Applying For Sfe: Law Master And Llpc

The route to becoming a solicitor is changing. The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is being phased out and replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). However, transitional arrangements are in place until 2032, so you can still study the LPC if you have already started a qualifying law degree, Graduate Diploma in Law, MA Law or training contract. The LPC is a postgraduate course known for its intensity and volume of material. It covers three essential practice areas: business law and practice, litigation, and property law and practice. It also covers skills such as advising and advocacy, practical legal research, writing and drafting, and professional conduct and regulation. The SQE is the new route to becoming a solicitor and is being gradually phased in by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). To take the LPC, you must have studied an undergraduate law degree or completed a conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law. The LPC is eligible for financial support such as a postgraduate student loan, bursaries, and scholarships.

Qualifying law degree requirements

To qualify for the Legal Practice Course (LPC), you must have studied an undergraduate law degree or completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to convert an unrelated undergraduate degree. This is a requirement to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

The LPC is a postgraduate course known for its intensity and volume of material. It covers the basics of how to conduct client meetings, complete contracts, and more. It is broken into two stages: the first covers three essential practice areas (business law and practice, litigation, and property law and practice), along with skills like advising and advocacy, practical legal research, writing, and drafting. The second stage consists of three vocational electives, including choices relevant to small and medium-sized firms, such as commercial property law and family law.

The LPC is being phased out and replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Transitional arrangements are in place until 2032, so you can still study the LPC if you have already started a qualifying law degree, GDL, MA Law, or training contract.

Application process for the Legal Practice Course (LPC)

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is a postgraduate course that bridges the gap between theory and practice, teaching the basics of conducting client meetings, completing contracts, and more. It is an essential step in qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the LPC, you must have studied an undergraduate law degree or completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to convert a non-law degree. The LPC is not designed for students with law degrees from outside the UK unless the degree has been recognised by the UK QAA and was awarded in collaboration with a UK institution.

Application

Applications for full-time courses are made through the LawCab (Central Applications Board) from September onwards. There is no closing date, and applications are processed as they are submitted. Part-time students apply directly to their chosen provider. Applications are only released to course providers once the form has been submitted, references received, and the £15 application fee paid.

Course Structure

The LPC is divided into two stages. Stage one covers three essential practice areas: business law and practice, litigation, and property law and practice. It also includes skills such as advising and advocacy, practical legal research, writing, and drafting. Stage two consists of three vocational electives, including choices relevant to small and medium-sized firms, such as commercial property and employment law.

Costs and Funding

LPC fees vary depending on the institution and whether the course is taken as a whole or in separate stages. For example, the LPC at the University of Westminster costs £12,500, while at the University of Law's London campuses, it is £19,950. Funding may be available through scholarships, self-funding, or schemes such as The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme.

Funding options for the LPC

The LPC, or Legal Practice Course, is a postgraduate course that teaches aspiring solicitors the basics of how to conduct client meetings, complete watertight contracts, and more. The LPC is being phased out by the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) but will remain a valid route to qualification until 2031 or 2032.

LPC costs vary across the country, ranging from £7,600 to £19,950. The more expensive LPC courses tend to be based in London. In addition to tuition fees, living costs must also be considered. For example, in London, the average rent for students is £750, with bills costing around £100, and other living expenses averaging around £750 per month.

• Sponsorship from a law firm: The most common way to fund the LPC is to secure a training contract with a law firm that pays your fees. Many firms also offer maintenance grants or loans to help with living costs. To secure sponsorship, you will need to apply for a training contract before starting your LPC.
• Law school scholarships and bursaries: Some law schools and LPC course providers offer scholarships and grants, awarded based on merit or specific criteria, such as bursaries for international students or students from low-income households.
• Masters with Integrated LPC: The LPC is not considered a master's-level degree course and is therefore ineligible for funding through a postgraduate loan. However, the University of Law offers an LPC course with an incorporated MSc in Law, Business and Management, or an LLM in Professional Legal Practice, for no extra cost. This means you could be eligible for a government postgraduate loan of more than £11,000.
• The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme: This scheme offers LPC diversity scholarships each year to increase diversity in the legal profession. It provides financial support, work experience, and a professional mentor to promising applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Self-funding: If other funding options are unavailable, you can self-fund your LPC with savings. Self-funding demonstrates a real commitment to the legal profession and may make you more attractive to employers. If you secure a training contract with a large firm later on, they might reimburse your LPC costs.
• Part-time study: If you cannot cover the cost of a full-time LPC, you could consider studying part-time and working during your LPC to support yourself financially. Some LPC course providers also allow you to pay fees in instalments.

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) vs. the LPC

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a centralised assessment that all prospective solicitors in England and Wales must pass to qualify. It is being phased in to replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice. The transition from LPC to SQE will be complete by the end of 2032.

The SQE

To qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a degree or equivalent qualification in any subject
• Pass the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments
• Undertake a minimum of two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
• Show you are of satisfactory character and suitability

The SQE is divided into two parts:

• SQE1: This part tests your 'functioning legal knowledge' through two exams of 180 multiple-choice questions each. The exams cover subjects such as business law and practice, criminal law and practice, and the legal system of England and Wales.
• SQE2: This part assesses your practical legal skills, including interviewing and case analysis. It consists of 16 practical exercises, including oral and written assessments.

The LPC

The LPC is a postgraduate course known for its intensity and volume of material. It covers essential areas of legal practice, such as client meetings, contracts, business law, litigation, and property law. To take the LPC, you must have studied an undergraduate law degree or completed a conversion course.

Key Differences

The main difference between the SQE and the LPC is that the SQE is a centralised exam, while the LPC is a course with its own individual assessments. The SQE offers more flexibility in terms of work experience, as it can be completed with up to four different legal employers, whereas the LPC traditionally requires a two-year training contract. Additionally, the SQE does not require a specific course to be studied beforehand, while the LPC has specific entry requirements.

The LPC and Masters

The LPC, or Legal Practice Course, is a postgraduate course that bridges the gap between theory and practice for aspiring solicitors. It is an essential step in qualifying as a solicitor, although it is being phased out and replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) – transitional arrangements are in place until 2032.

The LPC covers the basics of how to conduct client meetings, complete contracts, and more. It is broken into two stages: the first covers three essential practice areas (business law and practice, litigation, and property law and practice), as well as skills like advising and advocacy, practical legal research, writing and drafting, professional conduct and regulation, solicitors' accounts, and wills and administration of estates. The second stage is made up of three vocational electives, including choices like private acquisitions, commercial property, commercial law, and family law.

Full-time courses usually take a year to complete, while part-time courses can take up to two years. Courses generally start in September, and there is no closing date for applications – these are processed as they are submitted. Applications for full-time courses go through LawCab (Central Applications Board), while prospective part-time students apply directly to their chosen provider.

The LPC is eligible for financial support such as a postgraduate student loan, bursaries, and scholarships. It is also recognised and valued by law firms due to the level of practical preparation it offers.

The University of Law, the largest provider of legal education, offers an LPC course that includes a free Master's. Students starting the LPC in January 2025 can study the LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice. This is an optional addition to the LPC, and students who choose not to undertake the LLM can still enrol on the LPC without a Master's award.

Frequently asked questions