Pathways to Qualification
Students obtaining a qualifying law degree (QLD) from Queen's University Belfast have various pathways to qualify as legal professionals in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, to qualify as a solicitor, students must complete a traineeship under a Master after obtaining their QLD and complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS). To qualify as a barrister, students must complete the Bar Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at IPLS and undergo a 12-month pupillage with an eligible Master.
In England and Wales, to qualify as a solicitor, students must pass both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and complete two years of qualifying work experience. To qualify as a barrister, they must complete a Bar Training Course, become a member of an Inn of Court, attend qualifying sessions, and complete a 12-month pupillage.
In the Republic of Ireland, to qualify as a barrister, students must complete the Degree of Barrister-at-Law at King's Inns, pass an entrance examination, and complete a one-year pupillage with a Dublin-based practitioner. To qualify as a solicitor, they must pass the Final Examination – First Part (FE-1), obtain a two-year training contract, and complete the Professional Practice Courses (PPC I & PPC II).
A QLD from Queen's includes the LL.B at undergraduate, and the MLaw and Senior Status for those with a first degree.
| Research |
Academic Stage |
Vocational Stage |
Admittance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitor in Northern Ireland |
Complete a Qualifying Law Degree from Queen's University Belfast. |
Obtain a Master (a solicitor with whom the applicant proposes to serve their traineeship). Then complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Belfast (IPLS). Note: This also requires the student to complete a period of ‘in office’ training with their Master. |
Call: Upon completion of their traineeship and having satisfied the Law Society of Northern Ireland of all requirements, the student will then be called to the Roll of Solicitors of Northern Ireland. For further information, see: https://www.lawsoc-ni.org/law-degree-route |
|
Barrister in Northern Ireland |
Complete a Qualifying Law Degree from Queen's University Belfast. |
Complete the Bar Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Queen’s University, Belfast (IPLS). |
Pupillage: Call to the Bar of Northern Ireland. The student must complete a 12-month pupillage (usually of six months, and a practising period, usually of six months) with an eligible ‘Master’. For further information, see: https://www.barofni.com/page/becoming-a-barrister |
|
Solicitor in England and Wales |
Complete a Qualifying Law Degree from Queen's University Belfast. |
Pass both stages of the SQE assessment - SQE1 focuses on practical legal knowledge and SQE2 on practical legal skills. NOTE: All candidates looking to qualify through the SQE route will need to complete two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE). |
Admittance to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales. For further information (including what constitutes QWE), see: https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/qualifying-work-experience-candidates/ |
|
Barrister in England and Wales
|
Complete a Qualifying Law Degree from Queen's University Belfast. |
Complete a Bar Training Course (covered by different providers). In order to enrol on a Bar training course, the student be a member of one of the Inns of Court. During the vocational component, students must also attend qualifying sessions with their Inn of Court. |
Pupillage: Call to the Bar of England and Wales and complete a 12-month pupillage (usually of six months, and a practising period, usually of six months.) For further information, see: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/training-qualification/becoming-a-barrister.html |
|
Solicitor in The Republic of Ireland
|
Complete a Qualifying Law Degree from Queen's University Belfast. |
Pass the Law Society entrance examination (known as the Final Examination – First Part (FE-1)) Exams are held twice a year, in autumn and spring, and there are eight papers. Obtain a two-year training contract (Indentures of Apprenticeship) with an eligible solicitor who has been practising for at least four years. Students must complete the Professional Practice Courses (PPC I & PPC II). After this course, students seek admission to the Roll of Solicitors. |
Admittance: Admittance to the roll of solicitors of Ireland. For further information, see: https://www.lawsociety.ie/education--cpd/Become-a-Solicitor |
Want to prep for the US bar or qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales?
BARBRI is a global leader in legal education, specialising in bar exam preparation for the U.S. and solicitor qualification in England & Wales. They offer a variety of prep courses tailored to different learning styles and needs, including traditional and extended bar prep, private tutoring, and online or in-person learning options. With over 1.435 million alumni and a track record of success, BARBRI supports law students, graduates, and lawyers worldwide with comprehensive resources and flexible study plans. For more information, visit BARBRI.