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GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

Academic excellence. Professional preparation. One integrated Master's.

Prepare for the next stage of your legal career with Aston University's Master of Laws and Legal Practice (LLM). Combining the academic excellence of an Aston University LLM with integrated SQE1 and SQE2 preparation delivered in partnership with BARBRI, you'll develop advanced legal knowledge, practical legal skills and the confidence to take the next step towards qualification as a solicitor.

Designed for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, this programme combines academically rigorous postgraduate study with professional preparation in one integrated Master's. Whether you're looking to qualify as a solicitor or broaden your opportunities across the legal and regulatory sectors, Aston offers a clear pathway to help you achieve your ambitions.

Why Master of Laws and Legal Practice (SQE1 and SQE2 Preparation) at Aston University?

Guaranteed internship opportunity

Apply your legal knowledge in a real workplace

Aston Global Advantage

Develop commercial awareness, leadership and professional skills

Academic experience +BARBRI expertise

Benefit from Aston's academic excelence combined with BARBRI's recognised SQE expertise

Integrated SQE1 and SQE1 preparation

Everything you need in one integrated Master's

Course description

Master of Laws and Legal Practice (SQE1 and SQE2 Preparation)

This is a practical, career-focused LLM delivering specialist legal knowledge and SQE1 and SQE2 preparation, designed for graduates pursuing solicitor qualification or roles across modern legal practice and professional services.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will benefit from applied learning, research-informed teaching and constructive assessment. There are practical activities, including simulation exercises, reflective case studies, collaborative group work, thought-provoking class discussions as well as inspiring lectures and tutorials.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies – understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, a willingness to learn and an ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
You will develop key legal skills in research, drafting, case analysis, dispute resolution and client communication. Commercial awareness, regulatory insight and problem-solving are strengthened through SQE-aligned learning, practical exercises and real-world legal projects. You will also be equipped with knowledge of laws and regulations in your specialist area of the law, and have the opportunity to engage with the current legal debates.

Career prospects
Graduates will be well prepared to progress towards solicitor qualification, supported by integrated SQE1 and SQE2 preparation and practical experience. The programme also supports careers in legal practice, policy, governance, consultancy, and roles requiring strong legal and analytical expertise.

How you will learn

Your learning combines academic teaching, practical legal training and flexible digital study. Through Aston's partnership with BARBRI, giving access industry-leading online SQE preparation, including personalised study plans, practice questions and progress-tracking tools alongside face-to-face teaching at Aston.

Teaching is delivered through workshops, case studies, simulations and problem-based learning by academics, practitioners and sector specialists, enabling you to apply legal principles to real legal and commercial scenarios.

Beyond the classroom, you'll enhance your employability through Aston's Global Advantage professional development module and gain practical workplace experience through the Guaranteed Internship Scheme, with opportunities including external placements, university-based internships, virtual international experiences and involvement with the Aston Law Clinic or partner organisations.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.

The Aston Global Advantage

What you will learn

You'll develop the advanced legal knowledge, analytical ability and professional skills required for qualification as a solicitor and for careers across legal practice, regulation, compliance and corporate governance.

The programme covers the core legal principles and practice areas assessed in SQE1 and SQE2, including contract, tort, property, public and business law, dispute resolution and professional conduct. Alongside these foundations, you'll strengthen your legal research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring contemporary issues shaping modern legal practice.

By graduation, you'll have the legal expertise, commercial awareness and professional confidence to succeed in the next stage of your legal career.

Course objectives

Enable students from a diverse range of backgrounds to develop and/or refine their knowledge at the forefront of law.
Support students to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and future practice as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Empower graduates to effectively apply their acquired knowledge and skills in both legal and business contexts.

Modules

Modules and programme outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Mastering Legal Knowledge and Practice (SQE1) This module prepares for the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, focusing on foundations of legal knowledge in combination with pervasive issues such as ethics and professional conduct.	60
Mastering Legal Skills and Practice (SQE2) This module prepares for the second part of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, focusing on key legal skills such as advocacy, analysis, legal writing and client interviewing in a variety of practice areas.	30
The Aston Global Advantage This module is designed to give you a competitive edge by honing your professional acumen and preparing you for success in a fast-paced global environment. You will engage with a range of activities, including collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges focused on environmental, social, and governance themes.	15
Law in Context This module takes a critical approach to law and legal phenomena, focusing on the context in which they are situated and in which they operate. This includes a critical consideration of the contexts underpinning and influencing the law.	15
Researching Law: Process, Questions and Decisions This module focuses on developing students’ competence in research design as well as critical thinking skills in constructing academic arguments and recommendations.	15
Total	135

