Is the SQE a Master’s?

Aug 31, 2023

Written By Annabel Gooden

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new assessment-based route to qualification, which replaces the Legal Practice Course (LPC) The SQE by itself is not recognised as a master's degree that you might do in another subject. However, you can choose to undertake a master’s-level course to prepare for the exams, and there are a few advantages to doing so.

What does the SQE1 cover?

SQE1 is assessed through two closed book exams, each consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions. These are called Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessments and are divided into FLK1 and FLK2, each covering a wide range of legal topics.

The practice areas assessed are:

- Business law and practice

- Dispute resolution

- Contract

- Tort

- The Legal System of England and Wales

- Constitutional and administrative law

- EU law and legal services

- Property practice

- Wills and the administration of estates

- Soliciors' accounts

- Land law

- Trusts

- Criminal law and practice

You will be tested on your understanding of fundamental legal principles and your ability to apply them to client-based scenarios and ethical problems.

What does the SQE2 cover?

For SQE2, you will have to pass a mixture of legal skills assessments consisting of four oral and twelve written tasks. These take 14 hours in total and are sat over the course of five days – three days for the written tests and two days for the oral exams. If you’re worried about getting burnt out, remember that each day will only last two or three hours (unless you get extra time).

It assesses six different skills: client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing and legal drafting.

SQE2 covers the following practice areas:

- Criminal litigation

- Dispute resolution

- Property practice

- Wills, intestacy and probate

- Business organisations

Are there any master’s courses available for the SQE?

The options available will depend on which course provider you choose. Both the University of Law and BPP offer Master of Laws programmes (LLM Legal Practice SQE1&2). As well as providing SQE exam preparation, these courses teach you about different practice areas and additional professional skills.

These LLM courses are eligible for postgraduate funding so they could be a good option if you are planning to self-fund your way through the assessments. Many top law firms are asking their trainees to complete this kind of course, including White & Case, Clifford Chance, Charles Russell Speechlys and Trowers & Hamlins.

Do I have to do a preparation course?

Not necessarily, but it's advisable. Even if you’ve worked in the legal sector and have some existing knowledge, the topic areas you will be assessed on are wide-ranging and you will need time and practice to adjust to the new assessment styles.

The exam fees are expensive, at £4,564 for both SQE1 and SQE2. With so much riding on your results, it’s important you are ready for the first-time around. Bear in mind that if you fail, you’ll need to pay to resit. In 2022, 53% of people passed SQE1 while 77% passed SQE2.

How do I choose an SQE course?

For information about the range of SQE providers available, see our SQE Courses page and our article on choosing the best SQE training provider for you. A complete list of providers is provided by the SRA here.

SQE