Thinking about a degree?
Alternatives to a Law degree
You don't need a law degree to become a solicitor in England. Since the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) was introduced, there are paid routes in.
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Routes to consider
- Solicitor apprenticeship (Level 7)
- Usually about six years, paid, with no tuition fees. It leads to the SQE and qualification as a solicitor.
- Chartered legal executive apprenticeship (Level 6)
- Qualify as a CILEx lawyer while you work.
- Paralegal apprenticeship (Level 3)
- A first step into legal work that you can build on later.
Is a degree apprenticeship better than this course?
If you're sure you want to be a solicitor and you'd rather earn while you train, the solicitor apprenticeship gets you to the same qualification. Places are competitive and fewer than university places.
When the degree is still the right call: Choose the degree if you want to keep options open across law, policy and academia, or if you're aiming for the Bar, where most barristers take a degree route.
Check the facts for yourself
- Solicitor: National Careers Service profile
- Paralegal: National Careers Service profile
- To compare specific university courses, use the official Discover Uni site.
Other guides: Psychology, Computer Science, Business, Nursing, or apprenticeship vs university.
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