Law with SQE Preparation - LLM
Embark on your journey as a solicitor with our Law with SQE Preparation programme, which aims to equip you with enhanced knowledge in legal and non-legal theories, principles and frameworks. Combining both online and in-person teaching, our LLM allows flexibility around employment/volunteering responsibilities. The course will help you prepare for your SQE 1 and 2 examinations through dedicated teaching from experts in law, enabling you to develop your legal knowledge and skills in your chosen pathway. Pathway options include Social Care and Social Justice, Employment Law and International Law.
We are in the process of refreshing our curriculum for the 2025/26 academic year to reflect best practices and the latest advancements in academia. New course content and modules will be available on this course page in due course.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £14,300 per year.
International - £20,200 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year
Why study Law with SQE Preparation at Keele University?
Course summary
Throughout this master's programme, you will enhance your expertise of legal theories, principles, frameworks and methodologies whilst developing a range of independent research skills.
You will explore complex issues and engage in the critical analysis of theory alongside devising reasonable arguments whilst demonstrating your professional and practical skills.
Our LLM is designed to enhance your legal career with the flexibility of studying alongside your current employment and/or volunteering responsibilities. Graduates will attain strong transferable skills including communication, problem solving and in-depth legal knowledge, demonstrated through the application of law.
Related courses
Next steps
Course structure
The LLM Law with SQE Preparation programme includes SQE Preparation modules, taught modules, and a dissertation/extended case study/project. To achieve the LLM award, you must complete all 180 credits successfully. Here is an example below:
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
SQE Preparation 1 |
30 credits |
|
SQE Preparation 2 |
30 credits |
|
Taught modules: |
60 credits |
|
Dissertation or Extended case study/project |
60 credits |
Your taught modules will be aligned to the pathway chosen:
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Social Care and Social Justice pathway
Core modules
- LAW30148: SQE 1 Preparation (30 credits)
- LAW40102: SQE 2 Preparation (30 credits)
Optional modules
- LAW40004: Children & Medicine (30 credits)
- LAW40002: Contemporary Issues in Child Care Law and Practice (30 credits)
- LAW40031: Safeguarding and Carers (30 credits)
- LAW40029: Mental Capacity (30 credits)
- LAW40072: Principles of Mental Health Law (30 credits)
- LAW40074: International Refugee Protection (30 credits)
Employment Law pathway
Core modules
- LAW30148: SQE 1 Preparation (30 credits)
- LAW40102: SQE 2 Preparation (30 credits)
Optional modules
International Law pathway
Core modules
- LAW30148: SQE 1 Preparation (30 credits)
- LAW40102: SQE 2 Preparation (30 credits)
Optional modules
- LAW40042: Advanced International Law (15 credits)
- LAW40043: International Environmental Law (15 credits)
- LAW40037: Introduction to International Economic Law (15 credits)
- LAW40054: International Humanitarian Law: War, Law and Justice (15 credits)
- LAW40046: Human Rights and Global Politics (15 credits)
- LAW40051: Global Business Regulation
- LAW40058: International Refugee Law (15 credits)
- LAW40068: Robot and AI Law (15 credits)
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in Law, a Law conversion 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in Law, a Law conversion 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a private university
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law or 65% in a degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law from a '211' university
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Law
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
second class division 2 in a Law conversion degree or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Law
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
second class division 2 in a Law conversion degree or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in Law, a Law conversion degree, or a postgraduate diploma in Law
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
The SQE Assessment is provided by a third party and is subject to additional costs, please see sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/costs-and-fees for more information regarding examination and resit fees.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
Studying Law with SQE Preparation at Keele will equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to successfully pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. You will be prepared for extensive legal practice through various attributes including research, advocacy, drafting, interviewing and case analysis.
Your high-level skill set will assist you with enhancing your career prospects through the demonstration of complex problem solving, excellent communication and the ability to illustrate alternative arguments for consideration. This programme also enables individuals to progress on to further study such as a PhD.
You may also have the opportunity to get involved with Keele's dedicated Legal Advice Clinics, where you can gain valuable legal work experience as a 'Student Advisor'. This may qualify as 'Qualifying Work Experience' (QWE) towards your qualification as a Solicitor and can also help to enhance your employability.
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Law with SQE Preparation allows you to opt for a pathway of your choice, from Social Care and Social Justice, Employment Law or International Law.
All pathways will teach the following core modules which are delivered online by the College of Legal Practice:
- LAW30148 - Law SQE Prep 1: (30 credits)
This module will cover law and procedure, with 1-2-1 supervision and the opportunity to practice multiple choice tests. You will explore areas including Business Law, Public and EU Law, Legal Services and Legal Systems, in addition to Criminal Law and Practice, Wills and Administration of Estates. - LAW40102 - Law SQE Prep 2: (30 credits)
This module will further enhance your legal skills in research, drafting, advocacy and case and matter analysis to help you to prepare for the SQE2 external examination.
Additional module teaching will be delivered through 3-day intensive blocks or weekly tutorials on Keele campus, across the semester, dependent on the pathway chosen.
Block delivery
Pathways applicable: Social Care and Social Justice, and Employment Law.
Each semester, you will attend an intensive 3-day block of teaching on Keele campus which will consist of lectures, group discussions and independent research. You will practice legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy in addition to developing your evaluative skills, all whilst being supported by a law practising tutor.
Weekly tutorials
Pathways applicable: International Law
You will take part in lectures, seminars and independent reading across weekly activities in smaller group exercises.
Teaching schedule
Below is an example of the overall structure for full time students completing the programme in one year:
Induction and Dissertation guidance - Early September
SQE Preparation Solicitor's Legal Knowledge (delivered by partner) - September - December
SQE 1 Assessment (provided by third party and subject to additional costs: sqe.sra.org.uk) - January
Keele LLM Modules - February - April
SQE Preparation 2 Solicitor's Legal Skills (delivered by partner) - April - July
SQE 2 Assessment (provided by third party and subject to additional costs: sqe.sra.org.uk) - July
Keele Dissertation or Extended case study/project - September - December, with focused writing from July (15 months in total - E.g. until December the following year of entry)
How you'll be assessed
On this programme, you will engage with various assessment styles as well as coursework, which will challenge the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your degree. This includes your ability to critically evaluate the relationship between law and its practice across various fields.
You will be encouraged to demonstrate your unique interpretations of legal solutions and communicate these effectively to a variety of audiences.
Extended project/case study/dissertation
Your final assessment will be in the form of an extended project/case study or dissertation of 15,000 - 20,000 words, enabling you to reflect on and coalesce all that you have learnt throughout the course.
Assessment methods on this programme include:
- Reflective diary
- Extended project/case study/dissertation
- Complex single answer multiple choice questions
- Essays
- Assignments
- Simulated skills assessment
- Presentations
- Reports
Next steps
Our expertise
Teaching staff
This programme is delivered by the School of Law, which has a diverse body of expertise in both legal practice and research.
The teaching team will be in accordance with the pathway chosen and will include both academics and practitioners with research expertise in the relevant pathway topic/s.
The following staff may be involved in the delivery of teaching:
Next steps
Facilities
As a postgraduate student in the School of Law you will have access to a dedicated PGT study room in the school. You will also be able to work in central spaces such as the library and independent study spaces to suit your requirements. You may also wish to use our dedicated law library for silent study, located in the campus library.
Next steps