of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
LEGAL SERVICES
T-LEVEL
Level 3 T-level Technical Qualification in Legal Services (business, finance and employment)
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
315 hours
Entry
September
Fees
View fees
As of 2024 the UK legal services industry was valued at approximately £51.9 billion
Average salary in legal services ranges from £19,000 - £34,800
This technical qualification is for students interested in a career in the legal sector. Developed in collaboration with employers, it equips students with practical skills and sector-specific knowledge for roles such as a legal assistant or paralegal.
This two-year, full-time technical qualification for students aged 16 to 19 is equivalent to three A-levels and is aimed at preparing learners for skilled employment or further study in the legal profession. During this hands-on course you will spend about 80% of your time in the classroom learning and 20% on a work placement with a real employer. This helps you get valuable, real-world experience. After finishing, you can go straight into a skilled job, start an apprenticeship, or use the qualification to apply for university.
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Students gain hands-on experience in legal settings, boosting employability and confidence
- SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Designed with employers, the course leads directly to roles like legal assistant or paralegal
- WORK PLACEMENT – Get to know the world of work and gain essential industry experience through a work placement
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Students gain hands-on experience in legal settings, boosting employability and confidence
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our legal services T-level course has been designed in collaboration with leading law firms and legal bodies to ensure your skills meet employers’ needs and expectations
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Core content
Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:
- the business environment
- careers within the legal profession
- regulation
- professionalism and ethics
- security and risk
- equality, diversity and inclusion requirements
- third party professional services
- the fundamentals of law
- the fundamentals of financial accounting
- an awareness of digital and emerging technology, digital transformation and digital tools
- data driven innovation, analytics and design thinking
- research skills
- project and change management approaches in legal contexts
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
Our facilities
As part of your learning on this course, you will have access to our computer labs and independent study spaces.
Our computing facilities are designed to provide students with the best possible learning environment. We offer dedicated teaching labs equipped with high-performance computers and industry-standard software, ensuring students gain hands-on experience with tools used by professionals.
All students have access to modern PCs across our different buildings and quiet study areas for laptop use, making it easy to focus on independent learning and group projects. Whatever your study needs, our facilities are here to support your success.
Entry requirements
If you are unsure whether your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, with GCSE English Language at a minimum of grade 5/B.
Supporting documents required
School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Applicant criteria
This is a 2-year study programme, and you will need to be aged 16 to 19 to apply for this course.
Currently, T-level courses are only funded for learners who are under the age of 19 at the point of enrolment. However, the government is currently reviewing the T-level pathway for mature learners, which we hope will be available in the future. If you would like to apply for a related course, please consider Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business).
Placement
T-level courses require you to complete a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) on placement over the two years. You will be required to work with our Hired team to secure your placement.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Core knowledge and understanding will be evaluated through formal examinations.
Essential skills will be assessed via the completion of an employer-set project.
Additional core competencies and workplace behaviours will be demonstrated and assessed through an extended work placement and occupational specialism assignments
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our Legal Services T-level course requires you to complete a minimum of 315 hours on placement in a real working environment. Our employability tutors will visit you out on placement to ensure you gain the right practical skills.
If you're serious about a career in law, the T-Level in Legal Services at University College Birmingham is your gateway to the profession. With over 315 hours of industry placement built into the course, you'll gain real-world experience that sets you apart, developing the skills, confidence, and insight that employers in the legal sector are looking for.
Career opportunities
Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Legal executive
Average Salary: £35,000
Legal assistant
Average Salary: £28,094
Paralegal
Average Salary: £28,000
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto a degree in Criminology, Law or Business.
Discover more about T-levels
Designed in direct collaboration with employers and businesses, T-levels are a great new route into skilled employment, further study or higher apprenticeships.
