Conversion to Law

Hi,
I am going into my third year studying Business Management at the University of Reading. I have been debating for a while about what kind of career I would like to go into and I always go back to when I first was applying to university which was to study business and law. I am thinking of doing a conversion to law with the University of Law for my masters when I finish my undergraduate degree (to be a solicitor). I have done a lot of research and I know this is what I want to do, as I have always wanted to do a master's but was not sure what area of business to do it in. As of now, I am thinking of going into corporate law or commercial law, as my business degree provides me with the knowledge, and I would have a greater advantage. In my third year, I am also taking some law modules to help me with the transition. I have joined the University of Law's events talking about converting to law and have asked a lot of questions concerning the degree however I still suck on what to choose. They have provided this to help compare each course but I am still very confused about what the best option is.

https://www.law.ac.uk/globalassets/13.-media--doc-repo/01.-study/pdf_study_pg-law-course-comparison-matrix.pdf?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=PGLaw&utm_ID=24470

Disclaimer: I am not expecting to get this conversion to be done quickly and cheaply. I appreciate that a lot of time and effort is to be taken during this course and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve this as I know this will help me greatly in the future.

I have come up with two choices which I have taken information from the pdf and the questions I have asked at the events.

I can take the MA Law (Conversion) which is fully funded and is 14 months long, but then I need to take the LLM Legal practice course on top of it which covers the SQE 1 and SQE 2 as the course on its own does not cover this, and it is also fully funded and is 15 months. This is a good option as it is fully funded however, it is over 2 years long which means I would need to stay in education for another 2 years, along with the 2 years of experience I need and the actual SQE exam, which is also very expensive. However, speaking to my friend who takes law, it is highly possible that if I get a training contract they will pay for this exam.

I can take the MA Law (SQE1) (only covers SQE 1 and not 2), it is also fully funded and is 17 months. And then I need to take the SQE 2 preparation course which is self-funded (£4,650) and is 8 weeks long. This course is shorter and in the long run, would be cheaper but I would need to pay for the SQE prep course on my own which would mean I might have to take a year off to save for it anyway. (This is the option they said they recommended)

If anyone has had experience with converting to law (from any course) I would greatly appreciate all the help possible. This is a very difficult decision and of course, it's me ultimately that needs to decide, however, I will take all advice and help necessary.

Also if anyone has any tips for finding work experience or internships for non-law students that would be amazing!

Thank you :smile:

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

Original post

by ros_ieex

Hi,
I am going into my third year studying Business Management at the University of Reading. I have been debating for a while about what kind of career I would like to go into and I always go back to when I first was applying to university which was to study business and law. I am thinking of doing a conversion to law with the University of Law for my masters when I finish my undergraduate degree (to be a solicitor). I have done a lot of research and I know this is what I want to do, as I have always wanted to do a master's but was not sure what area of business to do it in. As of now, I am thinking of going into corporate law or commercial law, as my business degree provides me with the knowledge, and I would have a greater advantage. In my third year, I am also taking some law modules to help me with the transition. I have joined the University of Law's events talking about converting to law and have asked a lot of questions concerning the degree however I still suck on what to choose. They have provided this to help compare each course but I am still very confused about what the best option is.
https://www.law.ac.uk/globalassets/13.-media--doc-repo/01.-study/pdf_study_pg-law-course-comparison-matrix.pdf?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=PGLaw&utm_ID=24470
Disclaimer: I am not expecting to get this conversion to be done quickly and cheaply. I appreciate that a lot of time and effort is to be taken during this course and I am prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve this as I know this will help me greatly in the future.
I have come up with two choices which I have taken information from the pdf and the questions I have asked at the events.
I can take the MA Law (Conversion) which is fully funded and is 14 months long, but then I need to take the LLM Legal practice course on top of it which covers the SQE 1 and SQE 2 as the course on its own does not cover this, and it is also fully funded and is 15 months. This is a good option as it is fully funded however, it is over 2 years long which means I would need to stay in education for another 2 years, along with the 2 years of experience I need and the actual SQE exam, which is also very expensive. However, speaking to my friend who takes law, it is highly possible that if I get a training contract they will pay for this exam.
I can take the MA Law (SQE1) (only covers SQE 1 and not 2), it is also fully funded and is 17 months. And then I need to take the SQE 2 preparation course which is self-funded (£4,650) and is 8 weeks long. This course is shorter and in the long run, would be cheaper but I would need to pay for the SQE prep course on my own which would mean I might have to take a year off to save for it anyway. (This is the option they said they recommended)
If anyone has had experience with converting to law (from any course) I would greatly appreciate all the help possible. This is a very difficult decision and of course, it's me ultimately that needs to decide, however, I will take all advice and help necessary.
Also if anyone has any tips for finding work experience or internships for non-law students that would be amazing!
Thank you :smile:

Hi!
I'm impressed by the depth of your research, it clearly shows you've understood the pro's and con's of your 2 potential options.
While I myself have not taken a conversion course, I have met many people who have, and you have summarised the pro's and con's of what they told me very well.
For you, I would say the key considerations are (I will be repeating some of the points you've brought up)...

Do you have a funding preference?
If funding is a concern, Option 1 is fully covered, while Option 2 requires you to pay for SQE2 prep.
However, if you secure a training contract, law firms often cover SQE costs (making Option 2 more appealing).

Do you want a faster path to qualification?
Option 2 is quicker (just under 1.5 years before you start qualifying work experience).
If you want a broader legal foundation and are okay with a longer commitment, Option 1 is better.

What do law Firms prefer?
After attending many open days and career fairs hosted by different reputable Law-Firms such as brabners, I would say many firms don’t require a traditional MA Law. They just want candidates to pass SQE1 & SQE2 and have commercial awareness.
If you plan on securing a training contract early on, Option 2 is the better choice.

Finding Work Experience as a Non-Law Student?
Since you’re coming from a business background, consider:

•

Commercial Awareness Courses and competitions (e.g., ULaw’s Future Lawyers, Legal Cheek events, I have attended a few legal cheek events such as its commerical awareness academy).

•

Virtual internships via Forage (Clifford Chance, Linklaters, etc.).

•

Legal work experience via pro bono (ULaw has Pro Bono Centres, law clinics, or volunteer at Citizens Advice).

•

Law firm open days & insight schemes – Many firms offer first-year and non-law student events.

In conclusion
If you want a structured, traditional law education and funding security: go for Option 1 (MA Law + LLM Legal Practice).
If you prefer a more focused and efficient route to qualifying and can self-fund SQE2 prep: Option 2 (MA Law SQE1 + SQE2 Prep) is ideal – especially if you aim to secure a training contract early.
Since ULaw recommended Option 2, and many firms now favour direct SQE prep over traditional law conversion courses, I’d lean towards Option 2 if you can secure funding for SQE2.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your decision! 😊