CILEX Legal Services Level 5 - Apprenticeship
Overview
The Legal Services Level 5 Apprenticeship is designed for individuals working within the legal sector who wish to develop their professional knowledge and skills through part-time study, qualifying as a CILEX Advanced Paralegal.
Apprentices will gain the advanced legal knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to become a successful paralegal, while applying their learning directly in the workplace. This apprenticeship is a highly practical programme, where behaviours such as managing pressure, communication and an attention to detail are key for success.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, paralegals will have a wide-range of career opportunities available, with typical roles including:
- Senior Paralegal
- Experienced Paralegal
- Junior Fee Earner
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Advisor
- Case Handler.
The Level 5 apprenticeship is suitable for both new and existing team members who hold the Level 3 qualification; and is available from September 2026.
Key information
Entry to the Level 5 Legal Services Apprenticeship requires successful completion of the Level 3 Legal Services Apprenticeship.
To be eligible for apprenticeship funding, you must be employed for more than 16 hours per week and based in Wales. Learners must also be fully supported by the employer. If you are not currently employed in a relevant role the college may be able to provide you with advice in relation to seeking employment.
This course can be completed without employment but would be self-funded. The qualification achieved without the required employment/professional experience would be a Level 5 CILEX Diploma in Law.
If learners have not achieved GCSE A-C grades (or equivalent), they must also complete Essential Skills qualifications in Application of Number, Communication and Digital Literacy.
This apprenticeship is delivered in person at our Sketty Hall Business School.
Learners will study five modules over a two academic year period, equating to two modules each semester alongside development of professional practice skills.
Modules to be studied include:
- Dispute Resolution
- Criminal Law and Practice
- Property and Conveyancing
- Advanced Stage Professional and Legal Skills
- Family/Wills/Business and Employment (one of these optional modules).
Learners can continue to work as a practicing paralegal, or progress onto the CILEX Lawyer CPQ Professional qualification (Level 6), qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer and specialising in a chosen area of Law.
Alternatively, learners may choose to undertake to convert their Level 5 qualification to a Law degree before progressing towards qualification as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, subject to meeting the relevant qualification requirements.