SQE pathway now available to CPE applicants

[Update 14 May 2026: Call for applicants. The CPE is now open for applications for starting in September 2026.  Please register for the upcoming information seminar with our Programme Director on 26 May for more information or apply now]

Apply for the 2026 intake of the  Graduate Diploma of English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination) (CPE) and you can now enjoy a new pathway to the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) which prepares you for legal practice as a Solicitor in England & Wales.

HKU SPACE is excited to announce that students starting the CPE this year will be guaranteed entry to the LLB(Hons)* in the optional Year 3 and that, as part of the LLB, they will now be able to study a new SQE Preparation Elective approved by Manchester Metropolitan University#.

The approval paves the way for students applying this year  to be able to choose between the established PCLL Preparation Electives or the SQE Preparation Elective for an additional fee on the Year 3 LLB (Hons) through normal study and guaranteed entry for CPE graduates. There will still be time to consider , as students do not need to make choice before completing Year 2 and enrolled on the Year 3 LLB in the 2027-28 Academic Year, after being equipped with the legal fundamentals through covering many of the foundation areas of law needed to pass the SQE with a good result.

As you may know, the SQE is the new centralised assessment for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, replacing the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC). Our SQE Preparation Elective is in a unique position to be able to prepare students to take the SQE1 examination as the first step towards qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales while fulfilling ALL entry requirements for admission to the PCLL in Hong Kong.

This module will fully prepare you for SQE1. Students will learn to develop and apply core legal principles and rules in the context of 13 practice areas: Business Law & Practice, Contract, Criminal Law & Practice, Dispute Resolution, Land Law, Legal Services, Legal Systems, Property Practice, Public & EU Law, Solicitors Accounts, Tort, Trusts, Wills and Administration of Estates.

The module is designed for online learning and the SQE and offered through a highly interactive and accessible learning platform. You will be taught and supported by expert personal supervisors who are very experienced legal professionals.

Included in the module:

• Full access to a tailored online learning portal
• Over 1900 videos, activities, scenarios and flashcards, to access as and when you like
• 2300+ SQE1 style multiple-choice questions
• Multiple mock, timed SQE1 Assessments, replicating the SQE1 exam
• Three manuals covering all the legal knowledge required for SQE1.
• 30 virtual seminars on legal content and concepts and information sessions run by supervisors
• 10 personal supervisions, in 1-2-1 and small group sessions, to support your progress

Applications are now accepted to the new and expanded CPE programme. Last chance to apply early for priority admission and secure a place on the top part-time law programme in Hong Kong. Students may apply online by emailing the application form to mmulaw@hkuspace.hku.hk or in person at our various enrolment centres now

Please stay tuned for more updates below from our delivery partner:

*** [Updated 14 May 2026] ***

📆 Upcoming Events

We’ve got some exciting events coming up:

• The SQE Demystified: What you need to know

 📍Where: Zoom

🕗 When: Tuesday 2nd June, 6pm 

If you’re considering qualifying as a solicitor through the SQE route but aren’t sure where to start, join us for this informative webinar designed to break the process down clearly and simply. Hosted by the Student Recruitment Team at The College of Legal Practice and joined by Jane Waddell, Head of Curriculum Development and Design, this session will explain what the SQE route to qualification involves, the different pathways available, and what to expect from SQE1, SQE2 and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). We’ll also explore how you can prepare for the SQE with The College of Legal Practice, through our SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses or LLM in Legal Practice, and the support available throughout your studies. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions live during the webinar.

Register for the event here.

📚 Articles & Resources for Sharing

• What firms are really looking for in their future trainees - a panel of experts share their insights
• How to make your trainee application standout - a panel of experts share their advice
• Four years on from the SQE: Why many firms are still finding their way - written by Peter Liver, Chief Operations Officer at the college
• The College of Legal Practice students' views on the realities of the SQE1 exam - written by CEO at the college, Dr Giles Proctor.
• Choosing your path into law: GDL, PGDL or LLB?
• How has the SQE changed the way firms view training contracts? - Rik Palmer from Reed Smith explains their approach in collaboration with the college.

📌 Student Essentials

These resources are always helpful to share:

• SQE1 Prep Demo - See the College's learning portal and sample materials 
• Guide to Becoming a Solicitor -  Step-by-step support for aspiring solicitors
• Secrets to SQE Success Guide - Tips and advice to prepare for the exams

🎥 Recent Event Recordings:

• Your Path into Law: GDL Overview + Q&A
• Online Learning for the SQE: How to make it work for you
• Securing meaningful legal work experience

*The SQE Preparatory Elective is not scheduled to be available before the 2027-28 Academic Year on the LLB (Hons) only.  Places limited at an additional cost and subject to student demand. 

#Subject to final approval and formalities. Please stay tuned for more updates through our various announcements on the course page, seminars, and our social media pages.

The Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law (Common Professional Examination) and the LLB (Hons) are exempted courses under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualifications to which these courses may lead.