The Student Room Group

When are SQEs taken?

Hello,

I plan to do an LLB and then take the SQEs, but I'm confused as to when they are taken- do they take place during your bachelors degree or after you've graduated? If it's the latter, then are you meant to prepare independently, and should you have secured a training contract by then, to have costs potentially covered?

Sorry if my question seems muddled or obvious, I'm just super confused.

Thanks!
Original post by cloverbean
Hello,
I plan to do an LLB and then take the SQEs, but I'm confused as to when they are taken- do they take place during your bachelors degree or after you've graduated? If it's the latter, then are you meant to prepare independently, and should you have secured a training contract by then, to have costs potentially covered?
Sorry if my question seems muddled or obvious, I'm just super confused.
Thanks!

You take the SQE after completing your undergraduate degree and most people will try to secure a training contract in second year, which means their exam and prep course fees are paid for by their employer. You'll usually spend a year doing the SQE exams and preparation (exams are in January and I think March-April for full time students), and if you pass, you will begin your 2 year training contract after sitting the SQE. You can self fund the SQE if you do not manage to secure a training contract in your second year, but if you secure one later, usually the firm will reimburse you for the exam fees and sometimes the prep course fees. You don't have to do a training contract anymore, but it's the easiest way to get your 2 years qualifying work experience that the SRA requires for you to become a solicitor. It also means that your tuition fees are sorted and depending on the prep course your firm requires you to take, you may be eligible for masters funding from the government (some SQE prep courses have an LLM title to allow you to both study for the SQE and gain a masters, which would make you eligible for funding).

Reply 2

Original post by bibachu
You take the SQE after completing your undergraduate degree and most people will try to secure a training contract in second year, which means their exam and prep course fees are paid for by their employer. You'll usually spend a year doing the SQE exams and preparation (exams are in January and I think March-April for full time students), and if you pass, you will begin your 2 year training contract after sitting the SQE. You can self fund the SQE if you do not manage to secure a training contract in your second year, but if you secure one later, usually the firm will reimburse you for the exam fees and sometimes the prep course fees. You don't have to do a training contract anymore, but it's the easiest way to get your 2 years qualifying work experience that the SRA requires for you to become a solicitor. It also means that your tuition fees are sorted and depending on the prep course your firm requires you to take, you may be eligible for masters funding from the government (some SQE prep courses have an LLM title to allow you to both study for the SQE and gain a masters, which would make you eligible for funding).

I see, thank you!
Original post by cloverbean
Hello,
I plan to do an LLB and then take the SQEs, but I'm confused as to when they are taken- do they take place during your bachelors degree or after you've graduated? If it's the latter, then are you meant to prepare independently, and should you have secured a training contract by then, to have costs potentially covered?
Sorry if my question seems muddled or obvious, I'm just super confused.
Thanks!

Hi
SQEs are studied following your LLB graduation, either self-funded (student loans are available to some extent) or via a firm, with whom you will do your training contract. The other route is to do 2 years qualifying work experience, which could include working as a paralegal, for example. This means that if you haven't got a training contract, you could start working in a firm, whom may later offer a training contract, and allow you to study the SQE part-time over two years, whilst working at the firm. Whilst studying your LLB, I would advise you to apply for any vacation schemes, or work experience placements, just to get some extra experience before having to start your training contract.
hope this all makes sense! Wishing you all the best for your legal future!
Katie (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Reply 4

Original post by Lancaster Student Ambassador
Hi
SQEs are studied following your LLB graduation, either self-funded (student loans are available to some extent) or via a firm, with whom you will do your training contract. The other route is to do 2 years qualifying work experience, which could include working as a paralegal, for example. This means that if you haven't got a training contract, you could start working in a firm, whom may later offer a training contract, and allow you to study the SQE part-time over two years, whilst working at the firm. Whilst studying your LLB, I would advise you to apply for any vacation schemes, or work experience placements, just to get some extra experience before having to start your training contract.
hope this all makes sense! Wishing you all the best for your legal future!
Katie (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Thank you so much!

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