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 (Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare)
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
315 hours
Entry
September
Fees
View fees
Criminology careers involve diverse roles, with police officers, prison and probation officers, and welfare associates being common destinations for graduates
Future employment for criminology-related fields is growing, with criminology jobs expected to increase by 4.3% by 2029
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.
A two-year, full-time technical qualification for students aged 16 to 19, the course is equivalent to three A-levels and blends 80% classroom-based learning with a 20% industry placement, totalling a minimum of 315 hours (or 45 days).
Understand the key laws, professional standards, and ethics needed for legal work in crime and social welfare. Learn about security, risk management, and how to promote equality and inclusion in the legal system. Build core skills in law and financial accounting, and stay up to date with new digital tools shaping legal services. Gain practical experience through a placement to prepare for a career in crime, criminal justice, or social welfare.
Why choose this college course?
- INDUSTRY SPECIFIC SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE – The T-level develops your understanding of criminal behavior, the justice system, and policy, preparing you for technical roles within the sector.
- HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE –You'll complete a substantial industry placement (at least 315 hours) with a real employer, providing invaluable on-the-job experience and building your confidence.
- DIVERSE CAREER PATHWAYS – This qualification is a stepping stone to various careers, including Police Officer, Probation Officer, Prison Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, and positions in youth offending or victim support teams.
- PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – T-levels are equivalent to three A-levels and carry UCAS points, allowing for progression to degree courses in Criminology, Law, Psychology, Sociology, and related fields.
- EXPERT INDUSTRY LINKS - Courses often involve guest speakers from the policing, Crown Prosecution Service, and probation services, giving you direct insight into these professions.
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
- Regulation
- Professionalism and ethics
- Security and risk
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Professional services
- Fundamentals of law
- Fundamentals of financial accounting
- Technology
- Data driven innovation/analytics and design thinking
- Research skills
- Project/change management and administration
- The legal services sector.
- Occupational Specialism:
- Legal Services Assistant Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare.
- Crime
- Criminal Justice System
- Welfare Law
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 5 (grade C) including English Language and Maths
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.
Probation officer
Average Salary: £40,000
Prison officer
£30,000 - £44,000
Police officer
Average Salary: £32,000
Case worker
Average Salary: £29,594
Legal executive
Average Salary: £35,000
Legal assistant
Average Salary: £28,094
Aspiring to a higher level career? This course provides a strong foundation for a degree in Law or Criminology.
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.
