Law and Legal Practice, LLM

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Course Overview

Our LLM Law & Legal Practice is a professional programme designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in Law.

The programme combines core legal knowledge with practical legal skills, providing essential preparation for non‑law graduates who wish to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales via the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE).

You will have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in core law subjects aligned with undergraduate assessment areas, while gaining a master’s qualification. The programme equips you with legal knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence needed for life in legal practice.

Delivered over two academic years, the programme is taught in two stages. Stage 1 focuses on foundational legal subjects such as the law of obligations and land law. Stage 2 builds on this by exploring core legal practice areas.

The programme culminates in an opportunity to undertake directed independent learning, closely aligned with professional legal work, with a focus on practical legal research and drafting.

Why Law and Legal Practice at Swansea?

As a postgraduate student in the School of Law, you will join a globally recognised community with a vibrant academic environment and an exceptional student experience.

The School is known for its expertise and impact across a wide range of legal and professional fields. We are committed to high‑quality teaching and to placing students at the centre of everything we do. You will be taught and supported by academics and qualified legal practitioners with extensive real‑world experience.

About the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the centralised route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. Introduced in 2021, it replaces previous qualification pathways.

To qualify, all candidates must complete:

  • SQE1 – testing legal knowledge
  • SQE2 – testing practical legal skills (such as interviewing, advocacy, and legal writing)
  • Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) – practical experience completed in one or more legal settings

The SQE aims to ensure a fair, consistent route to qualification for everyone, regardless of their background or previous legal study.

This LLM will support you in building the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to work towards the SQE assessments and prepare for a career in legal practice.

Please consult the Solicitors Regulation Authority for full details on routes to becoming a solicitor. The SQE assessments do not form part of the programme itself and the cost of undertaking the SQE assessments is not included in the programme fee.

Your Law and Legal Practice Experience

We offer an inclusive, student‑focused learning environment and community, centred on your success.

You will develop strong oral and written communication skills, learning to present ideas clearly and confidently in a range of formats. You will also build critical agility and analytical thinking, becoming adept at legal research and equipped with the problem‑solving skills that are essential for life in legal practice.

The programme includes a variety of assessment methods, and you will be encouraged to strengthen your teamwork and communication skills through seminars and workshops. You will also develop project management and independent research skills through the independent learning module. Together, these skills help ensure that you are well prepared to compete successfully in the employment market.

You will also benefit from guest lectures delivered by experienced legal practitioners and academics, as well as having access to the School’s extensive professional networks that will support your learning.

Law and Legal Practice Employment Opportunities

This programme is designed to help you meet the needs of employers. It focuses not only on preparing you for the SQE1 assessments, but also on ensuring you gain strong foundational legal knowledge, an understanding of core legal practice areas, and the practical skills essential for qualification.

Students intending to qualify as solicitors must pass both the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). However, students who choose not to pursue solicitor qualification will still develop a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued across many sectors.

Possible career paths include:

  • Academic Law
  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Commerce and Business
  • Corporate Governance
  • Crown Prosecution Service
  • Finance Industry and Banking
  • Government Legal Service
  • Legal Publishing
  • Ombudsman Departments
  • Regulators
  • Tax

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.