Do I need a Masters with the SQE?

If you’re hoping to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, you’ve likely come across the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). This route to qualification, introduced in 2021, has transformed the path to becoming a solicitor. But with all the changes, many are still left wondering: ‘Do I need to do a Masters with the SQE?’

In short, although a Masters may be useful for some with specific career aspirations, it is most definitely not needed to qualify and pursue a successful career as a solicitor. Instead, taking on the SQE route alone through an SQE preparation course may be a better fit for you.

Understanding the SQE

The SQE was created by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to ensure all aspiring solicitors meet the same high standards of competence. It replaces the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) and training contract route, streamlining the process and making it more accessible to a range of candidates.

To qualify, learners must satisfy four main elements:

1. Have a degree in any subject (or equivalent Level 6 qualification or work experience)
2. Pass both stages of the SQE assessment or be exempt
3. Have two years’ qualifying work experience
4. Pass SRA character and suitability requirements

Unlike the traditional route, which required a law degree followed by the LPC, the SQE does not mandate a specific educational pathway. This means that whether you have a law degree, a non-law degree, or even no degree at all, you can still qualify as a solicitor.

Why you don’t need a Masters degree

Still wondering whether you need a Masters with the SQE?

One of the significant benefits of the SQE is its flexibility – you don’t need a Masters degree to sit the exams. Although taking a Masters and SQE combined course might be useful for some learners, for the majority, focusing on the SQE alone is a much faster and more streamlined route to achieving their career goals.

Here are a few reasons why a Masters degree is not always necessary:

1. Direct pathway to qualification: The SQE is designed to be a comprehensive assessment of your legal knowledge and skills. With an SQE preparation course, you can pass the SQE and meet the requirements to become a solicitor without needing further academic qualifications that take up more time than necessary.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Pursuing a Masters degree can be expensive, with tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs to consider. The SQE route allows you to avoid these costs while still achieving your goal of becoming a solicitor. For example, our SQE1+2 Complete Prep costs just £4,900, compared to the average cost of a Masters degree at around £10,000-£15,000.
3. Focus on practical experience: The SQE emphasises the development of practical legal skills through its qualifying work experience (QWE) requirement. This experience can be gained in a variety of settings alongside your SQE prep course studies, where a Masters degree may limit your time available to gain this vital experience.
4. Flexibility in preparation: You can prepare for the SQE through various courses and training options that focus specifically on the exam content, taking a pause between SQE1 and 2 or studying them consecutively – allowing you to build a study schedule that works for you. This targeted preparation can be more effective and time-efficient than a broad Masters programme.

Your next steps

In summary, a Masters degree is not a requirement for pursuing a career as a solicitor under the SQE route. The emphasis is on your ability to pass the SQE exams and gain practical experience, rather than accumulating additional academic qualifications. With the right preparation and support, you can achieve your career goals efficiently and cost-effectively.

While a Masters degree isn’t required, thorough preparation is essential to succeed in the SQE. At Law Training Centre, we offer a range of SQE preparation courses designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to pass the exams and excel in your legal career.

Our courses are tailored to different learning styles and schedules, offering flexibility to fit around your commitments. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive study packages or focused revision sessions, we have options to suit your needs.

Find out more about our SQE preparation courses here.