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Law and Legal Practice: SQE 1 Preparation Course LLM

  • Level(s) of Study: Professional
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: 18 months Full-time / 36 months Part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

  • 100% of NTU's research submitted to the Law Unit of Assessment was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact (REF 2021).

Why choose this course?

This course is designed for non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor. The LLM Law and Legal Practice course provides you with the legal knowledge and skills required to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 assessment, the first step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor.

  • This SQE 1 preparation course provides an opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised Masters qualification by completing compulsory taught modules.
  • This course is eligible for the UK Government postgraduate loan.
  • All our SQE preparation courses carry awards and are taught at Masters level.
  • This course provides you with everything you need to have the best opportunity to pass SQE whilst also developing the professional skills that really matter to employers.
  • You will be taught by our outstanding teaching team, many of whom are experienced legal professionals who will provide you with excellent and personalised teaching in a dynamic and interactive teaching environment.
  • Opportunities for further practice and test the legal skills you acquire through mooting, negotiation, interviewing competitions to enhance your CV.
  • Opportunity for “hands on” experience to develop professional skills and gain experience in our regulated and multi award winning teaching law firm, NLS Legal.

Weekend commitments for part-time students

For students studying the part-time version of the course, seminars will take place over four weekends in years one and two, with five weekends in year three. Innovative and engaging learning resources are provided between the teaching weekends.

If you are not sure whether you want to become a solicitor or a barrister and do not know whether this is the right course for you, email us and one of our expert tutors will get in touch with you.

Find out more about our other SQE preparation courses.

Why study at Nottingham Law School?

  • We have a long established reputation of delivering excellence in legal education.
  • We offer a multi-award-winning pro bono programme, including NLS Legal for the local community.
  • You will be taught in small groups by supportive teaching staff.
  • We offer excellent career support, through our dedicated Employability team.
  • Every student will take part in career enhancing opportunities during the course.
  • All our staff are experienced lawyers and you will benefit from their practical knowledge. Also, you will benefit from our visiting lecturers.
  • You will have a dedicated personal tutor. We get to know our students and support and encourage you in both your studies and in your employment applications at the start of your legal career.
  • Studying with Nottingham Law School means that you have all the facilities a large Law School can offer plus the advantages of studying within a university environment which offers an outstanding library, IT, support, sports, language and student union services.
  • 93% of law students said the course is intellectually stimulating (PTES 2023)
  • 93% of law students said they have been able to access subject specific resources (PTES 2023)
  • NTU is 3rd for number of PGT students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)

What you’ll study

You will begin the course by studying the seven core modules of a law degree in your first year (FT) or second year (DL) at level 7.

You will then study the six subject areas which constitute SQE 1’s Functioning Legal Knowledge Assessments, integrating substantive law with procedural law and ethics.

The six subject areas are taught at level 7 too and are designed to build upon the knowledge and understanding of the law and skills that have been gained by studying the seven core modules of law in the first part of this course. This is achieved through the use of realistic case studies relating to the law and procedure in the context of Dispute Resolution, Property Law and Practice, Business Law and Practice, Criminal Law and Practice; and Wills and the Administration of Estates and Trusts.

  • Legal and Professional Environment (including EU law)
  • Contract Law
  • Tort Law
  • Law of Trusts
  • Criminal Law
  • Land Law
  • Constitutional and Administrative Law
  • Principles of Professional Conduct, Public and Administrative Law and Solicitors’ Accounts and the Legal Systems of England and Wales;
  • Dispute Resolution in Contract and Tort;
  • Business Law and Practice;
  • Wills and the Administration of Estates and Trusts;
  • Criminal Law and Practice;
  • Property Practice

Further information on what you'll study

Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Fiona Scott

I knew that at Nottingham Law School I could build a community and a network where I could achieve all of my academic and professional goals.

Yu-Tang Hsu

Law and Legal Practice: SQE 1 Preparation Course

NTU has great employability care for its students – the Graduate Outcomes Survey shows NTU’s students have great chances of being employed upon graduation.

How you’re taught

All teaching will be on campus with face to face teaching; there is no option to attend seminars and workshops online.

