Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Excellence Award: £6,000 scholarship towards your tuition

Find out more

Master of Laws (LLM) with SQE 1 Preparation

Location

Brunel University London

Start date

January

September

Placement available

Mode of study

12-15 months full-time

16-19 months full-time with placement

24-27 months full-time with placement

24-27 months part-time

28-31 months part-time with placement

36-39 months part-time with placement

Fees

2025/6

International £22,320

UK £14,435

Back to top

Overview

The Brunel Master of Laws (LLM) with Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE) preparation, in partnership with BARBRI, offers you a clear pathway to becoming a UK solicitor. With BARBRI's world-leading SQE prep courses integrated into your studies, alongside exclusive access to BARBRI staff support, you'll be well-prepared for the SQE 1 exam. 

Our programme is open to both law and non-law graduates, making it the perfect course choice if you're looking to switch to a legal career. Plus, if you're new to law, thanks to our special partnership with BARBRI, you’ll benefit from a 15% discount on BARBRI’s Foundations in Law course.

You'll also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through optional work placements in city law firms, boutique firms, local councils, and more, which can count towards the required two years of Qualifying Work Experience for becoming a solicitor under the current Solicitors Regulation Authority framework. 

You can start your course in January or September, depending on your needs. By choosing Brunel, you'll be studying near major law firms and corporate headquarters, providing you with networking opportunities and exposure to the legal industry.

With this degree, you'll be equipped with the qualifications and expertise to excel in your legal career, making you a strong candidate for top positions in the field.

Back to top

Course content

Our programme offers a Master of Laws degree with bespoke preparation for the Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE) Part 1. SQE Part 1 assesses 'Functional Legal Knowledge', requiring you to know substantive legal topics, apply them practically, and understand subjects relevant to legal practice, such as the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Professional Conduct Rules. Our partner, BARBRI, provides 60 credits of bespoke modules for your SQE 1 preparation, delivered remotely.

Brunel Law School provides the remaining 120 credits, including a module on the professional and ethical requirements of practicing solicitors and a selection of academic subjects across the Master of Laws pathway. You'll also complete a dissertation, gaining experience in designing and presenting a comprehensive written academic project, which complements your SQE preparation.

Year 1

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Back to top

Careers and your future

Upon finishing the programme, you’ll be equipped with a solid foundation in professionalism and be well-prepared for the SQE 1 exam. Through your chosen modules and the rigor of your dissertation, you'll develop specialised knowledge within the legal sector. If you're a practicing lawyer outside the UK, this degree with SQE 1 preparation is your first step towards qualifying as a UK solicitor.

Plus, as a graduate, you can continue with SQE 2 preparation through BARBRI and access exclusive alumni discounts, saving you money as you progress in your legal career. You’ll benefit from a 15% discount on the BARBRI SQE 2 prep course, or, if you opt for the standalone BARBRI prep courses, you’ll receive a 15% discount on the SQE 1 and SQE 2 prep courses. This means you'll be well-equipped for the legal field, with the qualifications and expertise to stand out in the competitive job market.

Back to top

UK entry requirements

  • A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in Law or a related subject (International Relations, Political Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Business and Management).
  • Other related subjects and qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Back to top

EU and International entry requirements

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Back to top

Fees and funding

2025/6 entry

International

£22,320 full-time

£11,160 part-time

£1,385 placement year

UK

£14,435 full-time

£7,215 part-time

£1,385 placement year

More information on any additional course-related costs.

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase. 

See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Scholarships and bursaries

Back to top

Teaching and Learning

The BARBRI SQE 1 preparation part of your course will be studied entirely online. You'll have exclusive access to BARBRI staff support, ensuring you get the help you need whenever you need it.

For Brunel LLM modules, you'll be taught by experts in your field, providing you with the latest knowledge and sector insights. You'll have the opportunity to interact and engage with academics and fellow students throughout your programme, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning environment. This means you'll be well-prepared for your future career, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

How the course will be delivered

Required equipment

How you'll learn on your course

Back to top

Assessment and feedback

You'll be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, and exams, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your skills and knowledge. Before your assessment periods, you'll receive plenty of guidance and support to help you prepare effectively. After the assessments and once the results are published, you'll benefit from both general and personalised feedback to help you improve and succeed. 

Modules designed to support SQE preparation will also include mock multiple-choice question exams, replicating the actual SQE 1 exam. This means you'll be well-prepared and confident when you come to take the real SQE Part 1 exam.

;