Why study this course with LJMU?
- 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 Full Time
About this course
The part time Masters 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.
The Rice-Jones Trust Scholarship
The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust was set by an individual who wanted to benefit postgraduate law students studying in the North West of England. The individual's late husband and father were both lawyers, and this inspired her to help students who show academic promise and a commitment to the legal profession, but who may not necessarily have the financial support to undertake their studies.
The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust is registered at the Charity Commission with registration number 1171890. Click here for full details. The deadline for Rice-Jones applications is 31 March 2025. Apply using this form, any queries please contact the email address in the form.
The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust Scholarship is available to applicants who have accepted a place to study on a postgraduate law course, including but not limited to the Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, the Bar Professional Training Course or the Master’s in law.
The amount offered and purpose for which the Scholarship award is offered is at the absolute discretion of The Rice-Jones Charitable Trust and may vary per individual. A successful applicant may be in receipt of a grant of up to £20,000.
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
Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
15 credits
15 credits
In this module, students will look together at the physical structure of the hearing mechanism and its action related to the physical phenomenon of sound. This helps underpin an understanding of the experience of deaf children and young people (DCYP) on students’ caseload and the professional role in relation to them. The science also helps to provide a foundation for future modules on the course.
Speech Acoustics
15 credits
15 credits
In this module students will look together at the acoustic characteristics of consonants and vowels and other aspects of speech related to the physical phenomenon of sound. Considering the production of speech based on perception, students will consider its impact on validating hearing instruments outside of the clinic. This helps underpin an understanding of the experience of deaf children and young people (DCYP) on caseloads and professional roles in relation to them.
Educational Audiology in Context
15 credits
15 credits
This module considers how an Educational Audiology advises services on classroom acoustics and remote microphone systems in liaison with families and the multidisciplinary team. It underpins making recommendations for improvement to habilitation service to deaf children and young people and their families using methods in line with current research and protocols.
Clinical Audiology in Context
15 credits
15 credits
Unit materials in this module serve as a springboard for level 7 independent study and research of clinical audiology aspects in further depth. Students will cover basic audiological test battery and rehabilitation techniques and services in the clinic. This underpins the role of the educational audiologist as bridge between clinic and school and family.
Development of Communication and Multidisciplinary Working
15 credits
15 credits
This module looks at developmental aspects of speech and language and considers the role of the educational audiologist as part of the multidisciplinary team. Developmental aspects of speech and language are already a part of a QToD’s skill set, and students will learn how to take these topics a step further to be relevant for Educational Audiologists and in liaison with clinicians and other professionals.
The module considers development of communication and the potential impact of deafness for a child or young person as a foundation that underpins development of communication between the educational audiologist, the multidisciplinary team and parents. This module provides opportunity for refreshment of that foundation if needed and a deeper examination of how it underpins communication within the multidisciplinary team.
The module content, learning and teaching and assessment strategy are structured in such a way as to allow scope for differentiation according to diverse backgrounds (e.g. QToDs from various backgrounds, Clinical Audiologists etc.), increasing the capacity for all for joined-up working.
Students will explore various specialist roles and responsibilities and the scope of assessment tools in team management of children and young people who are deaf.
Pyschoacoustics
15 credits
15 credits
This module is concerned with the psychological properties of sound and speech perception (psychoacoustics). This can include phenomenon such as pitch perception, loudness balancing, binaural and dichotic listening, localisation, temporal cues, and auditory scene analysis. In the context of the human connectome it covers the experience, effort and cognitive costs of listening in various contexts, and the impact of deafness on the brain and on communication. It evaluates psychoacoustics literature and communication of this to target audiences including families. This involves a review of arguments found in the literature and considering alternatives, the impact of these on the behaviours of a child or young person, and outcomes in light of varying types and degrees of hearing loss. The module considers implications of psychoacoustics for the role of educational audiologist in terms of assessment and habilitation management planning.
Family Friendly Working in Audiology
15 credits
15 credits
In this module students engage in professional reflective practice in regard to habilitative and diagnostic services in relation to families of deaf children and young people. Relating theory to practice they also evaluate the role of the educational audiologist within this arena.
Whole Case Management in Audiology
15 credits
15 credits
This module is concerned holistically with the management and development of a deaf child or young person (DCYP) within the context of their family. It undertakes consideration of the DCYP’s background in terms of assessment, aetiology, family needs, developmental factors, habilitation needs in order to formulate via partnership and multidisciplinary working a management plan. Along with consideration of aetiology, this module links perceptual abnormalities that may arise due to hearing impairment and is concerned with this alongside the interpretation of audiological test battery results. The value of the educational audiology role in relation to whole case management is deliberated, in relation to providing a more in-depth understanding of holistic management in terms of habilitation. Taking this into account, the student will develop with regards to theory, methods and practice related to an appropriate management plans for habilitation.
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.
The part time course requires 1 full day p/w face to face teaching (seminars and lectures) with an expectation of independent study outside of this time.
Those who opt for the Clinical Legal Research Project module will be expected to commit at least 2 days p/w over 12 weeks in the Legal Advice Centre for the duration of this module.
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.
The course assessments are designed to both evaluate and enhance your readiness for the SQE, while offering valuable opportunities for constructive feedback. Formative feedback is provided in all modules.
A variety of assessment methods will be deployed throughout the programme, including problem-solving exercises, practice-based projects, case studies, research-based projects, literature reviews, group presentations, group and individual reports, reflective reviews, class tests.
Testing of the legal knowledge and skills is through multiple choice questions (MCQs, replicating the external SQE 1 assessments) as well as written and oral skills being demonstrated and assessed in 'real life' scenarios (replicating the external SQE 2 assessments). In addition to this students will be expected to undertake portfolios of work which will supplement these replica SQE assessments in order to put their knowledge and skills into context.
The Clinical Legal Research Project and the Dissertation are in addition to the SQE prep modules and are assessed by way of a portfolio of client based work or by way of a large piece of writing.
Course tutors
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 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen 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.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
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. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- An undergraduate UK degree or other qualification at equivalent level.
- An alternative qualification may be considered for entry, subject to postgraduate programme admissions team approval.
Further information
-
DBS Requirements
Continuing enhanced DBS clearance as specified within the DBS policy (any applicant without current enhanced DBS can be processed through Mary Hare. Mary Hare will charge the student at the current fee).
-
Extra Requirements
Typically, candidates will have an employment history working with Deaf persons.
- Two references including one from their current employer.
- Signed letter from current employer in support for employee as a postgraduate student by providing mentor, study leave and funding as appropriate.
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS: Applicants whose graduate study or relevant experience was undertaken in languages other than English, will need to demonstrate English language proficiency to the level of an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component).
Further information
-
DBS Requirements
Continuing enhanced DBS clearance as specified within the DBS policy (any applicant without current enhanced DBS can be processed through Mary Hare. Mary Hare will charge the student at the current fee).
-
Extra Requirements
Typically, candidates will have an employment history working with Deaf persons.
- Two references including one from their current employer.
- Signed letter from current employer in support for employee as a postgraduate student by providing mentor, study leave and funding as appropriate.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
LAWCABS is the official application route for this programme. Further information on the application process can be found here
Your Law Career Starts Here | Central Applications Board .
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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.
