UCAS Conference for Teachers and Advisers 2021 - Accessing Law - Embedding Real World Questions for Tomorrow’s Professionals

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by Aria

UCAS conference materials for teachers and advisers outline a new route to solicitor qualification in England and Wales. The SQE replaces prior pathways through a four-stage process: degree, SQE1 and SQE2, at least two years Qualifying Work Experience, and confirmation of satisfactory character and suitability. It explains that SQE assessments test functional legal knowledge and practical skills, and highlights resources including careers guides, podcasts, practice area pages, events, blogs, and a Real World Question Essay Competition.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

New route to qualification

SQE assessments and four-stage pathway

Resources to support navigation and preparation

Careers guides and podcasts

Practice area pages and Legal Careers Guide

Real World Questions campaign and events

Functional knowledge and practical skills events

UCAS CONFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND ADVISERS 2021 ACESSING LAW EMBEDDING REAL WORLD QUESTIONS FOR TOMORROW’S PROFESSIONALS NEW ROUTE TO QUALIFICATION The SQE will be the centralised assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It will be 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 SQE assessments will test functional legal knowledge and practical skills. Further reading The Solicitor Regulatory Authority has introduced this new route to make the profession fairer and more accessible. [https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/policy/solicitors-qualifying-examination/edi-risk-assessment/](https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/policy/solicitors-qualifying-examination/edi-risk-assessment/)[-](-Diversity in the legal profession)[Diversity in the legal profession](-Diversity in the legal profession) -Competition for solicitor training contracts and barrister pupillages. -Find out more about the SQE and proposed programmes to support preparation at The University of Law SQE webpages RESOURCES TO SUPPORT NAVIGATION AND PREPARATION You can find specialised resources and events on our schools and colleges and events pages. Careers guides and podcasts Each of our career guides in Law, Criminology, Policing and Business, and online Career Finder tool give examples of the career pathways students could take after studying a degree in these areas. Students will find some useful employability tips too. Our podcasts are a series of conversations about future careers and handy hints and tips to stand out from the crowd. The Practice Area pages are particularly useful to find out more about the many different areas lawyers can work and the Legal Careers Guide gives useful links to support research and decision making. Real World Questions Campaign Our tutors answer the big questions linked to the profession. Students are encouraged to read their blogs, join the events, take part in the debate, and enter our annual Real World Question Essay Competition. Functional knowledge and practical skills events We run a number of national events such as the Criminal Investigation Day, Explore Series and the Real World Work Experience Scheme. Email [undergrad@law.ac.uk](undergrad@law.ac.uk to)[ to](undergrad@law.ac.uk to) be added to our mailing list to find out more about each, and to be notified of booking dates.

FAQs

What is the SQE and what does it assess?

The SQE is the centralised assessment for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It tests functional legal knowledge and practical skills.

What are the four stages of the new solicitor qualification route?

The route includes a degree (or equivalent), passing SQE1 and SQE2, completing at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), and demonstrating satisfactory character and suitability.

What resources are offered to help students prepare and navigate options?

The materials recommend specialised resources and events, including careers guides and podcasts, practice area pages and the Legal Careers Guide, plus blogs, events, and participation in the Real World Question Essay Competition.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by Aria