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Are you a law graduate, or have you done a GDL or CPE, and want to train for SQE1? This course is designed to help you prepare for your SQE1 assessment; the first step in your journey to qualifying as a solicitor. 

Our LLM Professional Legal Practice course aims to develop the academic and legal knowledge required for the SQE1 assessment and professional practice. 

This course has been designed to build and develop your legal knowledge. It will give you the best opportunity to prepare  for the external assessment methods used in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in September 2021. The SQE is a two-part national assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.  This course is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge to sit stage 1 of the SQE assessment (SQE1) through integrated preparation modules. It also lays the foundations to help you achieve your employment goals. 

You can also progress to studying our SQE2 short course and go on to sit the second stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2) alongside undertaking work experience. 

You can see the SQE Website for more information on the exams, including the costs and fees involved to sit the exam. You will be responsible for booking and arranging the timing and location of your SQE1 assessment. 

The programme will provide knowledge of how the law is applied in practice, as well as enabling you to track your progress throughout the programme. In addition to this, it will also provide you with a critical understanding of how to respond professionally to different legal scenarios. You will be expected to think creatively and understand how to interpret and use legal rules to support arguments.

The final dissertation module will allow you to focus your interests through your chosen topic area. You will further develop techniques used in academic research and the professional skills needed for practice. It will improve your ability to undertake effective legal research and further your analytical and reflection skills in practice and policy. You will be encouraged to reflect on your progress and application of legal professional values and ethics throughout the programme.

In addition to achieving a Masters in Law degree, you will also have the opportunity to enhance your profile and experience by gaining an internationally recognised LLM qualification. In an increasingly competitive market, this offers you the means to set yourself apart from other graduates and enhance your future employability. 

Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University, answers crucial questions about the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination in the BBC's podcast series; Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees.

 

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
1 year Full Time

Department
Northumbria Law School

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

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Funding and Scholarships

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Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A Qualifying Law Degree awarded at a minimum of a 2:2 honours, or a GDL qualification, both awarded less than 7 years ago. Relevant professional qualifications or suitable experience will also be considered.

Please note that whilst you may not need a law degree to sit the SQE examinations to qualify as a Solicitor, we still require a QLD for entry onto this course. Northumbria do not accept non law degrees/overseas law degrees in lieu of a QLD as they do not cover the foundations of law which we require, as the LLM Professional Legal Practice only delivers 5 modules out of the 13 subject areas that candidates are expected to know in depth for SQE1.  

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: £9,500

Full International Fee: £9,500



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

1. Optional professional accreditation/fee – Solicitors Qualifying Examination 1 (SQE1) exam fee, cost of SQE1 - £1,888 (£944 for FLK1 and £944 for FLK2). This is not an additional cost that students or employers will have to pay to obtain our Northumbria award. Students/employers will have to pay it if the student wishes to sit the Solicitors Regulation Authorities external SQE 1 exam, which does not contribute to our award, but for which our programme does prepare them. 2. Whilst books are made available via the University library, students may be advised to purchase books for their modules at an approximate cost of £200 per annum. 3. Travel expenses for optional work experience with agencies - approximately £100

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

LW7133 -

Property Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The content of the module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE1. You will learn about and apply relevant core legal principles and rules, at the level of a competent newly qualified solicitor in practice, to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations in the following areas:

The key elements of a freehold and/or leasehold residential or commercial property transaction.

Investigation of a registered or an unregistered freehold and/or leasehold title.

Pre-contract searches and enquiries undertaken when acquiring a freehold and/or leasehold property.

Steps in progressing a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction to exchange of contracts.

Pre-completion steps relevant to a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction.

Completion and post-completion steps relevant to a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction including remedies for delayed completion.

The grant and the assignment of a commercial lease and/or underlease.

The key lease covenants in a commercial lease and the law relating to their breach.

Security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Part II.

Taxation of property transactions through Stamp Duty Land Tax, Land Transaction Tax, Value Added Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in property law and practice.

More information

LW7134 -

Business Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the whole lifecycle of a business from start-up to dissolution/insolvency. You will learn about the main types of business media - sole traders, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), partnerships and companies – as well as their advantages and disadvantages and key considerations relevant for choice of legal structure. You will understand the procedures for setting up each type of business media, and you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing interests, rights, obligations and powers of the various stakeholders within each business structure. You will be able to advise on the legal aspects of common business transactions, entering into contracts and the basics of finance and lending. In relation to companies, you will learn to appreciate the importance of a company’s constitution and the Companies Act 2006 in relation to: the ongoing operations of the company; the appointment and removal of officers; alterations to the constitution; transactions with directors; and the allotment, issue and transfer of shares. You will be able to draft routine documentation required to effect common transactions and advise on the taxation of business profits. You will understand the implications of insolvency for a business and individuals and be able to advise on any claims arising and potential liabilities. You will cover the basic principles of business accounting and you will learn how to interpret business accounts to ensure clients are appropriately advised. Finally, professional conduct scenarios will be employed so that you learn the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct and other professional obligations, including in relation to anti-money laundering and financial services regulation.

