Why study Legal Practice (SQE 1 and 2) at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Focuses on dedicated SQE exam preparation
- Designed in conjunction with the BARBRI (the largest provider of legal learning)
- Tests your legal knowledge and skills throughout, practicing multiple choice questions set to replicate the SQE 1 exams.
- Opportunities to work with real clients and shadow solicitors in LJMU’s Legal Advice Centre
- Develops your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) portfolio
- Practical, skill-based modules to equip you for a successful legal career
- Independently research your areas of legal interest by way of dissertation
- Option to study Part Time
About this course
The Masters degree in Legal Practice (SQE 1 and 2) is designed to enhance your academic understanding of the law and to develop your practical legal skills, equipping you to undertake both components of the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1 and 2) in order to move towards qualifying as a solicitor.
This is a practice-based programme, building on the functioning legal knowledge required to pass the SQE 1 assessments, enabling you to engage in application and workplace simulation; as well as develop the skills and competence required for ‘day one’ of legal practice.
Our primary goal is to guide your progression toward becoming a solicitor, with a strong focus on SQE exam preparation to ensure a smooth transition into your legal career. We offer comprehensive learning materials, resources, and diagnostic testing to support both SQE1 and SQE2 exams.
The programme is developed with BARBRI, a trusted legal educator that specialises in innovative technology, having helped more than 1.4 million students and professionals succeed in achieving their legal qualification across the globe. Their approach to preparation for solicitor qualification combines ultimate flexibility and individualised learning through an intelligent online learning platform which schedules the learning content into your own Personal Study Plan (PSP).
Upon completion, you will have earned a modern LLM, started building your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) portfolio, and be well-prepared to enter the legal profession in England and Wales.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Foundations of Legal Knowledge 1 SQE 1
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to provide the knowledge, understanding and analysis of legal principles to align with the SRA's Foundations of Legal Knowledge 1. To allow students to study and undertake exercises and practice multiple choice questions which will replicate the external SQE 1 assessments.
Students will also be able to apply practical legal skills to problem questions to replicate working in a solicitors office in order to put their foundations of legal knowledge into context.
Foundations of Legal Knowledge 2 SQE 1
30 credits
30 credits
This module will provide the knowledge, understanding and analysis of legal principles to align with the SRA's Foundations of Legal Knowledge 2.
Students will be able to apply practical legal skills to problem questions to replicate working in a solicitors office to put their foundations of legal knowledge into context.
Oral Skills SQE 2
30 credits
30 credits
Students will be taught how to approach the oral skills of interviewing & advising and advocacy and practice them in the context of: Property Law & Practice; Wills & Administration of Estates; Dispute Resolution and Criminal Litigation.
Students will practice the different oral skills in the different areas of law required for SQE 2 assessments.
This is a preparatory module designed to give students the necessary practical skills required to undertake the external SQE 2 assessments.
Written Legal Skills SQE 2
30 credits
30 credits
To provide students with the knowledge and practice in order to demonstrate the written legal skills of case matter & analysis, legal research, writing and drafting as needed by a practising solicitor in the context of Criminal Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Property Law & Practice, Wills & Administration of Estates and Business Law & Practice.
These written skills are required in order to pass the external SQE 2 assessment.
This is a preparatory module designed to give students the necessary practice skills required to undertake and pass the external SQE 2 assessment.
Optional Modules
Clinical Legal Research Project
60 credits
60 credits
To provide the basis for the elements of professional conduct and clinical legal education and provide a basis for delivering legal services with appropriate supervision and reflecting upon the same.
Students will be allocated to a research project either in within the Legal Advice Centre or with a third sector organisation and will spend much of the time under supervision working with clients.
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
This module is to enable students to design and complete a large independent legal research project.
Students will be introduced to researching at Masters level and will learn different legal research methodologies, eg doctrinal, socio-legal and comparative.
Students will learn research ethics and develop a research plan in order to construct a dissertation proposal/literature review.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
To further personalise your learning, this Masters offers two optional pathways:
- Option one is a dissertation allowing you to independently research your specialised area of law
- Option two is the Clinical Legal Research Project, where you will work directly with real clients, under the supervision of experienced solicitors. You will provide practical legal advice, mirroring the work you'll undertake during your two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
Teaching is delivered primarily through student centred workshops, lectures and extensive learning materials, assessments and diagnostic tools provided by BARBRI.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Anita Ellis
Programme Leader
Our masters degree emphasises the knowledge and skills essential for passing the SQE assessments, while also equipping you with the additional expertise that employers value, ensuring you're prepared for the realities of legal practice.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
The Foundations of Legal Knowledge- SQE 1 and 2 modules closely reflect real-world legal practice. They focus on practical, 'real-life' scenarios that students are likely to encounter in their future legal careers.
Modules are structured to simulate the types of cases and legal challenges faced by solicitors, helping students develop the skills and problem-solving abilities required in practice.
For students choosing the Clinical Legal Research Project, the experience extends even further into practical application. Students will work directly with real clients, under the supervision of experienced solicitors. The legal work completed during this project may count toward the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) requirement, depending on the nature of the tasks performed and the number of hours logged. This option provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and potentially progress toward solicitor qualification while still in the academic phase of their training.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £13,230
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
An undergraduate degree in law or any undergraduate degree plus the common professional examination/Graduate Diploma in Law (or its equivalent) such as the PGCert Foundations in Law offered at LJMU.
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Contact the International Admissions Team for further information.
International requirements
IELTS
Would require a combined score of 6.5 or above (minimum 6.0 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
LAWCABS is the official application route for this full-time programme. Further information on the application process can be found here https://www.lawcabs.ac.uk. To apply for the part-time programme you are required to complete an LJMU online application.
LAWCABS is the official application route for this programme.
Please visit lawcabs.ac.uk and search for the Liverpool John Moores Legal Practice LLM SQE 1 and 2
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.