Level 3 Qualifications

NALP’s Level 3 paralegal qualifications are entry level qualifications. They are perfect for those looking to become a paralegal and those with some paralegal experience who are looking to progress their career in the legal sector and within a variety of other sectors.

Whether you enrol for the Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma, you’ll develop a key understanding of the legal system in England and Wales and build your knowledge of specialist legal subject areas including conveyancing, employment law, criminal and civil litigation, wills and probate, consumer law, commercial law and legal ethics and responsibilities

Who should enrol?

Perfect for those who currently work in business administration, secretarial services or work within the legal environment and would like to develop skills to further your career.

We have many school and 6th form leavers enrol as an alternative to university!

The three different Level 3 qualifications

The different Level 3 qualifications allow you to choose the most appropriate entry level qualification for your needs and your job/career needs. Level 3 qualifications are ideal if you are a career changer or looking at law for your first career.

Level 3 Award

A basic entry level qualification and introduction to the English legal system so you gain knowledge of key areas of law.

Comprising of two units (one mandatory and one optional), this is open to anyone over the age of 16 and usually takes 4-6 months to complete

Level 3 Certificate

The certificate provides a broad spectrum of knowledge of Paralegal practice, allowing you to focus on your preferred legal areas.

Comprising of four units (two mandatory and two optional), this is open to anyone over 16 and usually takes 6-8 months to complete.

Level 3 Diploma

The Diploma has a more extensive structure, enabling you to gain the key skills and competencies you need to become an effective Paralegal. Formed of six units (two mandatory and four optional), this is a benchmark qualification open to anyone and usually takes 8 – 12 months to complete.

What you'll study

Introduction to Law for Paralegals

Mandatory for Award, Certificate and Diploma

In this unit, you’ll gain a detailed knowledge of the legal system in England and Wales and the general legal principles of Contract and Tort Law. 

You’ll study the law making process, court structure, roles of key legal personnel and methods of dispute. 

Legal Ethics & Responsibilities for Paralegals

Mandatory for Certificate and Diploma

The aim of this unit is to understand the paralegal responsibilities in relation to client care. Develop a deep understanding of methods of appropriate professional conduct and be ready to apply client care to any given situation. 

Wills & Succession for Paralegals

Through understanding the procedure and practice of Wills and Succession, you’ll be able to effectively assist in Wills and Succession matters in a solicitor’s firm or paralegal firm. 

Develop key skills in taking effective instructions. 

Civil Litigation for Paralegals

You’ll study how the process of civil litigation is conducted using the areas of debt recovery, personal injury, consumer law and family law as illustrations. 

In understanding how civil actions are commenced, funded and defunded, you will be able to effectively assist in civil litigation cases in practice or provide services to legal departments involved in litigation. 

Criminal Litigation for Paralegals

In this unit, you’ll gain detailed knowledge into the key aspects of criminal litigation and criminal litigation procedure in Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court from arrest to trial. 

You’ll be able to demonstrate the principles of professional conduct in criminal litigation, through learning key skills and being able to interpret legal language. 

Commercial Law for Paralegals

In this unit, you’ll gain a detailed knowledge of aspects of commercial law. You’ll understand the business mediums of companies and partnerships and will be able to identify the appropriate business medium in given scenarios.

You’ll understand the scope of commercial contracts and contract law, including the concept of confidential information and how to protect it. 

Conveyancing for Paralegals

In this unit you’ll learn the conveyancing process in England and Wales and be able to apply the knowledge to give scenarios. 

Key practical skills you’ll learn will include taking instructions from clients and matters relating to the client interview.

 

Employment Practice for Paralegals

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge into contractual relationships and wider scope of employment law. Develop skills to apply the law in practical situations and understand where paralegals can play a role in employment practice and HR departments. 

 

Consumer Rights & Remedies for Paralegals

In this unit, you’ll gain detailed knowledge of key consumer legislation in England and Wales and the practice of providing initial consumer advice. 

In understanding consumer law and the procedure for providing consumer advice, you’ll be ready to progress to a higher level of learning in related substantive law areas. 

Single Subject Qualifications

If you wish to gain additional knowledge or are changing your area of expertise, each of the units listed above is now also available as a single subject qualification. More information on these qualifications can be found here, or from your preferred Training Centre. 

Alternative Training Pathway to a Legal Career

NALPs qualifications are regulated and accredited by Ofqual. You’ll receive the highest standard training that combines the academic and practical skills required to work within the legal sector and within a variety of other sectors.

How this course is studied

Distance learning, class attendance or blended learning - check with your centre

All course material is provided on enrolment. Our approach to learning includes case studies and scenarios, allowing you to apply your knowledge and preparing your practical skills to work as a paralegal. 

How long will it take me to complete?

You will have a maximum of two years to complete the Level 3 Diploma or Certificate and a maximum of one year to complete the Level 3 Award from date of enrolment. However, it is probable that the actual time it will take you to complete the course will be far less.

Course fees

Our Level 3 Qualification is available in 3 different levels of qualifications, you can choose to progress your qualification at any time. Please check with your Centre to find out the cost. To find a NALP Approved Centre please click here.

Rationale

These qualifications are designed to be offered to learners from the age of 16, although in practice the majority of learners are likely to be over 18.

NALP does not specify entry requirements other than that a reasonable standard of written English is required. However, Centres delivering this course are required to ensure that learners who undertake these programmes have sufficient capability at the right level to be suitable to undertake Level 3 assessment.

Progression

The Level 3 qualifications in Paralegal Practice provide for opportunities to progress to other qualifications at the same or higher levels such as the NALP Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies. This qualification supports learners in meeting the requirements of the National Occupational Standards for Paralegals.

Please ensure you've read through all the documentation for this course