Degree and equivalent qualifications explained

Updated 19 March 2025

To become a solicitor, you need a degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualifications or experience. Here is what counts as a degree.

UK degrees and other qualifications

• A UK degree awarded at level 6 (or above) by a recognised degree-awarding body. This is usually an undergraduate degree but can also be diplomas or other qualifications.
• These equivalent UK qualifications:
  • an accredited qualification at level 6 (or above) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, awarded by recognised degree-awarding body
  • a regulated qualification at level 6 (or above) of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). This includes CILEX level 6 qualifications
  • an apprenticeship at level 6 or above, approved by the government departments of England, Wales or Northern Ireland
  • a qualification or apprenticeship at level 9 or above of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) or awarded by a Scottish degree awarding body

Find out how we check and validate degrees and other qualifications.

Non-UK/overseas degrees and qualification

• A degree shown to be equivalent to either a UK degree/equivalent qualification 
• An accredited qualification at level 6 (or above) of the European Qualifications Framework.

Find out how we check and validate degrees and other qualifications.

Work experience

Work experience equivalent to a UK degree/equivalent qualification can be considered on a case-by-case basis. This would be a sufficient standard of general education and learning (level 3 equivalent of the Regulated Qualifications Framework) and considerable work-based learning.

Find out how to apply for an equivalence.