Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship (ST1476)
This apprenticeship builds a broad foundation of legal practice skills, professional behaviours and workplace competence. It provides the early-stage qualification and capability base for learners progressing along the solicitor apprenticeship pathway.
The Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship provides apprentices with the legal knowledge, professional skills and workplace competence required to perform complex paralegal work within a legal services environment.
The programme can be studied as a standalone qualification, enabling apprentices to develop advanced paralegal expertise and achieve a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). It can also be undertaken as the first stage of Queen Mary's Solicitor Apprenticeship Pathway, providing a seamless progression route onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, where apprentices continue towards an LLB (Hons), SQE preparation and qualification as a solicitor.
Designed in collaboration with employers and industry partners, the programme combines academic study with workplace learning to develop capable, commercially aware legal professionals.
Apprenticeship Pathway Options
Option 1: Standalone Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship
Apprentices complete the Level 5 programme and End Point Assessment, graduating with a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). This route is ideal for individuals seeking to develop their career as an advanced paralegal or legal professional.
Option 2: Progression to the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship
Apprentices complete the Level 5 programme before progressing directly onto Queen Mary's Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. This integrated pathway allows apprentices to continue their studies towards an LLB (Hons), SQE preparation and solicitor qualification while remaining in employment.
Duration and start dates
- Duration: Typically 20 months, including End Point Assessment.
- Start dates: Single annual cohort each September.
- Study mode: Day-release with a supplementary sprint week per academic semester.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements will be shown on employer websites advertising their Paralegal Apprenticeship roles.
Employer requirements
Apprentices must be employed in a role that enables them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard.
Academic requirements
- Candidates should consult individual employer vacancies but entry requirements will typically be ABB at A-level or above.
- Applicants without traditional qualifications may be considered on an individual basis, subject to employer support and relevant professional experience.
Funding eligibility for progression to Level 7
Apprentices intending to progress from the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship to the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship should note that public funding for the Level 7 programme is currently available only to apprentices who are under the age of 22 when Level 7 study commences.
As the Level 5 programme is typically completed over 20 months, applicants seeking to follow the full pathway will generally need to be aged 20 or under at the start of the Level 5 programme. Applicants should contact the apprenticeship team to discuss individual circumstances and funding eligibility.
Qualification Award
Upon successful completion, apprentices will achieve:
- Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship (ST1476).
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).
Apprentices progressing onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship will continue their studies towards:
- an LLB (Hons);
- a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert);
- preparation to take the exam SQE exam to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales, subject to meeting all regulatory requirements.
What you will study
The programme develops legal, professional and commercial capabilities across a range of practice areas, including:
- English Legal Systems and Legal Research.
- Professional Practice Skills 1: Legal practice / client care / matter management,
- Managing Legal Disputes.
- Contract Law 1.
- AI, Data and the Law.
- Company Law.
- Professional Practice Skills 2: Legal operations, risk and compliance.
- Ethical Legal Service Provision.
- Capstone Project.
- End Point Assessment.
Learners develop the capability to provide legal advice on non-routine matters and support legal professionals across a variety of practice areas under appropriate supervision.
End point assessment
The End Point Assessment is designed to evaluate an apprentice's occupational competence and professional judgement.
Summative assessment will include:
- An employer-led project accompanied by a report and presentation.
- A professional interview supported by a portfolio of evidence.
These assessments demonstrate the apprentice's ability to apply legal knowledge and professional skills in workplace contexts.
Career outcomes
Typical roles graduates could go onto do include:
- Advanced Paralegal.
- Fee-Earning Paralegal.
- Senior Paralegal.
- Lead Paralegal.
- Solicitor Apprenticeship progression route.
How to apply
Applications are made through an employer sponsoring an apprentice onto the programme.
For employers
If you are interested in recruiting a new apprentice or enrolling an existing employee onto the Level 5 Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship, please contact our apprenticeship team to discuss eligibility, funding and programme start dates.
For prospective apprentices
Candidates cannot apply directly to the University unless supported by an employer. If you are seeking an apprenticeship opportunity, you can:
- Apply for advertised apprenticeship vacancies with participating employers via their websites or through the National Apprenticeship Service.
- Speak to your current employer about sponsoring you onto the programme.
- Register your interest with Queen Mary to receive information about future opportunities and employer partners.
Next intake: September 2027
Contact
Email us on: degreeapprenticeships@qmul.ac.uk.
Information on this page is subject to approval and change.
