BERKELEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS & SCIENCES

SQE 2 Preparation Course

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination Preparation Course develops the practical legal skills needed to prepare effectively for the examination. Furthermore, learners strengthen their abilities in client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, legal writing and drafting. In addition, realistic case scenarios and hands-on exercises help learners apply legal knowledge effectively to professional legal situations.

SQE 2

Overview

SQE 2

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination Preparation Course is designed to develop the practical legal skills required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Furthermore, learners strengthen their abilities in client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, legal writing and legal drafting. In addition, the course uses practical scenarios to help learners apply legal principles to realistic professional situations. Moreover, case analysis and advice activities encourage learners to develop sound legal judgment and structured reasoning. Learners also practice professional communication and effective client interaction. Consequently, mock assessments and practical exercises help learners become familiar with the examination requirements. Furthermore, expert guidance supports learners in identifying areas for improvement and strengthening their examination techniques. In addition, the course promotes accuracy, confidence, professional ethics and effective legal practice. Therefore, learners can build practical competence while preparing systematically for the assessment. Ultimately, the program provides focused preparation for learners seeking to progress towards qualification as solicitors in England and Wales.

Course DetailInformation
Course TitleSQE 2 Preparation Course
Course TypeProfessional Exam Preparation
ExamSolicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE 2)
Learning FocusPractical Legal Skills and Professional Competence
Core SkillsClient Interviewing, Advocacy, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Drafting
Practical TrainingCase Analysis, Legal Advice and Realistic Professional Scenarios
Assessment PreparationMock Assessments, Practice Exercises and Exam Techniques
Professional SkillsCommunication, Legal Reasoning, Ethics and Client Management
Learning ApproachPractical, Structured and Exam-Focused Learning
ProgressionPreparation for SQE 2 and progression towards solicitor qualification in England and Wales

Offered By

Berkeley School of Business, Arts & Sciences 

Vision & Mission

The vision of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Preparation Course is to develop confident, competent and practice-ready legal professionals with the practical skills required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Furthermore, the course aims to strengthen learners’ ability to apply legal knowledge through client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, writing and drafting. In addition, its mission is to provide structured, practical and assessment-focused training that reflects the demands of professional legal practice. Moreover, learners are encouraged to develop legal reasoning, professional judgment, ethical awareness and effective communication. Consequently, the course supports focused exam preparation and helps learners progress towards qualification as solicitors in England and Wales.

What is the eligibility?

  • The Solicitors Qualifying Examination Preparation Course is designed for candidates preparing for the practical legal skills assessment.
  • Candidates must normally pass the first stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination before they can book and sit the second-stage assessment.
  • Furthermore, candidates should have appropriate legal knowledge and practical skills to meet the assessment requirements.
  • A law degree is not specifically required to sit the second-stage assessment; however, a degree or equivalent qualification is required for admission as a solicitor through the standard route.
  • In addition, candidates seeking solicitor qualification must complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) or meet an applicable alternative route.
  • Candidates must also satisfy the SRA's character and suitability requirements before admission as a solicitor.
  • Moreover, qualified lawyers may have alternative routes or may be eligible to apply for an exemption from certain assessment requirements, subject to the SRA's criteria.
  • Therefore, this preparation course is particularly suitable for candidates who have completed the first stage and are preparing to demonstrate the practical legal skills required for solicitor qualification.

Who can do?

SQE 2
anyone who is interested to learn about following concepts can pursue SQE 2 Preparation Course:
SQE 2, Practical Legal Skills, Client Interviewing, Advocacy, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Legal Drafting, Case Analysis, Legal Ethics, Professional Legal Practice, Solicitor Qualification, Legal Reasoning.
individuals with the following designations:
SQE 2 Candidate, Law Graduate, Trainee Solicitor, Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Legal Professional, Law Student, Legal Researcher, Solicitor Apprentice, Foreign Qualified Lawyer, Aspiring Solicitor.

Course structure

Module 1: Core Legal Skills Training

This module focuses on developing the essential practical skills required to succeed in SQE2 and perform effectively as a solicitor. The training is designed to simulate real-life legal scenarios, helping you build confidence in client interactions, legal analysis, and professional communication.

You will learn how to approach legal problems, advise clients, and present arguments clearly and professionally. Each session is structured to mirror real SQE2 assessments, ensuring you are fully prepared for both oral and written tasks.

