What are the essential SQE study materials I need to pass?

You need three core materials: practice MCQs for exam technique, concise revision notes covering all FLK areas, and focused SQE textbooks. Optional extras include flashcards, video tutorials, and audio content. Most successful candidates spend 70% of time on practice questions, 20% on notes, 10% on other materials.

The foundation of effective SQE preparation rests on these essential materials:

Practice Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Primary learning tool - research shows 78% pass rate for students consistently scoring 63%+ on quality MCQs

• Minimum 1,000 questions needed for comprehensive coverage

• Mix sources for varied difficulty levels

Concise Revision Notes

• SQE-specific summaries, not general law notes

• Cover all 13 FLK subjects

• Maximum 30-40 pages per subject for efficient revision

Focused SQE Textbooks

• One comprehensive set covering full syllabus

• Updated for current SQE specification

• Clear explanations with exam focus

Optional Materials (Learning Style Dependent)

• Flashcards: Useful for memorisation-heavy subjects like Professional Conduct

• Video tutorials: Help visual learners with complex topics

• Audio summaries: Enable revision during commutes

Common mistakes include buying too many textbooks instead of practising questions, using outdated LPC materials, and spending excessive time reading rather than testing knowledge. The SRA recommends 350 hours total study time.

Which SQE practice questions are the best SQE study materials?

Best value combination: SRA's 170 free questions for baseline, Revise SQE Practice Assessments (£32.40 both books) for accurate difficulty, and Law Drills unlimited MCQs (£145) for volume practice. This £177.40 investment provides 1,000+ questions. Avoid providers with unrealistic difficulty - check our mock accuracy data.

Understanding practice question quality matters more than quantity. Our analysis of 500+ candidate experiences reveals significant accuracy variations:

Mock Exam Accuracy Comparison

Note: Revise SQE also offers online mock exams in partnership with Law Drills for a more realistic exam experience.

Recommended Practice Question Strategy:

1. Start with SRA's free 170 questions to understand format

2. Use QLTS free sample (100 questions) to test yourself with harder content

3. Purchase Revise SQE Practice Assessments (£32.40 for both FLK1 and FLK2 books)

4. Subscribe to Law Drills (£145/3 months) for unlimited adaptive practice

5. Consider Revise SQE's online mocks with Law Drills for exam simulation

This combination provides varied difficulty levels, accurate exam simulation, and unlimited practice opportunities. Students report needing 50-100 practice questions per subject minimum.

What revision notes work best as SQE study materials?

Effective SQE notes must be concise, exam-focused, and updated regularly. Best options: Revise SQE notes (integrated with their mocks), University of Law manuals (£35-40 per subject), or quality free summaries. Avoid dense academic textbooks and outdated materials. Many students succeed with one comprehensive paid set.

Quality revision notes share these characteristics:

What Makes Effective SQE Notes:

• Concise format: 30-40 pages per subject maximum

• Exam-specific focus: Direct application to MCQ scenarios

• Regular updates: Current law and SRA specification changes

• Clear structure: Bullet points, tables, flowcharts

• Integrated examples: How concepts appear in questions

Top Revision Note Options:

Revise SQE Series (Highly Recommended)

• £15 RRP per subject (£13.65-13.80 on Amazon/retailers)

• Complete bundle of all 16 titles: £221.40 (saves £24.60)

• FLK1 or FLK2 bundles: £110.70 each

• Specifically written for SQE format by qualified UK academics

• Each book includes practice MCQs at chapter ends

• Regular updates (e.g., tax changes for July 2025 exam)

• Students praise clarity and exam focus - "passed in top quintile"

• Partnership with Law Drills for online mock exams

• Strong testimonials: "Without REVISE SQE I wouldn't have passed. Foreign lawyer. Both FLK 1 and FLK2 in 1st Quintile!!"

• 10% discount on bundles when buying direct from website

• Get discount codes through Glintiss newsletter

University of Law Manuals

• £35-40 per subject or bundles available

• Comprehensive coverage of syllabus

• Used by ULaw's own students

• Digital and physical formats

Free Alternatives

• Library access to recent editions

• Some providers offer sample chapters

• Quality varies significantly

Avoid materials not specifically updated for SQE - the exam tests different skills than traditional law degrees or the LPC. One comprehensive set supplemented with practice questions proves most effective.

