The Legal Cheek View
Having offered a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate law courses since its formation by Nottingham Trent University in 1964, Nottingham Law School (NLS) is one of the more recognisable names on the legal education scene.
Popular offerings include the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) and Legal Practice Course LLM (LPC), as well as a recently revamped Barristers Training Course (BTC). The law school, located in the heart of the city of Nottingham, also runs a range of LLMs (from criminal justice to EU law) which are eligible for government funding.
A new string to the NLS bow is its collection of prep courses for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) — a new centralised assessment that first came into force in September 2021 and will ultimately replace the LPC.
Its SQE courses will be delivered both on campus and online, and are available on a full-time or distance learning basis.
The choices at Nottingham
Solicitor hopefuls will have a number of options depending on whether they have completed a law or non-law degree at undergraduate level. For example, law graduates can complete a six-month SQE1 prep course for £4,700 before moving on to an eight-week SQE2 prep course for £3,300. Their non-law grad peers, meanwhile, are required to complete a longer 18-month SQE LLM which incorporates SQE1 prep for £12,600. Both groups of grads then progress onto the same SQE2 prep course.
NLS is also offering a range of masters programmes for law graduates that incorporate SQE prep and are eligible for postgraduate funding. Its most comprehensive LLM covers SQE1 and 2 prep and costs £11,400, while its LLM covering only SQE1 prep costs £8,400.
NLS offers launch and alumni discounts, as well as fee concessions, in addition to its existing scholarship scheme.
Learning methods
NLS — which is headed up by executive dean Jenny Chapman, a former lawyer specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence claims — says students are taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, as well as online learning tools including SQE-style multiple choice questions with personalised feedback and tailored materials. Each student is assigned a personal tutor.
SQE students also have the opportunity to undertake Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with the school’s Legal Advice Centre, a regulated teaching law firm, advising real clients on a wide range of legal issues under the supervision of qualified solicitors.
Courses
Law conversion courses
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip)
This course is designed for non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor or barrister. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) provides you with the foundation of legal knowledge and skills required for your legal training. For aspiring barristers, it satisfies the Bar Standards Board’s academic requirements to permit you to commence the vocational stage of training (e.g. the Barristers Training Course). For aspiring solicitors, it provides a solid grounding in the fundamental legal knowledge and skills required for key parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
• Full-time: 1 academic year (9 months)
• Distance learning: 2 academic years
• Cost: Full time – £9,300, Distance learning – Year 1: £4,650, Year 2: £4,650
Law and Legal Practice LLM: SQE 1 Preparation Course
This course is designed for non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor. The LLM Law and Legal Practice course provides you with the legal knowledge and skills required to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 assessment, the first step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor.
• Full-time: 18 months
• Distance learning: 36 months
• Cost: £12,600
Law and Legal Practice LLM: Barristers Training Course
This course provides an opportunity for a non-law graduate to study the seven law foundation subjects and then proceed onto the Barristers Training Course (BTC) with the aim of becoming a Barrister, in a cost effective and time efficient manner. Successful completion will enable you to obtain an internationally recognised Masters qualification by completing compulsory taught modules – all taught at Masters Level, and to be called to the Bar.
• Full-time: 18 months
• Cost: £18,900
SQE courses
Professional Legal Practice: SQE 1 Preparation Course
Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 is the first step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice is designed to prepare you for this.
• Full-time: 6 months
• Distance learning: 12 months
• Cost: £4,700
Law and Legal Practice LLM: SQE 1 Preparation Course
This course is designed for non-law graduates interested in becoming a solicitor. The LLM Law and Legal Practice course provides you with the legal knowledge and skills required to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 assessment, the first step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor.
• Full-time: 18 months
• Distance learning: 36 months
• Cost: £12,600
Professional Legal Practice LLM: SQE 1 Preparation Course
Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 is the first step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor, and the LLM Professional Legal Practice is designed to prepare you for this. You should choose the LLM Professional Legal Practice if you want a course that prepares you for SQE1.
• Full-time: 12 months
• Distance learning: 18 months
• Cost: £8,400
Advanced Legal Skills: SQE 2 Preparation Course
Passing the second Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 2) is an essential step in your route to qualifying as a solicitor, and the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Legal Skills: SQE 2 Preparation Course is designed to prepare you for this.
• Full-time: 8 weeks
• Distance learning: 16-20 weeks
• Cost: £3,300
Advanced Professional Legal Practice LLM: SQE 1 and SQE 2 Preparation Course
Passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 and SQE 2 are essential steps in your route to qualifying as a solicitor. The LLM Advanced Professional Legal Practice: SQE 1 and SQE 2 Preparation Course is designed to prepare you for both SQE assessments.
• Full-time: 12 months
• Distance learning: 24 months
• Cost: £11,400
Legal Practice Course (LPC)
Legal Practice Course LLM
The course is approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and allows you to progress to qualifying work experience to become a solicitor.
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years
• Cost: £12,200 (£6,100 per year of study if part time)
Bar Practice Course (BPC)
Law and Legal Practice LLM: Barristers Training Course
This course provides an opportunity for a non-law graduate to study the seven law foundation subjects and then proceed onto the Barristers Training Course (BTC) with the aim of becoming a Barrister, in a cost effective and time efficient manner. Successful completion will enable you to obtain an internationally recognised Masters qualification by completing compulsory taught modules – all taught at Masters Level, and to be called to the Bar.
• Full-time: 18 months
• Cost: £18,900
Barristers Training Course
For students who wish to study the BSB’s compulsory modules in a cost effective and time efficient manner, our Barristers Training Course (BTC) provides the necessary vocational training for the Bar in just six months. Successful completion of this course will enable you to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma and be called to the Bar. Perhaps you have already secured pupillage, are worried about taking too much time out of paid work or are concerned about accommodation costs? The BTC may be ideal for you.
• Full-time: 6 months
• Cost: £12,400
Barristers Training Course LLM
Successful completion of this course enables you to be called to the Bar, and proceed to pupillage. Our nine-month LLM BTC gives you the opportunity to gain the award of a Masters (LLM), assuming successful completion of the BTC and an additional module, Advanced Advocacy, Advice and ADR, which has been created to give you experience of issues that are at the cutting-edge of practice, such as vulnerable witnesses and expert evidence. The LLM qualification is internationally recognised and is eligible for the UK postgraduate government loan. Our LLM incorporates a number of unique, practical elements which are at the forefront of legal practice and which will aid you in your future career.
• Full-time: 9 months
• Cost: £14,900
Locations
Nottingham Law School’s only location is its University campus in Nottingham. Although it does allow distance learning, you are required to attend in-person teaching weekends on its campus.
Scholarships
Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarships
Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Academic Excellence
This scholarship is awarded to students “who can demonstrate a commitment to and achievement of excellence in their academic background and in other areas such as work and personal life”.
Value: half of your tuition fee
Deadline: closed for September 2023 courses
Nottingham Law School’s Professional Courses Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement
This scholarship is awarded to students “who have overcome significant challenges in their social, personal or educational lives”.
Value: half of your tuition fee
Postgraduate Masters Scholarship for UK students
Postgraduate Masters Scholarship for UK students
This is not available for the GDL, Legal Practice Course, Barristers Training Course
Value: half of your tuition fee
Deadline: closed for September 2023 courses
International Scholarships
NTU Excellence Scholarships, International Scholarships and Regional and Subject Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to students “who demonstrate excellent achievements and experience and will make a positive contribution to the NTU community”.
You only need to complete the online application form and Nottingham Trent University will assess you for all scholarships you are eligible for.
Deadline: closed for September 2023 courses