Included

Client Interviewing & Attendance Notes

Included

Advocacy (Civil & Criminal)

Included

Legal Research

Included

Legal Writing

Included

Legal Drafting

Included

Case & Matter Analysis

Module 2: Applied Legal Practice & Case Scenarios

This module builds on core skills by applying them across key areas of legal practice. You will work through realistic case scenarios covering criminal law, dispute resolution, property, and business law contexts.

The focus is on developing accuracy, professionalism, and structured thinking—key qualities expected from a newly qualified solicitor. By the end of this module, you will be able to handle legal tasks with confidence and deliver high-quality legal work under exam conditions.

Included

Criminal Litigation Practice

Included

Dispute Resolution Practice

Included

Property Practice

Included

Wills & Probate Practice

Included

Business Law Practice Context

Lecture plan

Learning Methodology

Berkeley offers expertly developed learning materials tailored to meet participants' needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and optimal exam preparation.

‣ Tailored Material: Guides are designed to cover the entire syllabus, offering full preparation and deep understanding.

‣ In-Depth Content: Unlike superficial outlines, our materials provide fully developed theories and concepts, equipping participants with complete knowledge.

‣ Strategic Study: We help participants prioritize study time by indicating the weight of each topic, allowing efficient focus on crucial areas.

‣ Difficulty Levels: Topics are labeled as "Awareness" or "Proficiency," guiding participants to allocate time based on the required depth of knowledge.

‣ Comprehensive Coverage: Our materials include detailed theory and a glossary of technical terms to clarify complex concepts.

‣ Effective Learning Techniques: Visual aids and memorization techniques ensure long-lasting retention, helping candidates succeed.

Berkeley’s methodologies equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools for both exams and future success.

SQE 2
Lectures

Our lecture plan integrates structured learning with interactive teaching methods, promoting engagement and collaboration. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of concepts, fostering critical thinking and practical application in real-world scenarios.

SQE 2
Practice Session

Practice sessions offer hands-on experience through guided exercises, enhancing skills and reinforcing knowledge. This practical approach ensures mastery of concepts, promoting.

SQE 2
Mock Examination

Mock examinations simulate real test conditions, providing valuable practice and assessment. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring thorough preparation and boosting confidence for actual exams.

Berkeley's performance standards

Evaluates and ensure the quality of the training program and all its deliverables.  This is measured through the following indicators:
‣ Instructors' experience and style in presenting and explaining topics.
‣ Variety and balance of teaching methods (such as discussions, case studies, mock exams and videos) used in the course to ensure retention and to match the learning objectives.
‣ Level of interactivity.
‣ Feedback from program participants
‣ Full compliance with Institute standards and guidelines for preparation and study requirements and methodology.
‣ Progress reports from the training program provider.

What is the Exam Information?

SQE 2

The SQE 2 assessment tests practical legal skills and the application of legal knowledge. It includes 16 assessment stations, comprising 12 written and 4 oral assessments. Furthermore, candidates are assessed in legal research, writing, drafting, case analysis, client interviewing and advocacy. Candidates must normally pass SQE 1 or hold an applicable exemption before taking SQE 2.

Exam Format & Duration
  • Format: 16 assessment stations: 12 written and 4 oral. 
  • Written: Four skills assessed over 3 consecutive half-days: case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing and legal drafting. 
  • Oral: Four assessments covering advocacy and client interviewing with attendance note/legal analysis, conducted over 2 consecutive half-days. 
  • Written daily duration: Two sessions per day, consisting of 1 hour 30 minutes, a 15-minute scheduled break, then 1 hour 45 minutes. 
  • Oral assessment: Approximately 2 hours of assessment activity per day, although candidates may be at the center for longer due to registration, security and waiting periods. 
  • Overall: The written and oral assessments must be completed within the same SQE 2 assessment window. 
Exam Components Practical Skills Assessment Multi-Day Assessment
Module 1: Core Legal Skills Training

SQE2 is assessed through a combination of oral and written tasks designed to test practical legal skills. These include client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, writing, and drafting exercises. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to apply legal knowledge in realistic professional situations.

The SQE2 assessment is conducted over multiple days. Oral assessments (interviewing and advocacy) are typically held on separate days, while written assessments (research, writing, drafting, and analysis) are completed across several sessions, each focusing on practical legal tasks.

Module 2: Applied Legal Practice & Case Scenarios

Assessments are based on practical legal tasks within specific practice areas. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to apply legal knowledge, communicate effectively, and produce professional-standard work across different legal contexts.

