A new way to qualify as a solicitor
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is the most flexible route to legal qualification in England & Wales. This a brand new pathway that's open to all aspiring lawyers, whether they hold a law degree or not - making it simpler than ever before to qualify as a solicitor.
The SQE is a centralised assessment that was introduced in 2021 and will be replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the main route to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. The introduction of the SQE aims to open up the legal profession ensuring consistency and high-standards among trainee solicitors regardless of their background and chosen route to qualification.
What is the SQE?
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is comprised of a series of exams that include mixed subject questions (eg. contract with civil litigation) in a multiple-choice format. The course is divided into two parts: SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge, and SQE2 focuses on practical skills. If you want to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales this is the route you need to take.
About BARBRI
BARBRI has maintained the trust of legal students for over 50 years, helping more than 1.435 million law students and lawyers succeed in legal exams across the globe.
Our unique, technology-led courses can prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to become a solicitor in England.
How do I prepare for the SQE?
We've created a range of flexible SQE Prep courses that let you study whenever and wherever you want. We provide our students with a structured and supportive learning environment which is both time and cost-effective.
Our courses are flexible, adaptable and technology-led, giving students all the tools needed for success in their SQE exams.
Ready to enrol?
Students must take both parts of the SQE, with the exception of those with an LPC or a law degree from another jurisdiction who may qualify for an exemption.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single, national licensing examination that all aspiring solicitors will take before qualifying into England and Wales. If you hold a degree in any discipline from any recognised jurisdiction you will be eligible for the SQE.
We offer three course durations for SQE1.
The first option is our Flexible 40-week course and is most suitable for students without an English or Welsh law degree, those working full-time or overseas qualified lawyers.
The second option is the Accelerated 20-week course which can be done full-time or part-time, depending on availability or level of familiarity of the assessed subjects.
The third option is an Intensive 10-week course and is only suitable for law graduates with the ability and opportunity to study intensively and full-time.
The BARBRI SQE course allows you to study when and where you study best over the duration of the course session you choose. While your study time, days and location are extremely flexible, you should plan on spending the recommended hours per week over the relevant course session.
There are certain live sessions in each course, but these are recorded and available to watch on demand if students can’t make them or want to re-watch.
All course lengths cover the same materials but at different speeds/hours per week.
The Flexible 40-week part-time course is 10-12 hours per week of study, and we recommend 1 hour of study a day with 1 full day of study on the weekends.
The Focused 20-week part-time course is 20 hours per week of study, and we recommend 3 hours of study per day over the 7-day week period.
Finally, the Accelerated 10-week full-time course will require 40 hours per week of study and is recommended for recent law graduates who can dedicate the time and study intensively.
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.
If you are a BARBRI alumni, you are also entitled to a £200 discount (confirmed through enrolment. We also offer payment plans and finance options.
Not sure of your next step?
Our BARBRI SQE Prep team is here to help support you by providing all the information you need about your qualification journey.
A New Way to Qualify as a Solicitor
The BARBRI SQE prep courses provide a faster way to qualify as a solicitor, whether you are a recent graduate or currently working in the legal sector.