Are video tutorials worth buying as SQE study materials?

Video tutorials help visual learners but aren't essential. Best options: Glintiss free/affordable videos for core concepts, Future Solicitor's detailed explanations (positive reviews, free trial available). Videos supplement but don't replace practice questions. Budget £0-200 for videos depending on learning style.

Video content serves specific learning needs:

When Videos Add Most Value:

• Complex procedural topics (Civil Litigation steps)

• Visual concepts (Land Law diagrams)

• Exam technique demonstrations

• Quick revision summaries

Quality Video Resources:

Glintiss (Free)

• YouTube channel with comprehensive SQE coverage

• Live MCQ solving sessions with Dr Ioannis Glinavos

• Weekly newsletter with fresh questions

• Students appreciate interactive approach

Future Solicitor (Paid with Free Trial)

• Detailed video explanations for complex topics

• 4,700+ practice questions included

• Visual notes following SRA syllabus

• Strong reviews for clarity and accessibility

Budget Considerations:

• Free options: YouTube channels, provider samples

• Mid-range (£100-200): Future Solicitor subscription

• Premium (£300+): Full video course packages

Videos work best as supplements to written materials and practice questions. Visual learners report 10-20% better retention with video explanations, but videos alone won't prepare you for the MCQ format.

Which SQE textbooks are the best SQE study materials?

Only buy SQE-specific books. Essential: University of Law SQE manuals (£35-40 each) for comprehensive coverage. Alternative: Oxford University Press package for academic depth. Many pass with just ULaw manuals plus practice questions. Total textbook budget: £100-300 depending on subjects needed.

Textbook selection significantly impacts preparation efficiency:

University of Law SQE Manuals (Recommended)

• £35-40 per subject or bundle deals

• Written specifically for SQE assessment

• Clear structure matching syllabus exactly

• Regular updates for law changes

• Available in print and digital formats

Oxford University Press SQE Series

• Academic approach with detailed explanations

• Good for those wanting deeper understanding

• More expensive than ULaw options

• May contain excess detail for exam needs

Subject-Specific Recommendations:

• Business Law & Property: Essential textbooks due to complexity

• Criminal & Tort: Can supplement with free resources

• Professional Conduct: Updates frequently, need current edition

• Legal System: Often adequately covered in revision notes

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Books not mentioning "SQE" in title

• Editions older than 2023

• Academic textbooks without exam focus

• Converted LPC materials

Budget £100-150 for essential subjects, up to £300 for comprehensive coverage. Many successful candidates report using only 3-4 key textbooks supplemented with practice questions.

Should I use flashcards as SQE study materials?

Flashcards are optional - effectiveness varies by learner. Don't buy commercial flashcards. Use free Anki decks from successful candidates: nōsciturāsociīs (passed 1st quintile) or LongjumpingAd651's sets. These cover all FLK areas with spaced repetition. Spend time on practice questions instead.

Flashcard effectiveness depends entirely on individual learning style:

When Flashcards Help:

• Memorising case names and ratios

• Learning statutory provisions

• Professional Conduct rules

• Key definitions and tests

Free Resources That Work:

• nōsciturāsociīs Anki Deck: Creator passed 1st quintile using these + Law Drills

• LongjumpingAd651's FLK Sets: Separate decks for FLK1 and FLK2

• Custom Anki Cards: Create your own from practice question errors

Why Avoid Commercial Flashcards:

• Cost £50-150 with no proven advantage

• Free alternatives have better track records

• Time better spent on practice questions

• Generic content not tailored to weak areas

Effective Flashcard Strategy:

• 20 minutes daily maximum

• Focus on personal weak areas

• Use spaced repetition algorithms

• Combine with active practice

Students report flashcards account for only 5-10% of useful study time. Prioritise practice questions and understanding application over rote memorisation.

What's the best combination of SQE study materials for different budgets?

Budget combination (£177): SRA samples + Revise SQE Practice Assessments + Law Drills. Standard (£366-399): Add complete Revise SQE bundle + Glintiss videos. Premium (£800): Include Future Solicitor subscription + targeted tutoring for weak areas. Most pass with the standard combination. Premium adds confidence but isn't essential.

