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    Law with SQE Preparation - LLM

    Embark on your journey as a solicitor with our Law with SQE Preparation programme, which aims to equip you with enhanced knowledge in legal and non-legal theories, principles and frameworks. Combining both online and in-person teaching, our LLM allows flexibility around employment/volunteering responsibilities. The course will help you prepare for your SQE 1 and 2 examinations through dedicated teaching from experts in law, enabling you to develop your legal knowledge and skills in your chosen pathway. Pathway options include Social Care and Social Justice and International Law.

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Full time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Law

    Fees for 2026/27 academic year

    • UK - Full time £14,700 per year.

      International  - Full time £14,700 per year

    Duration of study

    • 1 year full-time, or up to 2 years with Placement

    This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.

    This programme is available with a Placement - an opportunity to complete a 6-12 month placement after the taught element of the course. Apply for the 'with Placement' option below.

    Apply now for Law with SQE Preparation Apply now for Law with SQE Preparation with Placement

    Why study Law with SQE Preparation at Keele University?

    Embark on your legal career as a solicitor through master's study aligned to the new SQE framework
    Global Top 250 for Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2024)
    Global Top 100 for International Outlook, Law (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)
    Hybrid delivery including online and in-person teaching
    Supportive preparation for SQE 1 and SQE 2 examinations

    Course summary

    Throughout this master's programme, you will enhance your expertise of legal theories, principles, frameworks and methodologies whilst developing a range of independent research skills.
    You will explore complex issues and engage in the critical analysis of theory alongside devising reasonable arguments whilst demonstrating your professional and practical skills.

    Our LLM is designed to enhance your legal career with the flexibility of studying alongside your current employment and/or volunteering responsibilities. Graduates will attain strong transferable skills including communication, problem solving and in-depth legal knowledge, demonstrated through the application of law.

    Related courses

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    Course structure

    The LLM Law with SQE Preparation programme includes SQE Preparation modules, taught modules, and a dissertation/extended case study/project. To achieve the LLM award, you must complete all 180 credits successfully. Here is an example below:

    Module Credits

    SQE Preparation 1

    		 30 credits

    SQE Preparation 2

    		 30 credits

    Taught modules:
    x2 30 credit OR
    x4 15 credit OR
    x1 30 credit + x2 15 credit

    		 60 credits

    Dissertation or Extended case study/project

    		 60 credits

    If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.

    Your taught modules will be aligned to the pathway chosen:

    Modules

    The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

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    Entry requirements

    The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

    Typical offer: 2:2 degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law Additional criteria apply

    Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    UK

    2:2 degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Bangladesh

    60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in Law, a Law conversion 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a public university
    or
    CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in Law, a Law conversion 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a private university

    We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada

    70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    China

    70% in a degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law or 65% in a degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a '211' university


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    India

    55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya

    Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nepal

    60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Law
    or
    65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    second class division 2 in a Law conversion degree or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Nigeria

    Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan

    We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information

    or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need an English language qualification (see below)

    South Africa

    Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Law
    or
    Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    second class division 2 in a Law conversion degree or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Sri Lanka

    55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Uganda

    Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    Zimbabwe

    Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law


    You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)

    English language requirements

    All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.

    References

    Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

    Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

    Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

    RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

    General information

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.

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    Boost your employability

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    Postgraduate funding and scholarships

    Funding

    Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.

    The SQE Assessment is provided by a third party and is subject to additional costs, please see sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/costs-and-fees for more information regarding examination and resit fees. 

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.

    Scholarships

    We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.

    For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

    Additional costs

    You can expect some additional mandatory costs which support learning activities, specialist equipment, fieldwork, or other course-related requirements. Details are outlined below. For general information, see the university's additional costs information.

    SQE assessment and related fees: please visit https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about/cost for full details

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    Your career

    Studying Law with SQE Preparation at Keele will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to successfully pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. You will be prepared for extensive legal practice through various attributes including research, advocacy, drafting, interviewing and case analysis.

    Your high-level skill set will assist you with enhancing your career prospects through the demonstration of complex problem solving, excellent communication and the ability to illustrate alternative arguments for consideration. This programme also enables individuals to progress on to further study such as a PhD.

