Legal Theory and Solicitors Practice MLaw

Program Overview

The MLaw in Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice is a four-year program that provides a clear pathway to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. It includes specialist preparatory modules for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and offers practical legal experience through the Law Clinic and a work placement year. Graduates will have covered the seven foundations of legal knowledge, passed SQE1, and be prepared to sit SQE2, equipping them for a successful career as a solicitor.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MLaw in Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice is a unique program that provides a clear pathway to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. It addresses the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as the new route to qualification. The program includes specialist preparatory modules (SQE1 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice, and SQE2 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice) that provide one-to-one support and guidance for effective performance in both the SRA's SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. It also provides a rigorous legal education with an in-depth grounding in practical legal and transferable skills, developing legal, academic, and clinical skills at every stage. The program is taught by academic experts and practitioner lawyers, emphasizing real-world clinical legal experience. Graduates will be equipped as capable and reflective practitioners, prepared for qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales. Students will benefit from working alongside staff in the Law Clinic, who possess national and international legal experience and have worked regionally and in the City. They can also undertake a work placement year, enhancing employability and contributing to the two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required by the SRA for qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Upon graduating with an MLaw degree, students will have:

• Covered the seven foundations of legal knowledge in their first and second years of study
• Studied for and passed SQE1, needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales
• Studied for and be ready to sit SQE2 on completion of their studies
• Undertaken invaluable work experience in the Law Clinic and during a placement year, contributing to the two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales
• Gained in-depth knowledge in areas such as Corporate Law, Banking Law, Human Rights, or Environment and Energy Law during their third and fourth years

Outline:

The MLaw in Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice consists of 480 credits, made up of core modules and optional modules. Students will take 120 credits per academic year.

Year 1 and 2:

• Criminal Law
• Equity and Trusts
• Law of the European Union
• Obligations 1 (Contract)
• Obligations 2 (Tort)
• Property/Land Law
• Public Law (Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Human Rights Law)
• Legal research skills
• Modules designed to develop academic and clinical practice skills, raise ethical awareness, and enhance employability

Year 3:

• Core SQE1 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice module
• Law Clinic 1 module (work experience may count towards the two years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required by the SRA for qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales)
• Wide range of options relating to high street practice, criminal law, commercial law, or social justice
• Sit and pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) SQE1 assessment at the end of year 3

Year 4:

• Core SQE2 Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice module
• Core Law Clinic 2 module (may count towards the two-year QWE)
• Range of Masters level modules to enhance legal knowledge and gain specialist knowledge in areas such as Corporate Law, Human Rights, Banking Law, and Environment & Energy Law
• Sit the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) SQE2 assessment at the end of Year 4

Assessment:

Assessments are a mix of coursework assessments and formal examinations held at the end of each semester.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include interactive lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Students are expected to engage in independent study, supported by reading lists, suggested resources, and a Virtual Learning Environment. Regular contact hours and informal feedback from tutors are provided throughout the course.

Careers:

The 4-year MLaw in Legal Theory & Solicitors Practice is designed specifically for those who wish to qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales. It provides a clear and supported career pathway to qualification as a solicitor. Upon graduation, students are expected to have completed both mandatory Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) examinations, possess an in-depth knowledge of a specialist area of the law, and gained invaluable practice experience via the School's Law Clinic, enhancing their career opportunities.

Other:

• Students will benefit from one of the Law School's personal Learning Coaches who will support their SQE studies and work in the Law Clinic.
• Extra-curricular activities and opportunities include participation in mock trials and moots in the Lady Hale Court Room facility, volunteering opportunities, court visits, external speakers, and social and law-related events organized by the Student Law Society.

UK: £9,250 (Sandwich year: £925) International: £19,560 (Sandwich year: £1,956)