure and timing of the LLM modules on our website.
Support and flexibility
A crucial point about our LLM is that your Master's degree is separate from the external SQE exams. You can progress through the LLM modules even if you choose not to sit the SQE exams, or if you need more time to prepare for them. This provides valuable flexibility and reduces pressure.
We offer extensive support:
- Personal supervisors: experienced solicitors and legal professionals on hand to help support and guide you
- Live sessions: Seminars & information sessions provide guidance and cover tricky legal concepts. All sessions are recorded if you can't attend live
- Feedback: You get individual and group feedback on your work
Our fully online delivery means our courses are accessible and affordable, designed to fit into your life. We are committed to providing strong, individual support in a learning environment that helps you succeed as a solicitor.
Learn more about our LLM in Legal practice