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GUARANTEED INTERNSHIPS WITH EVERY MASTER'S DEGREE

Course overview

The Aston LLM explores key areas of legal practice while strengthening essential skills in legal research, analysis and problem-solving.

Supported by experienced practitioners and academic specialists, the programme offers a comprehensive and practice-focused route towards solicitor qualification and wider careers across the legal and regulatory sectors.

Designed for students aiming to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales, the LLM combines advanced legal study with integrated SQE1 and SQE2 preparation delivered in partnership with BARBRI, a global leader in SQE training. You will also have an opportunity to experience valuable work-based learning through Aston University's guaranteed internship scheme, and also undertake the Aston Global Advantage, helping you gain practical insight and build professional confidence alongside your studies.

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

Designed for the SQE

Integrated SQE1/SQE2 preparation delivered in partnership with BARBRI.

Industry-connected teaching

Learn from qualified lawyers and specialist researchers with expertise in modern legal practice.

Practical, career-focused approach

You will learn not just what the law is, but how to apply it, with practice-based tasks, simulations and real-world legal exercises.

Aston Law Clinic

Aston combines hands-on legal education through the Aston Law Clinic with strong partnerships across the legal sector.

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 will combine academic expertise, practical skills development and flexible digital study. SQE1 and SQE2 preparation is supported through our partnership with BARBRI, giving you access to industry-leading online materials, personalised study plans, practice questions and progress-tracking tools to help build exam confidence.

Teaching is delivered by academics, practitioners and sector specialists through workshops, case studies, simulations and problem-based learning. Modules are designed to reflect real legal environments, enabling you to apply legal principles to contemporary issues and professional scenarios.

You will also complete the Aston Global Advantage (AGA) module, a flagship professional development experience offering business simulations, sector challenges and employability workshops that build your professional confidence and commercial awareness.

All students can access work-based learning through the Guaranteed Internship Scheme, which offers opportunities for external placements, university-based internships, virtual international experiences and potential involvement with the Aston Law Clinic or partner firms.

This combination of academic learning, skills training and real-world experience provides a well-rounded pathway that prepares you for SQE1, SQE2 and your future career in the legal sector.

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 will gain a solid grounding in core legal principles while building the knowledge and skills required for SQE1 and SQE2. The programme covers key areas of legal practice, including contract, tort, property law, public law, business law, dispute resolution and professional conduct. You will also have opportunities to explore specialist fields shaping modern legal practice and research.

By combining rigorous academic study with practical, skills-focused learning, the LLM equips you with both the legal depth and profession-ready competencies needed for qualification as a solicitor and for a wide range of careers across legal practice, regulation, compliance and corporate governance.

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)	60
Mastering Legal Skills and Practice (SQE2)	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	15
Researching Law: Process, Questions and Decisions	15
Total	135

Dissertation stage modules

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

Module Title	Credits
LLM Dissertation (Research Project) You will complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert academic supervision. This dissertation allows you to develop deeper critical understanding, refine legal research skills, and produce a substantial piece of work aligned with your career or academic interests.	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?

Please refer to our entry 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).

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham