Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship
6 years part time

This apprenticeship offers a blended learning approach, enabling apprentices to develop theoretical knowledge, practical experience and competency over the course of 6 years.

The apprenticeship builds upon Northumbria's innovative, award-winning clinical based approach to learning, by offering a programme that integrates theory with practice. Apprentices will study academic law modules, as well as practice-based modules. Northumbria uses work-based modules to support apprentices in developing a work-based learning plan that connects learning to practical experience and the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard. Further, these modules support apprentices in building a work-based portfolio of professional practice.

The final two years of the programme, are preparation for the completion of the on-programme assessment and end-point assessment. This involves completion and submission of a work-based learning portfolio and completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

End-Point Assessment

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that: "Rigorous, robust and independent End-Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard."

For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards here. This Higher Apprenticeship normally takes 6 years, followed by the end-point assessment which will typically be completed within 3-12 months. Full details are available on the IFATE website.

The Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship is taught by experts within their field. Northumbria's academics are at the cutting edge of current legal issues, which in turn enhances the learning experience, giving the very latest understanding of key legal issues.

The majority of academic staff are qualified solicitors or barristers, with considerable experience of legal practice. Staff are active researchers, publishing articles and leading textbooks on a number of legal topics. We have expertise in a range of areas, including an international reputation in the fields of evidence and criminal justice studies.

Northumbria Law School is based in City Campus East, located on a purpose built £70 million, multi-award winning development in central Newcastle. It houses state-of-the-art teaching technologies including a law practice library containing copies of practitioner materials, journals and law reports. We also have a realistic courtroom with video link facilities which can develop practical advocacy skills and stage mock trials.

The modern building has excellent teaching facilities, including lecture theatres, classrooms and IT hubs, which makes for an inviting workspace. There are a variety of collaborative working zones, where learners can work with fellow apprentices on group projects.

Throughout each year apprentices will attend study days, which are spread evenly throughout the first two semesters, in total ten days in year one and eight days in subsequent years. Teaching includes online lectures and face-to-face seminars or small group sessions. This ensures that knowledge from those lectures is furthered, embedded and can be applied to practical scenarios. 

University study will make-up 20% of weekly learning and timely face-to-face contact will be essential. Attendance at tutor-led sessions is very important, however, we appreciate that due to work commitments apprentices may unavoidably miss an occasional taught class. All learning and teaching materials will therefore be available via the University’s eLearning Platform and will be accessible to students remotely. Apprentices will also be allocated a professional development coach who will provide support in respect of academic development.

Whilst on campus, apprentices will have access to the University’s exceptional facilities including social spaces, IT facilities and lecture theatres and not forgetting 24/7 access to Northumbria's award winning University Library.   

In partnership with Northumbria University, the organisation will support the apprentice at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard.

Both apprentice and their workplace mentor will be supported by Northumbria University throughout the programme, including access to online support materials for line managers. Apprentices will also meet with their own manager/mentor and individual professional development coach in the workplace at least three times each year.

During the apprenticeship many assessments are work-based and aligned to the context and activity of the organisation, leading to increased organisational understanding and performance whilst ensuring development of new skills and enhancement of productivity and business performance.

To complete the apprenticeship, the apprentice will have to demonstrate that they have obtained the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours required during the workplace training. They will also have to take a two-stage, independent centralised assessment, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, also known as SQE.

For those days off campus, our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.   

To discuss the fees of this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business Development team will be in touch shortly.

We guide both employer and apprentices through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study the Solicitor Higher Apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and are in current full-time employment complete the online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, visit our vacancies page for information on all apprenticeship opportunities currently available.