More information

LW7135 -

Dispute Resolution (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

Analysis of merits of claim or defence.

Arbitration, mediation and litigation as an appropriate mechanism to resolve a dispute.

Pre-action considerations and steps.

Commencing, responding to or progressing a claim.

Case management and any interim applications relevant to a claim.

The evidence needed and disclosure steps required in commencing, responding to, progressing or defending a claim.

Preparation of a case for a trial, the trial and any post trial steps.

Procedures and processes relevant to costs involved in dispute resolution.

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the area of civil dispute resolution. These areas will be considered using contract and tort legal knowledge and principles, you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment in dispute resolution.

More information

LW7136 -

Criminal Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1.

The core principles of criminal liability including actus reus and mens rea, specific and general defences, and participation.

The law, procedure and processes involved in advising a client at the police station.

The law, procedure and processes involved in pre-trial considerations.

The law, procedure and processes involved to meet the client’s objectives.

The law, procedure and processes involved in magistrates’ court and Crown Court trials, including sentencing and appeals.

On completion of this module you will understand and be able to apply the core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the area of criminal law and practice. The module will include advising clients about the procedures and processes at the police station including the applicable rules of criminal evidence. You will to apply the core principles to realistic scenarios in order to advise relevant parties to criminal proceedings.

The module will take you through the key stages of the criminal litigation process including arrest, detention, interview , procedures in the police station, bail, the first hearing in the magistrates’ court, case management and pre-trial hearings (including disclosure of evidence), evidential principles and procedures, trial procedure in the magistrates’ court and Crown Court, youth court procedure, sentencing and appeals.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in criminal law and practice.

More information

LW7137 -

Wills and Administration of Estates (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE1:

1. The validity of a will and interpretation of the contents of a will. The distribution of testate, intestate and partially intestate estates.

2. The law and practice in connection with an application for a grant of representation.

3. The law and practice of Inheritance Tax in the context of lifetime gifts and transfers on death.

4. The planning, management and progression of the administration of an estate including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

5. The law and practice relating to personal representatives and trustees in the administration of estates and consequent trusts.

The rights, powers and remedies of beneficiaries of wills and consequent trusts.

On completion of this module you will be able to apply relevant core legal principles and rules appropriately and effectively to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations in the area of wills and the administration of estates. The module takes you through how wills are created, executed and revoked. You will learn the rules of intestacy and how to distribute and administer an estate. You will learn about Inheritance Tax and the impact on lifetime gifts and on an estate on death. You will learn about valuing an estate for inheritance tax purposes, how to prepare estate accounts and about claims against the estate.

This module will support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in wills and the administration of estates.

More information

LW7138 -

Legal Research (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to advanced legal research methods. It has been designed to ensure that you feel confident in embarking upon the research for your dissertation, and to support you in developing your proposal for your Masters dissertation. During this module you will undertake a range of tasks which aim to develop your understanding of effective academic legal research, critical legal thinking and writing.

More information

LW7139 -

LLM Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

This module is an opportunity for you to devise, develop and complete a substantial piece of independent research at Master’s level, in dissertation form, in an area of your choice linked to your study.

You will work under the guidance of a project supervisor, utilising the knowledge and understanding you have gained on the LLM in Professional Legal Practice and the legal knowledge that you have.

The LLM Project module focuses on the development of skills in three key areas: problem identification and analysis, research and information gathering and the written presentation of results. You will develop your ability to undertake legal research, addressing complex and current issues in your subject area. You will also engage critically with research material and analyse your current skills and practice. The LLM Project module will also develop your skill in effectively formulating, communicating and presenting a sustained argument in writing to both a specialist and non-specialist audience.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

LW7133 -

Property Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The content of the module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE1. You will learn about and apply relevant core legal principles and rules, at the level of a competent newly qualified solicitor in practice, to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations in the following areas:

The key elements of a freehold and/or leasehold residential or commercial property transaction.

Investigation of a registered or an unregistered freehold and/or leasehold title.

Pre-contract searches and enquiries undertaken when acquiring a freehold and/or leasehold property.

Steps in progressing a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction to exchange of contracts.

Pre-completion steps relevant to a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction.

Completion and post-completion steps relevant to a freehold and/or leasehold property transaction including remedies for delayed completion.

The grant and the assignment of a commercial lease and/or underlease.

The key lease covenants in a commercial lease and the law relating to their breach.

Security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Part II.

Taxation of property transactions through Stamp Duty Land Tax, Land Transaction Tax, Value Added Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in property law and practice.

