SQE Self Study Explained
Table of Contents
What is the SQE
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is the new centralised assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). All aspiring solicitors must pass the SQE to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It was introduced in September 2021 and will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
The SQE is made up of SQE1 and SQE2. The SQE1 exam consists of two functioning legal knowledge (FLK) assessments referred to as FLK1 and FLK2. The FLK1 and FLK2 assessments are completed on separate days. You are required to pass both FLK1 and FLK2 before you can sit SQE2.
Entry Criteria
- Have a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification or work experience).
- Pass both SQE assessments – SQE1 focuses on functioning legal knowledge and SQE2 on practical legal skills and knowledge.
- Have two years’ Qualifying Work Experience.
- Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
You can only book and sit SQE2 after passing SQE1, or if you have been granted an exemption by the SRA for the whole of the SQE1. You do not have to complete your degree (or equivalent) before sitting SQE1.
The Format of the FLK Exams
SQE1 FLK1 Topics
- Business Law and Practice
- Dispute Resolution
- Contract
- Tort
- Legal System of England and Wales
- Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law
- Legal Services
SQE1 FLK2 Topics
- Property Practice
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Solicitors Accounts
- Land Law
- Trusts
- Criminal Law and Practice
Pervasive Topics
- Business Law and Practice
- Property Law and Practice
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
Each FLK assessment is split into two sessions of 2 hours 33 minutes with 90 questions in each session. There is a break in between the sessions. The assessment is made up entirely of ‘’Single Best Answer’ multiple-choice questions.
How Do People Usually Study For The SQE?
There has been no statistical data released from the SRA in relation to how candidates have prepared for the SQE. It is likely that most candidates opt to enrol in an SQE preparation course through a recognised provider.
SQE Providers
A non-exhaustive list of SQE providers includes (in no particular order of preference):
- BARBRI (SQE)
- BPP University Law School (SQE)
- Coventry Law School (SQE)
- De Montfort University (SQE)
- Manchester Metropolitan University Law School (SQE)
- Nottingham Law School (SQE)
- The City Law School (SQE)
- The College of Legal Practice (SQE)
- The University of Law (SQE)
- University of Aberdeen School of Law (SQE)
SQE Self Study: Is It Possible Without A Prep Course?
It is possible to pass the SQE assessments through self-study. The SRA has not released statistical data in relation to the pass rate of those opting for self-study and those opting for a prep course.
Candidates with a background in law, will generally find studying for the SQE1 easier than candidates who are totally new to the English and Welsh legal system and the legal principles from case law and statute.
Deciding between the SQE self-study and enrolling in an SQE preparation course can be a difficult choice.
Online Resources for SQE1 Preparation
Bundles of textbooks can be purchased from some course provider’s websites.
You can access additional materials here.
You can visit the Legal Cheek website for a comprehensive list of SQE providers.
SRA Sample Questions are found here.
Does SQE Self Study Suit Particular People?
Undertaking self-study for the SQE demands a variety of soft skills, including independence, organisation, and consistency.
Individuals who have prior experience in the legal field (albeit not as fully qualified lawyers) may have already accumulated significant on-the-job legal knowledge. This may put them in a position of being more prepared than others for SQE exams, requiring only a slight supplement of knowledge that might make prep courses seem excessively demanding. These individuals may include paralegals or chartered legal executives.
Self-study may be a more practical choice for those wishing to study on their own terms and using their own methods, compared to following the curriculum of a course provider.
Candidates who have completed an LLB degree more recently, may find self-study for the SQE1 easier than candidates new to law. Many of the subject areas and legal principles tested in SQE1 cross over with LLB examination modules.
Financial Considerations
● Fees and Funding for SQE1 Preparation
Numerous providers offer discounted fees for students through SQE scholarship and bursary programs. Each provider may have varying offerings, which can be reviewed on their websites or clarified by contacting them directly. Typically, significant reductions in course fees can be obtained if you qualify for one of these opportunities. Available scholarships and bursaries often encompass both means-tested options, where financial need is demonstrated, and merit-based awards, which consider exceptional academic potential based on factors such as university attended and academic performance.
Without a scholarship or funding, you can expect to pay several thousand pounds for an SQE preparation course.
● What Are The Costs Involved?
Numerous providers offer discounted fees for students through SQE scholarship and bursary programs. Each provider may have varying offerings, which can be reviewed on their websites or clarified by contacting them directly. Typically, significant reductions in course fees can be obtained if you qualify for one of these opportunities. Available scholarships and bursaries often encompass both means-tested options, where financial need is demonstrated, and merit-based awards, which consider exceptional academic potential based on factors such as university attended and academic performance.
Without a scholarship or funding, you can expect to pay several thousand pounds for an SQE preparation course.
● Total Cost of Self Studying for the SQE
Self-studying is likely to be the more affordable option for the SQE. Solely purchasing textbooks will not be as expensive as a preparation course. SQE1 and SQE2 will both need to be paid for at an additional cost. As of September 2024, the costs are £1,888 and £2,902 respectively.
Do Law Firms Care If I Self Study For The SQE?
Almost every aspiring solicitor who has obtained a training contract will be enrolled in SQE prep courses by their sponsoring law firms automatically, often covering their tuition fees as well. Most firms do appear to favour the assured minimum standard of instruction provided by prep courses, which they know their students will receive, and therefore tend to favour candidates who opt out of the self-study approach.
It’s important to recognise that your experience at an SQE provider goes beyond just studying the academic curriculum. You’ll also gain from the strong connections many of these institutions have with law firms, as well as networking opportunities with fellow students, tutors, and access to career advisors.
Final Thoughts on SQE Self Study
Deciding whether to pursue self-study for the SQE is a personal decision that hinges on your individual circumstances. This entails evaluating the advantages and disadvantages at hand. Factors worth considering include cost (which tends to favour self-study), quality of education (which often favours prep courses), and career background/future aspirations. If you’re still uncertain, seeking guidance from industry professionals can offer valuable insights.
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