SQE Training Options
Share
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has introduced a more flexible and inclusive route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. This pathway allows aspiring solicitors to customise their training to suit their personal circumstances and career goals. To qualify as a solicitor under the SQE, candidates must have a degree or equivalent qualification, pass both SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, complete two years of qualifying work experience, and meet character and suitability requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The beauty of the SQE is that it offers various training routes, enabling candidates to select an approach that aligns with their needs, background, and resources. Below is an overview of the different training options available to prepare for both stages of the SQE.
Training Options for SQE1
SQE1 assesses candidates on the application of legal knowledge, with a focus on fundamental legal principles. Candidates have several pathways to choose from, depending on whether they have a law degree, a non-law degree, or prior experience.
1. Law Degree Integrating SQE1 Preparation
Some universities now offer law degrees that fully integrate SQE1 preparation into their curriculum. This option allows students to cover all SQE1 topics without needing additional training after completing their degree. Such degrees are typically eligible for undergraduate student loans, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs. For students requiring additional support, Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can provide funding based on individual needs. When choosing this route, it’s crucial to verify whether the law degree covers all SQE1 assessment topics comprehensively. Additionally, candidates should explore whether these degrees offer opportunities for qualifying work experience, such as working in a university law clinic.
2. Law Degree with Additional SQE1 Preparation
Some law degrees may not include specific SQE1 training. For students taking this route, additional SQE1 preparation may be necessary. Candidates can choose from focused SQE1 courses offered by training providers, although these courses are not eligible for student loan funding. Funding options include self-funding, employer sponsorship, or commercial bank loans. Flexible payment options, such as monthly instalments, may also be available from some course providers. Alternatively, candidates may choose to pursue a Master’s degree that includes SQE1 preparation. Postgraduate loans of up to £11,222 can be used to fund these programmes, which may cover both the training and assessment costs.
3. Non-Law Degree with SQE1 Preparation
A law degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a solicitor under the SQE. Graduates from non-law disciplines can transition into law by undertaking additional SQE1 training. This pathway typically requires candidates to complete a more extensive training programme that covers the legal knowledge assessed in SQE1. Funding options for this route are similar to those available for law graduates, including self-funding, employer sponsorship, and postgraduate loans. Some candidates may opt for self-learning, using study materials designed for SQE1. While this is a cost-effective option, it requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline. Study materials often include practice questions, allowing candidates to assess their progress independently.
Training Options for SQE2
After passing SQE1, candidates move on to SQE2, which focuses on practical legal skills such as client interviewing, advocacy, and legal research. Candidates can prepare for SQE2 through a combination of qualifying work experience and targeted training programmes.
1. Qualifying Work Experience as SQE2 Preparation
Qualifying work experience is a significant component of SQE2 preparation. Working as a trainee solicitor or paralegal provides exposure to the practical skills assessed in SQE2. However, candidates may still need additional classroom training or mock assessments to enhance their skills. Employers may offer financial support for SQE2 training and assessments, and it’s advisable for candidates to discuss these options with their employers when planning their qualifying work experience.
2. Focused SQE2 Training Courses
For those seeking more structured preparation, many education providers offer specialised SQE2 training courses. These programmes range from short courses with mock assessments to more comprehensive skills training. As with SQE1, funding options include self-funding, employer sponsorship, and flexible payment plans. When selecting a course, candidates should carefully assess which legal skills and contexts the course covers to ensure comprehensive preparation for SQE2.
3. SQE2 Training as Part of a Master’s Degree
Some Master’s degree programmes incorporate SQE2 preparation alongside SQE1 training. Although these programmes are more expensive, their tuition fees can be covered by postgraduate loans. Depending on the programme’s structure, the loan may cover both training and assessment costs. It is essential for candidates to verify that the programme includes all the necessary SQE2 components, as some courses may extend beyond the requirements.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Apprenticeships offer an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor, integrating both SQE training and qualifying work experience. Two primary apprenticeship options are available: the solicitor apprenticeship and the graduate apprenticeship.
1. Solicitor Apprenticeship
The solicitor apprenticeship is a five to six-year programme available to candidates post-A level. It combines on-the-job training with off-the-job learning, covering both SQE1 and SQE2. At the end of the programme, candidates are fully qualified solicitors, provided they meet the SRA’s suitability requirements. Apprenticeships are fully funded by employers through the apprenticeship levy, and candidates receive a salary throughout the programme.
2. Graduate Apprenticeship
For candidates who already hold a degree, the graduate apprenticeship is a shorter two to three-year programme that integrates SQE preparation and qualifying work experience. Like the solicitor apprenticeship, it is fully funded by employers, and apprentices receive a salary. This pathway allows candidates to complete their training while working, making it an attractive option for those seeking practical experience alongside their studies.