Assessments are spread over several days, with each session focusing on different legal skills and practice areas. Candidates are required to complete both written and oral tasks within set time limits, reflecting real working conditions.

Exam Dates

The SQE 2 assessment is held four times a year, normally in January, April, July and October.

  • January 2026: 27 January to 6 February 2026
  • April 2026: Written: 28–30 April; Oral: 5–15 May 2026
  • July 2026: Written: 28–30 July; Oral: 4–7 August 2026
  • October 2026: Written: 27–29 October; Oral: 3–12 November 2026
  • January 2027: Oral: 26–29 January; Written: 2–4 February 2027

For the next available 2026 sitting, the October SQE 2 assessment window is the relevant date. The booking deadline is 18 September 2026.

Assessment dates are published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and may be updated, so candidates should check the official schedule before booking.

Exam Registration Deadline

18 September 2026 for the October 2026 SQE 2 assessment. Candidates should register and reserve their seat as early as possible. 

Passing Criteria
  • Overall pass: Candidates must achieve the overall SQE 2 pass mark. 
  • Scaled score: The pass mark is set at 300 out of 500. 
  • No separate section pass: There is one overall pass mark for all 16 stations; candidates do not need to separately pass the oral or written assessments. 
  • 16 stations: The final score is based on the candidate's performance across all 16 stations. 
  • Skills and law: Station scores combine legal skills and application of legal knowledge with equal weighting. 
  • Important: A score of 300 does not represent a fixed percentage such as 60%. The pass mark is adjusted according to the difficulty of each assessment sitting. 
Exam Locations
  • SQE 2 Written Assessments: Pearson VUE test centers across the UK and internationally. 
  • SQE 2 Oral Assessments: Held in dedicated centers in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff. 
  • International availability: Written assessments are available in selected international locations, although availability varies by assessment window. 
  • Important: Your exact assessment center is confirmed when you book, and not every location is available for every sitting. 
London
Manchester
Birmingham
Cardiff
Dubai
SQE 2

Success Stories

“As a strong advocate for education and human development, I commend Berkeley for its exceptional commitment to empowering future leaders. The institution stands as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. Students who walk its halls are nurtured with knowledge, values, and vision, qualities that contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation.”- H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamid

Visit our Alumni

Alumni Benefits

‣ Exclusive Networking Events: Access invitations to industry-leading events and thought-leadership gatherings featuring renowned speakers.


‣ Monthly Updates: Stay informed with a newsletter highlighting the latest research, events, and activities from the school.


‣ LinkedIn Community Access: Join the Executive Education LinkedIn group for networking and professional development opportunities.


‣ Educational Discounts: Enjoy a 20% discount on open-enrollment programs and access to workshops focused on emerging trends.


‣ Global Alumni Network: Connect with a diverse alumni community through the Berkeley School’s online network and engage in country and interest groups.

Is It Worth the Investment?

The SQE 2 Preparation Course is a valuable professional training program for candidates seeking to strengthen the practical legal skills required for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Furthermore, it develops capabilities in client interviewing, advocacy, legal research, legal writing, drafting and case analysis. In addition, the course can benefit SQE 2 candidates, law graduates, trainee solicitors, paralegals and qualified legal professionals seeking to enhance their practical legal skills.

Potential Annual Earnings:

  • UK: £35,000–£80,000+ per year
  • Middle East: AED 120,000–350,000+ per year
  • USA: USD 60,000–130,000+ per year
  • Asia & Africa: Competitive salaries depending on role, experience and location

SQE 2

Progression Route:

SQE 2 Preparation Course → Pass SQE 2 → Complete 2 Years’ QWE → Meet SRA Character & Suitability Requirements → Apply for Admission as a Solicitor

In addition, candidates must hold a degree or equivalent qualification/experience and pass both SQE1 and SQE2 under the standard SQE route.

QWE can be gained through roles such as paralegal work, legal advice center placements, training contracts or other qualifying legal experience, and it can be completed before, during or after the SQE assessments. SRA SQE Qualification Route

What You Earn

Gain the skills, confidence, and exam readiness needed to succeed in one of the most important stages of your legal career.

SQE 2

Real-World Case Simulations

Train using realistic legal scenarios that reflect actual client matters, helping you develop confidence in handling practical legal situations.

Professional Confidence & Communication

Enhance your ability to communicate clearly, present arguments effectively, and interact professionally with clients and stakeholders.

Pathway to Solicitor Qualification

Take a crucial step toward qualifying as a solicitor by developing the practical competencies required for legal practice and career advancement.

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