Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (ST0246)
The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is the principal qualification stage of Queen Mary University of London's solicitor apprenticeship pathway, combining academic study, workplace learning and preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Apprentices develop the advanced legal knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to qualify as a solicitor while remaining in paid employment. Successful apprentices gain a Russell Group LLB (Hons) degree, a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) and preparation for both SQE1 and SQE2, with opportunities for further postgraduate study available on completion.
Important Information Before Applying
Starting the Full Solicitor Apprenticeship Pathway
Individuals wishing to undertake the full solicitor apprenticeship pathway should normally apply for the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship.
Following successful completion of the Level 5 programme, and subject to employer approval and apprentice performance, learners may progress onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship through Queen Mary's established progression arrangements. This transfer is managed between the University and employer and does not require apprentices to reapply for the next stage of the pathway.
Duration and start dates
- Duration: Typically 48 months, including End Point Assessment.
- Start dates: Apprentices beginning the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship in September will typically complete the programme in April of the second academic year. Apprentices progressing along the solicitor apprenticeship pathway will normally transfer to the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship and commence their Level 7 studies in June.
- Study mode: Day-release with a supplementary sprint week per academic semester. The intensity of SQE study will be determined by individual employers i.e. standard 40 week or intense 20-week modes of delivery.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements will be shown on employer websites advertising their Solicitor Apprenticeship roles.
Employer requirements
Applicants must:
- Be employed in a role that provides opportunities to develop solicitor-level knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- Have employer support for the duration of the apprenticeship.
- Meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.
Academic requirements
Applicants will normally have:
- Successfully completed the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship; or
- Been admitted through Queen Mary's Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) arrangements.
Important funding information:
Public funding for the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is currently available only to apprentices who are under 22 when commencing Level 7 study. Applicants wishing to progress from Level 5 to Level 7 should normally be aged 20 or under at the start of the Level 5 programme.
Qualification awards
Successful apprentices will achieve:
- Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (ST0246).
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons).
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
The programme also prepares apprentices for:
- Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1).
- Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2).
What you will study
The programme covers the foundations of legal knowledge required for solicitor qualification, alongside the practical and professional skills expected of modern legal practitioners.
Indicative areas of study include:
- Contract Law.
- EU Law.
- Public Law.
- Land Law.
- Equity and Trusts.
- Introduction to Business Finance.
- Tort.
- Crime.
- Business Law and Practice.
- Land Law.
- SQE1 Preparation.
- SQE2 Preparation.
Throughout the programme, apprentices apply legal knowledge directly to workplace practice, developing the judgement, professionalism and client-focused skills required of solicitors.
End Point Assessment
The End Point Assessment aligns with the assessment requirements associated with solicitor qualification.
The assessment incorporates:
- SQE1.
- SQE2.
SQE1 assesses the application of functioning legal knowledge across a range of legal practice areas and client scenarios.
SQE2 assesses practical legal skills, including interviewing, advocacy, legal research, legal writing, legal drafting and case and matter analysis.
Together, these assessments demonstrate occupational competence and readiness for solicitor practice.
Career Outcomes
Successful apprentices will be equipped to progress towards qualification as a solicitor and undertake increasingly complex legal work across a range of practice settings, including:
- Private practice law firms.
- In-house legal teams.
- Public sector organisations.
- Regulatory bodies.
- Professional services firms.
Funding for employers
The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is entirely levy funded up to £27,000. Levy-paying employers can use apprenticeship levy funds to cover programme costs. Non-levy-paying employers may be eligible for government co-investment funding.
How to apply
I want to start the solicitor apprenticeship pathway
If you are beginning your solicitor apprenticeship journey, you should normally apply to an employer for the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship. Subject to successful completion and employer approval, progression onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship will be managed through Queen Mary's progression arrangements.
I have already completed Level 5 or have equivalent prior learning
Employers interested in enrolling new or existing employees onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship should contact the apprenticeship team to discuss eligibility, entry routes, funding and upcoming cohorts.
Next intake: September 2027. Applicants wishing to complete the full solicitor apprenticeship pathway should apply to the September intake of the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship. Eligible apprentices will then progress to the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship through Queen Mary's progression arrangements.
Contact: degreeapprenticeships@qmul.ac.uk.
Information on this page is subject to approval and change.