    You may also have the opportunity to get involved with Keele's dedicated Legal Advice Clinics, where you can gain valuable legal work experience as a 'Student Advisor'. This may qualify as 'Qualifying Work Experience' (QWE) towards your qualification as a Solicitor and can also help to enhance your employability.

    Whilst placements are competitive and therefore not guaranteed, our dedicated Placements and Projects Team will support you in finding a suitable opportunity, and will provide guidance throughout the process. We strongly encourage students to actively engage with these services as soon as possible to maximise the chances of securing a placement.

    Tuition fees for students on the "with Placement" programme will be charged at 20% of the standard Home Undergraduate annual tuition fees for that year of study on placement.

    To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, use the Apply Now button above.

    For eligibility criteria, information on transferring onto the Postgraduate Placement route, fees and additional costs, visa information and support available, please see our dedicated Postgraduate Placements web page.

    For key information about the programme, including the structure of modules, assessment methods and awards, please see the relevant programme specifications.

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    How you'll be taught

    Law with SQE Preparation allows you to opt for a pathway of your choice, from Social Care and Social Justice, or International Law.

    All pathways will teach the following core modules which are delivered online by the College of Legal Practice:

    • LAW30148 - Law SQE Prep 1: (30 credits)

      This module will cover law and procedure, with 1-2-1 supervision and the opportunity to practice multiple choice tests. You will explore areas including Business Law, Public and EU Law, Legal Services and Legal Systems, in addition to Criminal Law and Practice, Wills and Administration of Estates.

    • LAW40102 - Law SQE Prep 2: (30 credits)

      This module will further enhance your legal skills in research, drafting, advocacy and case and matter analysis to help you to prepare for the SQE2 external examination.

    Additional module teaching will be delivered through 3-day intensive blocks or weekly tutorials on Keele campus, across the semester, dependent on the pathway chosen.

    Block delivery

    Pathways applicable: Social Care and Social Justice.

    Each semester, you will attend an intensive 3-day block of teaching on Keele campus which will consist of lectures, group discussions and independent research. You will practice legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy in addition to developing your evaluative skills, all whilst being supported by a law practising tutor.

    Weekly tutorials

    Pathways applicable: International Law

    You will take part in lectures, seminars and independent reading across weekly activities in smaller group exercises.

    Teaching schedule

    Below is an example of the overall structure for full time students completing the programme in one year:

    Induction and Dissertation guidance - Early September

    SQE Preparation Solicitor's Legal Knowledge (delivered by partner) - September - December

    SQE 1 Assessment (provided by third party and subject to additional costs: sqe.sra.org.uk) - January

    Keele LLM Modules - February - April

    SQE Preparation 2 Solicitor's Legal Skills (delivered by partner) - April - July

    SQE 2 Assessment (provided by third party and subject to additional costs: sqe.sra.org.uk) - July

    Keele Dissertation or Extended case study/project - September - December, with focused writing from July (15 months in total - E.g. until December the following year of entry)

    How you'll be assessed

    On this programme, you will engage with various assessment styles as well as coursework, which will challenge the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your degree. This includes your ability to critically evaluate the relationship between law and its practice across various fields.

    You will be encouraged to demonstrate your unique interpretations of legal solutions and communicate these effectively to a variety of audiences. 

    Extended project/case study/dissertation

    Your final assessment will be in the form of an extended project/case study or dissertation of 15,000 - 20,000 words, enabling you to reflect on and coalesce all that you have learnt throughout the course.

    Assessment methods on this programme include:

    • Reflective diary
    • Extended project/case study/dissertation
    • Complex single answer multiple choice questions
    • Essays
    • Assignments
    • Simulated skills assessment
    • Presentations
    • Reports
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    Our expertise

    Teaching staff

    This programme is delivered by the School of Law, which has a diverse body of expertise in both legal practice and research. 

    The teaching team will be in accordance with the pathway chosen and will include both academics and practitioners with research expertise in the relevant pathway topic/s.

    The following staff may be involved in the delivery of teaching:

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    Facilities

    As a postgraduate student in the School of Law you will have access to a dedicated PGT study room in the school. You will also be able to work in central spaces such as the library and independent study spaces to suit your requirements. You may also wish to use our dedicated law library for silent study, located in the campus library.

    Explore more of our facilities in the School of Law.

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