Strategic material combinations maximise value at every budget level:

Budget Level (£200-300): Core Essentials Only

Materials Included:

• SRA official samples (free - 170 questions)

• QLTS free mock (100 questions)

• Revise SQE Practice Assessments (£32.40 - 360 questions)

• Law Drills unlimited MCQs (£145 - 3 months access)

• Free Anki flashcards

• Total: £177.40

Best For: Self-motivated learners with strong legal foundation

Standard Level (£400-500): Comprehensive Materials

Everything in Budget plus:

• Revise SQE FLK1 Bundle (£110.70 - 7 subjects)

• Revise SQE FLK2 Bundle (£110.70 - 7 subjects)

• Glintiss YouTube videos (free)

• Total: £398.80

Alternative Standard Option:

• Complete Revise SQE Bundle (all 16 titles): £221.40

• Law Drills unlimited MCQs: £145

• Total: £366.40

Best For: Most candidates - provides complete coverage without excess

Premium Level (£800-1000): Maximum Support

Everything in Standard plus:

• Future Solicitor subscription (£200-300)

• Targeted tutoring for weak areas (£200 - 10 hours)

• Additional practice resources or specialist books (£100-200)

• Total: £766-866 (using Revise SQE bundle option)

Best For: Those wanting maximum confidence or with significant knowledge gaps

Data shows 73% of successful candidates spend between £300-500 on materials. The standard combination provides optimal return on investment.

Where can I find quality free SQE study materials?

Access 760+ free MCQs: SRA (170), Law Drills (60), AllAboutLaw (90), QLTS (100), others (300+). Add free Anki flashcards, Glintiss videos, and library textbooks. This free foundation is sufficient when combined with £60-150 in targeted paid materials.

Maximise free resources before purchasing:

Free Practice Questions (760+ Available):

• SRA Official: 170 questions (85 FLK1, 85 FLK2) - easier than real exam

• Law Drills: 60 free credits (30 Business Law, 30 Property)

• QLTS School: 100-question free mock - harder than real exam

• AllAboutLaw: 90-question mock exam

• University of Law App: 45 free questions

• BPP: 150 sample questions (requires registration)

• Revise SQE with Law Drills: 12-question free sampler

• Revise SQE Online Mocks: New FLK1 and FLK2 online mock exams in partnership with Law Drills

Additional Free Resources:

• Glintiss YouTube: Complete video series covering all topics

• Free Anki Decks: From successful candidates

• Library Access: Recent law textbooks

• Provider Samples: Most offer free chapters

Quality Warning Signs:

• Required payment information for "free" resources

• Outdated materials (pre-2023)

• No clear authorship or credentials

• Suspiciously comprehensive "free" packages

Success Strategy: Combine all free MCQs for initial practice, use Glintiss videos for difficult topics, then invest £200-300 in targeted paid materials for comprehensive preparation.

What SQE study materials should I avoid?

Avoid: outdated LPC/GDL materials, generic law textbooks, overpriced flashcard apps, and materials from unknown creators. Beware Facebook/Reddit sellers reselling copyrighted content. Red flags: no author credentials, suspiciously cheap prices, poor reviews. Stick to established publishers and verified providers.

Protect yourself from ineffective or illegal materials:

Materials to Definitely Avoid:

Outdated Content

• LPC or GDL materials (different exam format)

• Pre-2023 SQE materials (significant changes)

• Generic undergraduate law textbooks

• Materials not mentioning current SQE specification

Copyright Infringement Risks

• Facebook marketplace SQE materials

• Reddit users selling "complete packages"

• Suspiciously cheap bundles (under £50 for "everything")

• PDFs of commercial materials

• "Shared" course access credentials

Poor Quality Indicators

• No named authors or credentials

• No reviews or only generic positive reviews

• Claims of "secret" exam information

• Materials from unknown websites

• Excessive promises ("guaranteed pass")

How to Verify Legitimate Materials:

• Check author qualifications

• Verify publisher reputation

• Read detailed reviews on multiple platforms

• Confirm current edition (2024-2025)

• Look for SRA specification alignment

What to Do If You've Bought Questionable Materials:

• Request refunds through payment platforms

• Report copyright infringement

• Don't share or resell

• Invest in verified materials instead

Remember: Quality materials from established providers cost £200-500 total. Anything significantly cheaper likely compromises on quality or legality.