More information

LW7134 -

Business Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the whole lifecycle of a business from start-up to dissolution/insolvency. You will learn about the main types of business media - sole traders, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), partnerships and companies – as well as their advantages and disadvantages and key considerations relevant for choice of legal structure. You will understand the procedures for setting up each type of business media, and you will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing interests, rights, obligations and powers of the various stakeholders within each business structure. You will be able to advise on the legal aspects of common business transactions, entering into contracts and the basics of finance and lending. In relation to companies, you will learn to appreciate the importance of a company’s constitution and the Companies Act 2006 in relation to: the ongoing operations of the company; the appointment and removal of officers; alterations to the constitution; transactions with directors; and the allotment, issue and transfer of shares. You will be able to draft routine documentation required to effect common transactions and advise on the taxation of business profits. You will understand the implications of insolvency for a business and individuals and be able to advise on any claims arising and potential liabilities. You will cover the basic principles of business accounting and you will learn how to interpret business accounts to ensure clients are appropriately advised. Finally, professional conduct scenarios will be employed so that you learn the importance of complying with the Code of Conduct and other professional obligations, including in relation to anti-money laundering and financial services regulation.

More information

LW7135 -

Dispute Resolution (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1:

Analysis of merits of claim or defence.

Arbitration, mediation and litigation as an appropriate mechanism to resolve a dispute.

Pre-action considerations and steps.

Commencing, responding to or progressing a claim.

Case management and any interim applications relevant to a claim.

The evidence needed and disclosure steps required in commencing, responding to, progressing or defending a claim.

Preparation of a case for a trial, the trial and any post trial steps.

Procedures and processes relevant to costs involved in dispute resolution.

On completion of this module you will apply relevant core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the area of civil dispute resolution. These areas will be considered using contract and tort legal knowledge and principles, you will be expected to understand the basics of both of these legal areas and apply them to realistic scenarios in order to advise a client, either bringing a claim or defending an action.

The module will take you through a claim from initially seeing a client including initial considerations around parties, funding a claim, limitation, causes of action, jurisdiction, through where and how to start proceedings, responding to proceedings and how to terminate proceedings at an early stage. It will also then cover how cases are managed by the court and what evidential issues you may encounter during the process of a claim. Finally it will deal with considerations for trial, including costs issues that may arise at the end of or during the dispute resolution process.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE 1 assessment in dispute resolution.

More information

LW7136 -

Criminal Law and Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE 1.

The core principles of criminal liability including actus reus and mens rea, specific and general defences, and participation.

The law, procedure and processes involved in advising a client at the police station.

The law, procedure and processes involved in pre-trial considerations.

The law, procedure and processes involved to meet the client’s objectives.

The law, procedure and processes involved in magistrates’ court and Crown Court trials, including sentencing and appeals.

On completion of this module you will understand and be able to apply the core legal principles and rules to realistic client based and ethical problems and situations in the area of criminal law and practice. The module will include advising clients about the procedures and processes at the police station including the applicable rules of criminal evidence. You will to apply the core principles to realistic scenarios in order to advise relevant parties to criminal proceedings.

The module will take you through the key stages of the criminal litigation process including arrest, detention, interview , procedures in the police station, bail, the first hearing in the magistrates’ court, case management and pre-trial hearings (including disclosure of evidence), evidential principles and procedures, trial procedure in the magistrates’ court and Crown Court, youth court procedure, sentencing and appeals.

This module will therefore support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in criminal law and practice.

More information

LW7137 -

Wills and Administration of Estates (Core,20 Credits)

The content of this module will be in line with the SRA Assessment Specification for SQE1:

1. The validity of a will and interpretation of the contents of a will. The distribution of testate, intestate and partially intestate estates.

2. The law and practice in connection with an application for a grant of representation.

3. The law and practice of Inheritance Tax in the context of lifetime gifts and transfers on death.

4. The planning, management and progression of the administration of an estate including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

5. The law and practice relating to personal representatives and trustees in the administration of estates and consequent trusts.

The rights, powers and remedies of beneficiaries of wills and consequent trusts.

On completion of this module you will be able to apply relevant core legal principles and rules appropriately and effectively to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations in the area of wills and the administration of estates. The module takes you through how wills are created, executed and revoked. You will learn the rules of intestacy and how to distribute and administer an estate. You will learn about Inheritance Tax and the impact on lifetime gifts and on an estate on death. You will learn about valuing an estate for inheritance tax purposes, how to prepare estate accounts and about claims against the estate.

This module will support you in preparing for the SQE1 assessment in wills and the administration of estates.

More information

LW7138 -

Legal Research (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with an introduction to advanced legal research methods. It has been designed to ensure that you feel confident in embarking upon the research for your dissertation, and to support you in developing your proposal for your Masters dissertation. During this module you will undertake a range of tasks which aim to develop your understanding of effective academic legal research, critical legal thinking and writing.

More information

LW7139 -

LLM Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

This module is an opportunity for you to devise, develop and complete a substantial piece of independent research at Master’s level, in dissertation form, in an area of your choice linked to your study.

You will work under the guidance of a project supervisor, utilising the knowledge and understanding you have gained on the LLM in Professional Legal Practice and the legal knowledge that you have.

The LLM Project module focuses on the development of skills in three key areas: problem identification and analysis, research and information gathering and the written presentation of results. You will develop your ability to undertake legal research, addressing complex and current issues in your subject area. You will also engage critically with research material and analyse your current skills and practice. The LLM Project module will also develop your skill in effectively formulating, communicating and presenting a sustained argument in writing to both a specialist and non-specialist audience.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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