The modules on this course are delivered through a series of lectures in each subject area in order to enable a student to develop relevant basic knowledge and understanding. The lectures act as a stimulus to encourage involvement in the relevant knowledge and understanding and to develop independent learning.

In order to stimulate previously acquired knowledge and develop that knowledge further in context, you will also participate in regular seminars/workshops delivered over the duration of the course. These workshops provide a vital opportunity to test knowledge and understanding and to develop skills through student-focussed debate and discussion, problem solving, application of the relevant law and analysis, synthesis and evaluation of your own independent learning. All workshops involve directed and self-directed study and research and facilitate the development of communication skills. Tutor feedback provided in these workshops then provides a platform for continued progress and improvement.

E-learning activities will be fully integrated and are designed to encourage interaction with learning and to provide opportunities to confirm understanding. In particular, students will be given a considerable number of formative assessments based on Multiple Choice Questions.

As the programme progresses, you will be expected to demonstrate greater independence in your planning, preparation, research and reflection to exhibit increased autonomy in your learning and develop the ability to self-assess performance and respond incrementally to feedback provided.

Weekend commitments for part-time students

For students studying the part-time version of the course, seminars will take place over four weekends in years one and two, with five weekends in year three. Innovative and engaging learning resources are provided between the teaching weekends.

All teaching will be on campus with face to face teaching on each study weekend; there is no option to attend seminars and workshops online.

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Careers and employability

We have a dedicated Employability team who will support you in your search for Qualifying Work Experience and other opportunities.

At Nottingham Law School we don't view our courses in isolation. We ensure we provide the support required to give you the best possible start to your legal career:

  • Our Employability team provide seminars with advice about applications and interview techniques.
  • We will review your applications and formulate individual career plans. We also provide a practical interview preparation service.
  • We provide a mentoring scheme with trainees from local law firms to provide support and guidance and a personal view of what to expect from life in the profession.
  • Employability and commercial awareness are given appropriate focus, which provides a true bridge into practice.
  • We maintain regular contact with firms specialising in all areas of law.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

Students who enrol on this course will normally have a 2:2 from their undergraduate studies or equivalent level from another study course approved by NTU to be admitted onto the course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Students who enrol on this course will normally have a 2:2 from their undergraduate studies or equivalent level from another study course approved by NTU to be admitted onto the course.

English language requirements

For students whose first language is not English there is currently a requirement that they have IELTS academic test grade of 6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Fees and funding

Home fees for 2024 entry

Study modeFees
Full-time (18 months) £12,850
Part-time (36 months) £12,850

*The course fee for the second and third year may be subject to annual review.

Discounts available for 2024 entry

Postgraduate Taught Award Discount £1,000
Professional Courses Alumni Discount £1,000
University of Nottingham / Lincoln fee concession£750

Discounts are applicable to applications for 2024 entry only. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.

Scholarships available for 2024 entry

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:

  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement –    for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.

More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.

Funding your studies

This course is eligible for the government postgraduate loan scheme.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

International / EU fees for 2024 entry

Study modeFees
Full-time (18 months) £12,850
Part-time (36 months) £12,850

*The course fee for the second and third year may be subject to annual review.

Discounts available for 2024 entry

Postgraduate Taught Award Discount £1,000
Professional Courses Alumni Discount £1,000
University of Nottingham / Lincoln fee concession£750

Discounts are applicable to applications for 2024 entry only. More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the NLS funding page.

Scholarships available for 2024 entry

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Nottingham Law School is also delighted to offer a number of competitive professional courses scholarships that are worth up to half the value of your tuition fee:

  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence – for students who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life.
  • Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement –    for students who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives.

More details, including terms and conditions, can be found on the Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships page.

Funding your studies

For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

How to apply

Applications for this course are made online via the Central Applications Board. For further information on application you can also contact the Central Applications Board at: applications@lawcabs.ac.uk

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application closing date

Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact our Admissions Team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Good luck with your application!

Applications for this course are made online via the Central Applications Board. For further information on application you can also contact the Central Applications Board at: applications@lawcabs.ac.uk

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page

For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.

Application closing date

Please note this course can reach its maximum capacity prior to the course start date, which will result in early closure. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.