The SQE offers diverse training options, giving aspiring solicitors the flexibility to choose the pathway that best suits their circumstances. Whether through traditional university education, focused training courses, self-study, or apprenticeships, candidates have multiple routes to achieve their goal of qualifying as a solicitor. Each option comes with unique considerations, including funding availability, the structure of training, and the alignment with career objectives. As the legal industry continues to evolve, more innovative and tailored training routes are likely to emerge, further expanding opportunities for those entering the profession.
Training Options for SQE1
SQE1 assesses candidates on the application of legal knowledge, with a focus on fundamental legal principles. Candidates have several pathways to choose from, depending on whether they have a law degree, a non-law degree, or prior experience.
1. Law Degree Integrating SQE1 Preparation
Some universities now offer law degrees that fully integrate SQE1 preparation into their curriculum. This option allows students to cover all SQE1 topics without needing additional training after completing their degree. Such degrees are typically eligible for undergraduate student loans, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs. For students requiring additional support, Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can provide funding based on individual needs. When choosing this route, it’s crucial to verify whether the law degree covers all SQE1 assessment topics comprehensively. Additionally, candidates should explore whether these degrees offer opportunities for qualifying work experience, such as working in a university law clinic.
2. Law Degree with Additional SQE1 Preparation
Some law degrees may not include specific SQE1 training. For students taking this route, additional SQE1 preparation may be necessary. Candidates can choose from focused SQE1 courses offered by training providers, although these courses are not eligible for student loan funding. Funding options include self-funding, employer sponsorship, or commercial bank loans. Flexible payment options, such as monthly instalments, may also be available from some course providers. Alternatively, candidates may choose to pursue a Master’s degree that includes SQE1 preparation. Postgraduate loans of up to £11,222 can be used to fund these programmes, which may cover both the training and assessment costs.
3. Non-Law Degree with SQE1 Preparation
A law degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a solicitor under the SQE. Graduates from non-law disciplines can transition into law by undertaking additional SQE1 training. This pathway typically requires candidates to complete a more extensive training programme that covers the legal knowledge assessed in SQE1. Funding options for this route are similar to those available for law graduates, including self-funding, employer sponsorship, and postgraduate loans. Some candidates may opt for self-learning, using study materials designed for SQE1. While this is a cost-effective option, it requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline. Study materials often include practice questions, allowing candidates to assess their progress independently.
Training Options for SQE2
After passing SQE1, candidates move on to SQE2, which focuses on practical legal skills such as client interviewing, advocacy, and legal research. Candidates can prepare for SQE2 through a combination of qualifying work experience and targeted training programmes.
1. Qualifying Work Experience as SQE2 Preparation
Qualifying work experience is a significant component of SQE2 preparation. Working as a trainee solicitor or paralegal provides exposure to the practical skills assessed in SQE2. However, candidates may still need additional classroom training or mock assessments to enhance their skills. Employers may offer financial support for SQE2 training and assessments, and it’s advisable for candidates to discuss these options with their employers when planning their qualifying work experience.
2. Focused SQE2 Training Courses
For those seeking more structured preparation, many education providers offer specialised SQE2 training courses. These programmes range from short courses with mock assessments to more comprehensive skills training. As with SQE1, funding options include self-funding, employer sponsorship, and flexible payment plans. When selecting a course, candidates should carefully assess which legal skills and contexts the course covers to ensure comprehensive preparation for SQE2.
3. SQE2 Training as Part of a Master’s Degree
Some Master’s degree programmes incorporate SQE2 preparation alongside SQE1 training. Although these programmes are more expensive, their tuition fees can be covered by postgraduate loans. Depending on the programme’s structure, the loan may cover both training and assessment costs. It is essential for candidates to verify that the programme includes all the necessary SQE2 components, as some courses may extend beyond the requirements.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Apprenticeships offer an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor, integrating both SQE training and qualifying work experience. Two primary apprenticeship options are available: the solicitor apprenticeship and the graduate apprenticeship.
1. Solicitor Apprenticeship
The solicitor apprenticeship is a five to six-year programme available to candidates post-A level. It combines on-the-job training with off-the-job learning, covering both SQE1 and SQE2. At the end of the programme, candidates are fully qualified solicitors, provided they meet the SRA’s suitability requirements. Apprenticeships are fully funded by employers through the apprenticeship levy, and candidates receive a salary throughout the programme.
2. Graduate Apprenticeship
For candidates who already hold a degree, the graduate apprenticeship is a shorter two to three-year programme that integrates SQE preparation and qualifying work experience. Like the solicitor apprenticeship, it is fully funded by employers, and apprentices receive a salary. This pathway allows candidates to complete their training while working, making it an attractive option for those seeking practical experience alongside their studies.
The SQE offers diverse training options, giving aspiring solicitors the flexibility to choose the pathway that best suits their circumstances. Whether through traditional university education, focused training courses, self-study, or apprenticeships, candidates have multiple routes to achieve their goal of qualifying as a solicitor. Each option comes with unique considerations, including funding availability, the structure of training, and the alignment with career objectives. As the legal industry continues to evolve, more innovative and tailored training routes are likely to emerge, further expanding opportunities for those entering the profession.
