Is University of Law Worth It for SQE? Honest Review 2026

Last updated: March 2026

University of Law trains more SQE candidates than any other provider in the UK. But having the most students doesn't mean having the best pass rates - or the best value. Here's what the data actually shows.

TL;DR

Verdict: Worth it if you're employer-sponsored or specifically need campus access. Not worth it if you're self-funding and studying online.

Price: £15,150 (online) - £18,850 (classroom) [VERIFY]

Pass rate vs national average: 64% SQE1 vs 41% national (self-reported - treat with caution)

Best alternative if price is a concern: BARBRI at £5,899

Reading time: 12 min

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What You're Paying For

ULaw SQE1 + SQE2 Combined:

• Online: £15,150
• Classroom: £18,850
• Hybrid: £16,500

This is the highest-priced SQE provider. Compare to:

• BPP: £12,200–£14,300 (15–25% cheaper)
• BARBRI: £5,899 (61% cheaper)
• QLTS School: £2,500 (84% cheaper)

Use our cost calculator to model your total spend including resit scenarios.

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University of Law Pass Rates: The Latest Data

ULaw self-reports a 64% SQE1 pass rate and 89% SQE2 pass rate [VERIFY - figures from provider marketing materials].

For context, the national SRA figures are:

• SQE1: 41% (July 2025 sitting, 5,851 candidates)
• SQE2: 78% (October 2025 sitting, 1,342 candidates)

ULaw vs national average:

That gap looks impressive - until you understand how these numbers are calculated. ULaw's figure likely counts only students who completed a high percentage of course materials and actually sat the exam. The national figure includes everyone who sat, regardless of preparation. These are not comparable on a like-for-like basis.

Trend: SQE1 pass rates nationally have fallen from 53% (July 2023) to 41% (July 2025). Whether ULaw's own rates have tracked this decline is not publicly disclosed.

For full historical SRA data, see our pass rates analysis.

Source badge: Based on SRA official statistics (February 2026). Provider pass rates are self-reported and unverified.

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What Does University of Law Actually Cost in 2026?

Most people only look at the headline course fee. The real number is what you spend before you're qualified.

Monthly payments (if spread over 12 months):

• Online bundle: ~£1,671/month
• Classroom bundle: ~£1,988/month

These are course fees only. Study materials, travel, and any living costs for campus-based study are separate.

→ Use the calculator to model your exact scenario

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What You Actually Get

SQE1 Preparation

✅ Comprehensive digital textbooks ✅ 3,000+ practice MCQs ✅ Live online sessions ✅ Campus access (classroom option) ✅ Mock exams with feedback

SQE2 Preparation

✅ Skills workshops (in-person or virtual) ✅ Mock assessments ✅ Individual coaching ✅ Practical scenarios

The Campus Premium

10+ locations across the UK:

• London (Bloomsbury, Moorgate)
• Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford
• Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham

If you study online, you're subsidising these campuses without using them. That's a real cost to weigh.

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ULaw's Actual Strengths

1. Campus network If you value in-person learning and a physical study base, ULaw delivers. Lecture theatres, study spaces, student communities - this is the traditional law school experience.

2. Multiple start dates Flexible course start times throughout the year. Useful if you have specific timing constraints around a training contract start date or work commitments.

3. Employability focus Strong careers team, law firm connections, networking events, CV workshops. This is the ULaw value proposition that goes beyond the course content itself.

4. Brand recognition UK's largest specialist law school. The name carries weight with employers - particularly in regions outside London where BPP has fewer graduates.

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ULaw's Actual Weaknesses

1. Highest price ❌ At £15,150–£18,850, you're paying significantly more than competitors for content that covers the same SRA syllabus.

2. Campus overhead for online students ❌ Even online students subsidise 10+ physical campuses. If you'll study remotely, you're paying for infrastructure you won't use.

3. Lower self-reported pass rates than BPP ❌ ULaw reports 64% SQE1 vs BPP's 68%. You're paying more for (self-reportedly) lower odds. Though these figures are unverifiable, the direction of the gap doesn't favour ULaw.

4. Unverified statistics ❌ Like all providers, pass rate claims are self-reported marketing. No independent audit. No SRA verification.

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Is University of Law Right for You?

University of Law is probably the right choice if you can honestly tick 3 or more of the following:

• My employer or firm is sponsoring the course fees
• I need classroom learning to stay motivated and accountable
• I'm based near a University of Law campus and will actually attend
• I specifically want the University of Law brand name on my record
• I've struggled with self-study in the past
• I want the most structured course available and I'll use all the support

If you ticked 3 or more: University of Law is likely a good fit. The premium has real justification if you'll use what you're paying for.

If you ticked fewer than 3: You might want to reconsider. The same SRA syllabus is covered by every approved provider. The price difference between ULaw and alternatives is substantial, and if you won't use the campus or support services, you're paying for something you won't access.

→ See all provider options and compare costs

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What University of Law Students Actually Said

The following is drawn from our independent student survey. Providers have no input into this data.

