94% of postgraduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2024.
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about Convert to Law
Want to become a lawyer? Join the largest community of postgraduate law conversion students*. 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 becoming 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.
Why choose a career in law?
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
- 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.
Did you know:
According to Legal Cheek's 2024 survey of top UK law firms, 89% of firms require non-law graduates to undertake a conversion course before beginning their SQE preparation.
Becoming a barrister
To qualify as a barrister you will need to complete a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), such as the LLB, or a law conversion course such as Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or MA Law (Conversion), if you hold a non-law degree.
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.
Is a conversion course required for the SQE?
What to expect when studying a conversion course
Hear from our expert lecturers about what to expect when studying a law conversion course and the legal fundamentals you will learn.
convert to lawLegal Pathways: Your Essential Law Conversion Guide
Deciding to embark on your journey to become a legal professional is both an exciting and challenging prospect. For those who hold a non-law degree and wish to transition into the legal field, we’ve put together a free, fully comprehensive guide to arm you with all the relevant advice and background information. You’ll discover our key courses, funding options and employability support as you begin your journey towards a fulfilling legal career, with us.
internationalAre you an international student?
We understand that moving to a new country for your studies is a big decision, and we're here to support you every step of the way as you settle into life in the UK.
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 , and .
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 , and .
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.
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