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
LLM Dissertation (Research Project) This research project is designed to provide students with the opportunity for an in-depth study of a chosen legal topic.	45

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

Apply a systematic understanding of knowledge of one or more distinct areas of law or legal practice, including a critical awareness of current problems and insights at the forefront of law and/or legal practice.
Articulate how techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in law.
Appraise and critique current research and advanced scholarship of the law and propose new arguments and innovative solutions.
Solve complex legal issues in relevant areas covered by the course and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Work with initiative, autonomy and originality in tackling and solving problems in planning and implementing tasks.
Synthesise and evaluate the key principles of law and legal practice related to the mandated SQE areas of Functioning Legal Knowledge.
Demonstrate professionalism in effective communication, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving to optimise prospects for employment.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

To apply for this postgraduate law degree, you will need a 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification in Law or a related subject. Other subjects and qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

Subject specific requirements

Applicants must also provide evidence of Mathematics - C/4 or above at GCSE (or equivalent).

You will also need to provide:

A professional reference.
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference.
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference.
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date.
A completed application form.

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

We welcome applications from international students who are already in the UK with a valid visa.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from international students who wish to come to the UK solely to take this course. We are also not able to accept international students to take the distance learning route. You will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your UK visa and of your passport when you submit the online registration form, so that we can check you are eligible to take the top up modules. Students taking this course by distance learning must be based in the UK.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09:30-16:30)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Tuition fees:

£14,000

Please note this course is not open to international applications.

The duration of this programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Fees and funding

ASTON GRADUATE? BENEFIT FROM A 20% TUITION DISCOUNT

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Assessment

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real legal practice, including research essays, problem-based assignments, case analyses, presentations, reflective tasks, and a substantial dissertation. The BARBRI SQE1 and SQE2 preparation module further supports your learning through formative activities, extensive question banks, and full mock assessments that help you track your progress and build exam confidence. Please note that SQE assessments are taken separately through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Career prospects

You will be well positioned to progress towards qualifications as a solicitor, having completed SQE preparation and gained work-based experience.

The programme is suitable for graduates in England and Wales and for graduates pursuing roles in legal practice, regulation, policy, consultancy, corporate governance, and professional services.

Graduates will be equipped for:

progression to launch your career as a solicitor
roles in law firms, chambers, corporate legal departments and public sector law
compliance, risk, governance and regulatory roles
policy, legal research, NGO and voluntary-sector positions
legal-tech, contract analysis and document review roles

You will leave with a postgraduate-level legal qualification and a strong mix of theoretical, practical and digital competencies valued across the profession.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a law degree to apply?

This programme is designed for graduates with a qualifying law degree who wish to prepare for qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Please check our entry requirements for full details, including accepted qualifications and English language requirements.

Will completing this LLM qualify me as a solicitor?

This programme prepares you for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams. You will also need to complete qualifying work experience in line with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Why choose Aston?

Our programme combines the academic excellence of an Aston University LLM with integrated SQE1 and SQE2 preparation delivered in partnership with BARBRI. Alongside your studies, you'll benefit from professional development through Aston Global Advantage and opportunities to gain practical workplace experience through our Guaranteed Internship Scheme.

What makes the programme different?

Unlike many postgraduate law programmes, Aston integrates academically rigorous Master's study with professional SQE preparation in one programme. You'll graduate with advanced legal knowledge, practical legal skills and the commercial awareness employers value.

What is included in the BARBRI partnership?

Your tuition includes integrated SQE1 and SQE2 preparation delivered through BARBRI's market-leading learning platform, providing access to online study materials, practice questions, personalised study plans and progress tracking to support your preparation throughout the programme.

Is funding available?

Eligible UK students may be able to apply for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan to help support tuition fees and living costs. Aston graduates may also be eligible for a 20% tuition fee discount.

Why study in Birmingham?

Aston's city centre campus places you in the heart of Birmingham - one of the UK's largest legal and commercial centres. Home to major national and international law firms, courts, businesses and professional organisations, Birmingham offers excellent opportunities to build your professional network alongside your studies.

Outside your studies, you'll enjoy everything the city has to offer, including vibrant cultural attractions, award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping, extensive green spaces and excellent transport connections across the UK.

Discover Birmingham