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Routes to qualifying: SQE, BTC and Legal Practice Top-Up

Find information about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and Barristers Training Courses (BTC) offered at NTU. We offer routes for both law and non-law graduates

Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Nottingham Law School has designed an impressive suite of innovative courses to support you in preparing for the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Our courses maximise flexible and blended learning opportunities for both law and non-law graduates. They enable you to choose a course that suits your personal circumstances and to equip you for a successful career in professional legal practice as a solicitor.

You have the choice of two options when following this pathway:

  • Combine your SQE studies with an internationally recognised Master's qualification that is also eligible for the UK postgraduate loan by studying on one of our SQE LLM preparation courses.
  • Focus solely on the SQE 1 and SQE 2 preparation courses and prepare yourself for each assessment at a time that best suits you.

With both options, you can study on a full-time or distance learning basis and, if you choose to do so, earn while you learn.

If you are unsure which SQE course suits your goals, read our guide: How to qualify as a solicitor?

Courses for law graduates

SQE 1 Preparation Course - PGDip

Solicitor route for law graduates. 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time.

SQE 1 and SQE 2 Preparation Course - LLM

Solicitor route for law graduates, preparation for SQE 1 and SQE 2. Obtain a Masters qualification either by studying 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

SQE 2 Preparation Course - PGCert

Solicitor route for those who have taken SQE 1 or a SQE 1 preparation course. 7 weeks full-time or 15 weeks part-time.

Courses for non-law graduates

Law Conversion and SQE 1 Preparation Course - LLM

Solicitor route for non-law graduates. 18 months full-time or 36 months part-time learning.

Barristers Training Courses (BTC)

Nottingham Law School has been delivering high-quality vocational training for those who wish to be called to the Bar for 25 years.

Our courses have been designed to reflect the Bar Standards Board’s requirements and give you the flexibility to study in the way you choose, with a further option to gain a Masters qualification.

We offer a nine-month LLM Barristers Training Course (LLM BTC) and a six-month Postgraduate Diploma Barristers Training Course (BTC). There is also an 18-month Law Conversion and Barristers Training Course, which is open to non-law graduates.

Barristers Training Course - PGDip

Study the BSB’s compulsory modules in a cost effective and time efficient manner. Our Postgraduate Diploma Barristers Training Course (BTC) provides the necessary vocational training for the Bar in just six months.

Barristers Training Course - LLM

Successful completion of this Masters course enables you to be called to the Bar, and proceed to pupillage.

Law Conversion and Barristers Training Course - LLM

For non-law graduates, successful completion of this course enables you to proceed to be called to the Bar and proceed to pupillage. Study on our 18 months full-time course.

Legal Practice Course Top-up

We offer an LLM (Masters in Law) award through distance learning to “top-up” professional legal qualifications or experience.

Legal Practice Top-up (distance learning) - LLM

Interested in topping up your existing professional qualification to an LLM?

Postgraduate winner

We’re thrilled to have been awarded top university in the UK for postgraduate experience at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 showing our commitment to providing outstanding support and resources for our postgraduate students.