Overall satisfaction: [SURVEY DATA - out of 10] Would recommend: [SURVEY DATA]%

What students praised:

1. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about campus/facilities]
2. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about careers support]
3. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about course structure]

What students complained about:

1. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about price/value]
2. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about online experience vs cost]
3. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about campus not used]

[SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: "I studied online and felt like I was paying for campuses I never visited. The materials were good but so is BARBRI at a third of the price." - Anonymous ULaw student]

[SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: "The careers team genuinely helped me land my TC. For employer-sponsored students, the networking is worth it." - Anonymous ULaw student]

→ Add your own University of Law review

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University of Law vs The Alternatives

*All pass rates self-reported by providers. Not independently verified. [VERIFY figures]

Best value in each category:

• Lowest price: BARBRI (£5,899)
• Highest reported pass rate: BPP (68% SQE1)
• Most campus locations: University of Law
• Best central London option: City, University of London

→ See full comparison of all 7 providers

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The Math Doesn't Add Up (For Self-Funders)

ULaw vs BARBRI:

For most self-funded students studying online: the £9,251 premium is hard to justify on pass rate improvement alone. A 6pp difference in self-reported rates, which cannot be verified, is not a sound basis for spending an extra £9k.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is University of Law the best SQE provider?

ULaw is the UK's largest specialist law school and offers one of the most structured SQE courses available. Whether it's the "best" depends on your priorities. For campus coverage and structured learning, it's hard to beat. For pass rates, BPP self-reports slightly higher figures at significantly lower cost. For value, BARBRI and City University offer the same SRA syllabus content for materially less money. ULaw is best for students who will actively use the campus network and employability services - particularly those based outside London who need a physical study base. For employer-sponsored students, the brand recognition and support services often justify the premium.

How much does University of Law SQE cost in 2026?

The combined SQE1 and SQE2 bundle costs £15,150 (online), £16,500 (hybrid), or £18,850 (classroom) [VERIFY]. Add SRA exam fees of £4,908 and your first-attempt total is approximately £20,058 online or £23,758 in the classroom. Individual course components (SQE1 or SQE2 separately) cost less - contact ULaw for current pricing. Payment plans are available over 12 and 24 months. If you need to resit, add £967 per SQE1 paper or £2,974 for SQE2. These figures exclude materials, textbooks, and any relocation costs for campus study. Use our cost calculator to model your specific scenario.

What is University of Law's SQE pass rate?

ULaw self-reports a 64% SQE1 pass rate and 89% SQE2 pass rate [VERIFY]. These are unaudited figures - the SRA does not publish or verify provider-level pass rate data. Providers typically calculate their rates using only students who completed a high percentage of materials and actually sat the exam, not all enrolled students. The overall national SQE1 pass rate is 41% (July 2025) and SQE2 is 78% (October 2025). ULaw's figures are above the national average, but the gap may partly reflect the characteristics of their student cohort rather than course quality alone. See our full pass rates analysis for context.

Is University of Law better than BPP for SQE?

On self-reported pass rates: BPP (68% SQE1) marginally outperforms ULaw (64%) despite costing £2,950 less for online study. On campus network: ULaw wins with 10+ locations vs BPP's 6+, making it more valuable for students outside major cities. On employability: both have strong firm connections, though BPP has deeper ties to City firms. The rational choice for most self-funding students is BPP - similar brand recognition, higher reported pass rates, lower cost. ULaw makes more sense if you're near a ULaw campus and will use it, or if your firm specifically has a relationship with ULaw.

Does University of Law offer payment plans?

Yes - ULaw offers payment plan options that allow you to spread course costs over multiple months [VERIFY exact terms at law.ac.uk]. If you're enrolled as a postgraduate student, you may also qualify for a Postgraduate Master's Loan from Student Finance England, which can be used toward course fees - check gov.uk for current loan limits [VERIFY]. Some law firms that sponsor students through ULaw pay fees directly. For self-funded students on payment plans, budget carefully: monthly payments on the classroom course can exceed £1,500 over 12 months. See our SQE funding guide for a full breakdown of financing options.

What happens if I fail SQE with University of Law?

ULaw provides continued access to course materials for 6 months after your original course end date (extendable for an additional fee [VERIFY]). You book and pay for the resit exam directly through the SRA: £967 per SQE1 paper or £2,974 for SQE2. ULaw does not refund course fees if you fail. Compared to BARBRI (which gives lifetime materials access), ULaw's time-limited extension is a meaningful disadvantage for students who take longer to pass. Most students who fail on the first attempt do eventually pass on resit - the key is maintaining materials access and study continuity through the extended period.

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The Verdict

Is University of Law worth £15,150–£18,850?

Worth it: Yes, if...

• Your employer is covering the fees
• You're near a ULaw campus and will attend regularly
• You've struggled with self-directed learning in the past
• You specifically want the ULaw name and employability network

Worth it: No, if...

• You're self-funding and planning to study online
• You're comparing value for money against BPP or BARBRI
• You won't use the campus facilities you're paying for
• You need to keep total SQE costs below £15k

Overall rating: 7/10

ULaw is a genuinely good course at a genuinely high price. The content, structure, and support are excellent. What it doesn't justify - for most self-funding students - is the premium over BPP, which offers similar brand recognition and higher reported pass rates for £2,950 less. For employer-sponsored students, the rating is closer to 9/10.

Before you commit:

→ Calculate your exact University of Law cost → Compare all 7 SQE providers side by side → See University of Law's full pass rate history

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All specific figures (prices, pass rates) should be verified at law.ac.uk and sra.org.uk before making a financial commitment. Provider pass rate statistics are self-reported and unverified by the SRA. This review is independent - University of Law has no input into this content.

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What to Read Next

SQE Pass Rates by Provider 2026 → Official SRA data and self-reported provider figures - with the context you need to interpret them properly.

Compare All 7 SQE Providers → Side-by-side comparison of every provider: price, format, pass rates, and who each one is actually for.

Calculate Your Total SQE Cost → Model your complete spend: course fees, exam fees, resit scenarios, and monthly payments.