95% of postgraduate students in employment were in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2022.
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about Convert to Law
Join the largest community of postgraduate law conversion students*. Want to become a lawyer? If you have completed an undergraduate degree in a non-law field and want to study law at a postgraduate level, get a head start by completing one of our law conversion courses. We offer a number of law conversion courses, which offer you a pathway to progress onto become a solicitor or barrister. *Central Applications Board (LawCAB) 2023
Your route to legal practice
On successful completion of one of our law conversion courses, you could progress on to study one of our Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) courses to become a solicitor or our Bar Practice Course (BPC) to become a barrister. Be taught by our expert lecturers, including subject matter specialists, former and current practitioners, and research and teaching focused academics.
Becoming a solicitor
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is being phased in to become the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will eventually replace the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to practice.
The SQE is part of a new, four-stage route to becoming a solicitor:
- A degree (or equivalent) in any subject
- Pass SQE1 and SQE2 assessments
- A minimum of two years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
- Show you are of satisfactory character and suitability
Unlike the LPC, the SQE is not a course of study but an examination. However, to pass SQE1 and SQE2, you may wish to undergo a course of professional training such as our LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2), or you could do our SQE Preparation Courses.
A non-law graduate will need to acquire the foundational legal knowledge necessary to start these courses. Most will undertake a conversion course such as our Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), MA Law (Conversion) or MA Law (SQE1).
Alternatively, you can still continue with the LPC route if you completed, started, accepted an offer, or paid a non-refundable deposit for one of the following by 31 August 2021:
- a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / the Common Professional Examination
- our MA Law
- the Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- a period of recognised training (also known as a training contract)
If you're unsure what route is right for you, download our guide An SQE Course for Everyone. We go through who is suitable for each type of course we offer, as well as information around the SQE exams, employability and funding.
Becoming a barrister
To qualify as a barrister you will need to complete a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), such as the LLB, or a non-law degree and law conversion course such as Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or MA Law (Conversion).
You will then need to complete the vocational component of training, such as the Bar Practice Course (BPC). Before you begin this vocational component, you will need to apply to join an Inn of Court.
Once you have completed your vocational training, you must undergo a period of work-based training under the supervision of an experienced barrister. This is known as pupillage.
On completion of your pupillage, you will qualify as a barrister and need to apply for tenancy in chambers.
Why choose a career in law?
Is a conversion course required for the SQE?
Career Changer Scholarship
Changing a career path is a big step and an important financial decision, which is why we offer our Career Changer Scholarship.
Find out more
internationalAre you an international student?
We understand that moving to a new country to study is a big decision and we want to support you each step of the way to help you settle into UK life.
Learn more about how we can help with funding your law studies and guide you through the visa application process.
Listen to the Podcasts: Why Study a Law Conversion Course?
Episode 1: Future Criminal Pupil, Amy Weir speaks with Family Law Solicitor, Rachel Jones about their University of Law conversion courses. Amy and Rachel discuss their experiences undertaking the GDL (now PGDL) conversion course and the journey to where they are now.
Stream this episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Episode 2: Amy Weir is joined by fellow Bar Practice Course alumni, Sophie Stevens to discuss their law conversion course experiences. Amy and Sophie explore why law conversion courses are a great alternative for those who didn't study the LLB and share their journeys to the bar.
Stream this episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
law conversion coursesFind your law conversion course
If you’re considering converting to law study, there are a number of postgraduate courses available to you, whether your goal is to eventually qualify as a barrister or solicitor. Take a look at our course comparison guide to find the right course for you.
aboutConverting to law: How can I fund my courses?
If you’re thinking about converting to law, we know that funding your courses might be a key concern for you. As you can only apply for one Postgraduate Master's Loan, we offer both Master's and non-Master's conversion and vocational courses. See our guide showing the different routes to practise from conversion onwards, including which courses are eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL)
This course will prepare you for the foundation subjects that will be assessed in SQE1. It offers a pathway onto one of our SQE courses to become a solicitor, or our BPC to become a barrister.
Find out moreMaster of Arts in Law (Conversion)
This master’s course will cover the foundation subjects required for SQE1. It offers a pathway onto one of our SQE courses to become a solicitor, or our BPC to become a barrister.
Find out moreMaster of Arts in Law (SQE1)
With this course you’ll gain a legal qualification at master’s level. It also includes our SQE1 Preparation Course to prepare you for the SRA’s centralised SQE1 assessments. You’ll also get the opportunity to complete four weeks Qualifying Work Experience within one of our Legal Advice Centres.
Find out moreSQE Law Essentials Online
The first step for non-law graduates who plan to progress to our SQE1 Preparation Course. This short online course will give you an introduction to the essentials of legal knowledge required for SQE1.
Find out more
law course finderFind the right course for you
Our law course finder can help you understand the different law conversion courses available at The University of Law. Find the right course for you based on your background and aspirations.
