The new path to becoming a solicitor
The SQE is not just a new name, it’s an entirely different way of testing, bringing with it the need for an entirely new way of preparing for the examination. If you want to become a solicitor, you are required to undergo the following steps:
Have a degree or equivalent in any subject
Satisfy the SRA's character and suitability requirements
Understanding the SQE
FAQ's
To qualify you will need to:
- have a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification or work experience)
- pass both stages of the SQE assessment - SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge and SQE2 on practical legal skills
- have two years' qualifying work experience
- pass the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
If you are not a law graduate, you do not require a GDL before pursuing the SQE. However, we recommend non-law students take our longest SQE1 Prep course option, the Flexible 40-week course.
SQE1:
The first session is a Flexible (40-week) and is suitable for students without an English or Welsh law degree. However, this longer course is also available to any other students, especially those working full-time, or re-qualifying international lawyers. The second option is Focused (20-week) course which can be undertaken full-time or part-time, depending on availability or level of familiarity of the assessed subjects. The third option is Accelerated (10-week) course duration. This is only suitable for law graduates with the ability and opportunity to study intensively and full-time.
For both SQE1 and SQE2 each student gets assigned a Learning Coach, who acts as a personal mentor. You would be able to book time with your personal Learning Coach to see how you are progressing with your studies. They will also conduct livestream workshops, provide tips, and help you with any problem areas. There will also be scheduled “Strategy Sessions” when the learning coaches will be available for queries and support.
Additionally for SQE1, we include our “Prep for Success” live workshop series to enhance group cohesion and improve exam readiness. The SQE1 touchpoint workshops will cover:
- Guidance on how to use the materials and access/work through the course
- How to approach multiple choice question exams
- Wellness, mindfulness, and resilience
- Pre mock guidance
- Post mock analysis
SQE1 Prep costs £2,999. SQE2 Prep costs £3,499. For SQE1 alumni, SQE2 Prep costs - £2,999.
There are several scholarship options available, including a Public Sector SQE Scholarship (£600 off SQE1 Prep course fees), Essay Competition SQE Scholarship (partial or full funding off SQE1 Prep course fees) and a Humanitarian SQE Scholarship (50% off SQE1 Prep course fees). You can find out all the latest information and how to apply here.
We also offer payment plans and finance options.
BARBRI HeadStart
BARBRI HeadStart is our free careers platform for prospective students, graduates and others aspiring to a career in the legal industry. It offers valuable career-focused content to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to get ahead in your legal journey.
Once you are a BARBRI student, you will have access to CareerHub, which is our full-service careers portal.
What course is for me?
We know how difficult it is for non-lawyers and lawyers alike when they take the first step into becoming a solicitor so let us guide you through! Our courses have helped a variety of students successfully study for and pass legal exams, and our innovative Personal Study Plan (PSP) is tailored to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of their previous legal knowledge.
Non-law degree?
If you are a graduate from a non-law discipline, we recommend Foundations in Law, which is a short course which will provide you with the fundamentals needed to feel confident before starting your SQE1 Prep course.
Law degree?
As a law graduate, the new SQE route to qualification is your ticket. With BARBRI's super flexible online SQE preparation courses, you can learn while you earn. And knowing that we have 50 years of legal education experience, affordable fee structures and superb pass rates... You're in good hands.
SQE Edge
Do you want to know more about the SQE1 assessment format?
SQE Edge has been designed to give you an insight into the SQE assessment format in the SQE1 exam, and to give you experience of how it differs from the types of assessments and exams that most undergraduates will have experienced so far in their education.
Your SQE timeline...
Below are the upcoming SQE Prep course and exam dates:
Do you have any questions?
Fill out the form and our student advisors will give you a call to talk you through all your questions and options.
Why choose BARBRI for the SQE?
1.4 million people have trusted and succeeded in their legal qualification with BARBRI, here's why:
"I am extremely impressed with the BARBRI SQE Prep course. The mock questions were very similar to those in the exam and the content BARBRI included on the course was extremely targeted, making revision effortlessly efficient."
Lauren Hancock, BARBRI SQE alumni
BARBRI's support for students
At BARBRI we have worked hard to create a supportive and encouraging student support community. If you choose to undertake your SQE Prep course with us, we’re confident that we can deliver everything you need to lead you to qualification success and help you progress your career in the legal industry.
Take a look at our other free resources
Curious? Take a look at our prospectus, view our sample course materials and log into our learning platform for free to experience our Personal Study Plan (PSP)!
Come and talk to us!
Check out all the upcoming SQE Law and Career Fairs our team are attending.
