SQE pathway now available to CPE applicants

[Update 20 February 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 25 February for more information or apply now to secure the special early advantages for a limited time]

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. 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 intended delivery partner:

*** [Updated 20 February 2026] ***

📆 Upcoming Events

We’ve got some exciting events coming up:

• What skills are law firms looking for in their future trainees?

 📍Where: Zoom

🕗 When: Wednesday 4th March, 12.30pm LIVE from the UK [4th March, 8:30pm HKT] 

What do law firms really look for in future solicitors? This panel session brings together experienced speakers, including practising solicitors and early careers recruiters to discuss the skills, attributes and behaviours needed to succeed as a solicitor. This session is aimed at undergraduates and paralegals who are looking to apply for trainee roles within legal organisations and wanting to understand what skills are needed beyond your academic knowledge. The session will help you recognise the key competencies that firms are looking for and focus on how to develop them during your studies and early work experience.

Register for the event here.

• Qualifying as a Solicitor: How the LLM in Legal Practice Supports Your SQE Journey
  📍Where: Zoom

🕗 When: Tuesday 10th March, 12.30pm LIVE from the UK [10th March, 8:30pm HKT] 

Join the college team for an informative webinar exploring how the LLM in Legal Practice is designed to support your preparation for the SQE and your future career in law. We will explain the structure and component modules of the programme and how they help you prepare for SQE1 and SQE2, while providing a strong foundation for life as a newly qualified solicitor. This session is ideal for anyone considering their route to qualification as a solicitor and wanting to understand how an LLM can support their SQE journey. 

Register for the event here.

📚 Articles & Resources for Sharing

• Breaking into the legal sector: How to secure meaningful work experience - we spoke with practising solicitors and higher education experts to deliver relevant, up to date guidance
• The college's 2025 graduates celebrate their success - find out a bit more about some of our recent graduates
• When are the 2027 SQE exams - key dates 
• What I wish I'd known before my first SQE1 attempt - LLM in Legal Practice student Jade reflects on what she learnt
• Do's and don'ts when preparing for the SQE - insights shared from one of our SQE students, and now NQ solicitor Tilly as well as our academic team.

📌 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:

• Online Learning for the SQE: How to make it work for you
• Make the move into law with the GDL
• Securing meaningful legal work experience

Other event recordings and short videos can be found on our YouTube channel.

*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.