Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Entry requirements
This course is subject to validation
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Why study this course?

This LLM in Legal Practice is a Level 7 course, which can be studied across three semesters (full-time) or five semesters (part-time). It is the most comprehensive postgraduate legal practice course we offer for those wishing to qualify as a solicitor.

Designed for law graduates who want to have the best possible preparation for Parts One and Two of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 1 and 2), the Legal Practice (SQE 1 and 2) LLM also includes a dissertation to allow you to achieve a full LLM degree. This means government funding may be available via a Postgraduate Master’s Loan.

To qualify as a solicitor, you will need to pass both SQE exams, hold a degree or equivalent qualification/experience, have two years of qualifying work experience and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements.

Our flexible timetable means, as a UK student, you can study during the day (on campus), in the evening (online) or by any workable combination of the two. If you are an international student, you can study online in the evenings (UK time).

Whichever you choose, you will have live workshop sessions with highly qualified legal practitioners, who will be able to guide you through the intricacies of the SQE syllabus and introduce you to the techniques needed to pass the rigorous SQE examinations. 

In preparation for SQE 1, you will study two modules (each worth 30 credits), which exactly match the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) syllabuses for Functioning Legal Knowledge, as assessed in the SQE 1 examination. In preparation for SQE 2, you will study two packages of legal skills (each worth 15 credits), which exactly match the SRA syllabuses. In addition, you will study two option modules (each worth 15 credits), based in professional legal practice. The LLM part of the course involves you writing a supervised dissertation on a legal topic of your own choosing, subject to approval for suitability. The dissertation must be between 12,000 to 15,000 words, and you will receive one-to-one supervision by a specialist in your research field.

If you are successful in our examinations, you will be awarded a Legal Practice (SQE 1 and SQE 2) LLM.

During your time on the course, you can also take part in other activities within our Guildhall School of Business and Law such as our prestigious mooting competition, the final of which is often judged by Lord Reed PSC, and our Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic. If you choose to gain experience with this clinic, you could earn you up to six months of qualifying work experience (QWE) – this can contribute to the two years of full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience required by candidates looking to qualify as a solicitor.

Classes are delivered live by our expert team of experienced solicitors and senior academics through a combination of lectures, workshops, interactive seminars, one-to-one supervision and directed self-study. You will be encouraged to read from specified case law, practitioners’ textbooks and legal journals, as well as having the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues and practical problem solving.?  

You will be provided with online and printed learning materials to ensure you have the resources you need to succeed. You'll also have 24/7 access to our vast online library, including Westlaw and Lexis+. If you study on campus you will also have access to our expansive Learning Centre on Holloway Road. 

As well as having access to our wide range of student services such as our Careers and Employability team and Disabilities and Dyslexia Service, you will have an individual personal tutor who can provide you with advice and support. The academic mentor for law and your module tutors will also be happy to assist you throughout your studies.

Preparation for both SQE exams

Gain the knowledge you'll need for Parts One and Two of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

Gain practical experience

Our Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic can provide you with up to six months of the qualifying work experience required to qualify as a solicitor

Government funding may be available

By including a dissertation, this course will give you an LLM degree, meaning you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan

Course details

You will be required to have:

  • an undergraduate UK law degree with at least a 2:2 classification or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) from a UK university (with a Grade Point Average of at least 50%)

If you don't have a law degree or the Graduate Diploma in Law, both courses are available to study at the University, including our one-year Graduate Law top-up LLB (Hons) for anyone with a good undergraduate degree in any subject.

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

The assessment for the SQE 1 part of the course exactly mirrors the multiple-choice format of the Functioning Legal Knowledge assessments run by the SRA, so you will be well-prepared for the professional examinations. 

The assessment for the SQE 2 part of the course not only reflects the methods used by the SRA for professional purposes, but also includes two additional option modules from a range of subject areas you are likely to meet in professional practice. This will give you an early opportunity to specialise and to make yourself especially valuable to prospective employers within the sector.

The LLM modules will be assessed by a dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words.

This Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Practice course is specifically aimed at students who wish to qualify as solicitors, although the knowledge gained throughout the course would benefit anyone working either within the legal or business sectors in any capacity.

Please note, in addition to?the?tuition fee there?may be additional costs for things like?equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that?are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but?which?you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips).?The?costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and?the?fees set out?above?and will be notified when?the?activity is being?arranged.

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.

When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.

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