Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The professional certificate in legal practice provides the opportunity to develop functioning legal knowledge aligned to the national Solicitors Qualifying Examination (specifically SQE1). By the end of your certificate, you'll have had the opportunity to study a range of subject topics examined by SQE1, apply your legal knowledge to real-life scenarios and gain experience in answering multiple-choice questions. This provides a foundation if you're planning to prepare for SQE1. Key features of the course
- Develops your functioning legal knowledge aligned to SQE1.
- Provides opportunities to practice SQE1-style multiple-choice questions.
- Gain professional practical skills, behaviours and commercial awareness through authentic, simulated scenarios.
- Develops your knowledge and skills towards becoming a solicitor in England and Wales.
Modules
This professional certificate has one stage comprising 90 credits. You’ll study three 30-credit modules, each covering aspects of the subjects assessed in SQE1. You’ll begin by studying the legal system, public law, EU law, criminal law and litigation and solicitors accounts. The second module covers property and private client law (including property law, trusts and wills and probate). You'll complete the certificate by studying business law and dispute resolution (including contract law, tort law and civil litigation). Some of the foundations of legal knowledge (contract, tort, criminal, public) are summarised as a refresher rather than taught in detail.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
To study this qualification, you need to have completed a bachelors degree (ordinary or honours) that is based on English and Welsh law which includes the seven foundations of legal knowledge. Your degree must have been awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) or other recognised degree awarding body, or an equivalent qualification from an overseas HEI. See the website for further requirements.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/law/certificates/certificate-in-legal-practice-s36#entry-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025/2026 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