Why study this course?
This Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice is a Level 7 course, which can be studied across two semesters (full-time) or four semesters (part-time). It is 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 SQE assessments, comprising Part One (SQE 1) and Part Two (SQE 2), are integral to qualifying as a solicitor. This Legal Practice (SQE 1 and 2) PG Dip course combines our preparation courses for both parts, but you can also choose to study these individually through our Legal Practice (SQE 1) PG Cert course and our Legal Practice (SQE 2) PG Cert course.

As well as passing the SQE exams, you will also need to have a degree or equivalent qualification/experience, to complete two years of qualifying work experience and to meet the Solicitors Regulation Authoritys character and suitability requirements.

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Our flexible timetable means you can study either during the day (on campus) or in the evening (online) or by any workable combination of the two as a UK student. If you're 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.

If you are successful in our examinations, you will be awarded a Legal Practice (SQE 1 & 2) Postgraduate Diploma. Should you wish, you can also top up the Legal Practice (SQE 1 & 2) PG Dip to a full Legal Practice (SQE 1 and 2) LLM degree by adding a dissertation, which can be on any legal topic of your choice – subject to approval for suitability.

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.?

Where this course can take you
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.