Solicitor Qualifying Examinations - SQE2

Course overview

This course prepares you for the SQE2 assessments, which focus on testing the practical legal skills required of a newly qualified solicitor. You will learn how to apply your knowledge in realistic scenarios and develop the professional skills essential for effective client work.

You will practise and refine key legal skills including client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, writing, and drafting. These skills will be assessed across a range of practice areas such as:

• criminal litigation;
• dispute resolution;
• property practice;
• wills and probate;
• business organisations.

Through expert guidance, interactive exercises, and practical simulations, you will build the confidence and competence needed to succeed in SQE2 and progress towards qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales.

Completing SQE2 prepares you for admission to the Roll of Solicitors, once you have also completed two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This experience can be gained before, during, or after your SQE studies. In some cases, particularly for overseas lawyers, exemptions may apply, allowing earlier admission.

About your course

Develop deep knowledge across core legal subjects, critical thinking and applied problem-solving. With our focused exam strategies, you'll master proven techniques and clear frameworks to approach SQE1 confidently and effectively. Plus, you'll gain hands-on experience through participation in the Law Clinic, working with local law firms.

On completion of the SQE1 preparation course, you will be fully equipped to sit or prepare for the second stage, the SQE2 exam, and take the next step toward qualification as a solicitor. In certain cases, particularly for overseas lawyers, students may be exempt from SQE2 and can progress directly to applying for admission to the Roll of Solicitors. To qualify fully, all students must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), which can be gained before, during, or after their SQE studies.

Schedule details

• 6-month course options:
  • January to June
  • April to September
  • July to December
  • October to March
• Evening sessions: 6:30pm to 7:45pm, on campus and online
• Revision masterclass weekend: 10:30am to 5pm, online only

Learning and teaching

Your learning will be built around practical, skills-based teaching that reflects the format of the SQE2 assessments.

Live sessions will take place predominantly online, giving you the opportunity to interact with tutors in real time, practise legal skills, and receive feedback. Some campus-based sessions may be included, and you will also take part in an intensive online Revision Masterclass weekend.

Teaching is highly interactive, with a focus on exercises and simulations based on ReviseSQE materials. These activities will allow you to practise key skills such as interviewing, advocacy, drafting, and legal writing in a structured and supportive environment.

Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by the academic team and Graduate Learning Assistants. who can provide additional guidance outside of teaching sessions.

Weekly study commitment:

• approximately 1.25 hours of live teaching per week, alongside 15–20 hours of independent study to practise and consolidate your skills.

Assessment

Your progress will be measured through regular practical exercises across all six SQE2 skills, applying them to the five core areas of law. Each session provides the opportunity to practise key tasks such as interviewing, advocacy, drafting, and legal writing, with feedback given at the end of each exercise to support continuous improvement.

There are no internal assessments or coursework requirements. Instead, all formal assessments are set and marked externally by Kaplan on behalf of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), ensuring alignment with professional standards.

Fees and funding

The course (12 months and 6 months) costs £3,995, for UK and international students.

Additional costs

You will need to purchase the full set of ReviseSQE books, at a rough cost of £236.

Entry requirements

SQE1 must be passed before the sitting of the SQE2 assessment.

LPC students are exempt from SQE1 and can start on SQE2 immediately.

An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) is needed, with a minimum 2:1 classification preferred.

How to apply

To apply to this course, please fill in the application form.