Level 2 Certificate in Legal Studies

Course information:
Level 2 Certificate in Legal Studies

Course summary:
This qualification in Legal Studies has been developed jointly by

ILEX and CITY & GUILDS in partnership, aimed at people:

• Already working in a paralegal administrative capacity in the legal environment (e.g. working in a legal firm or legal department).
• Already working in a legal environment in a secretarial or clerical capacity but wishes to transfer into the legal administrative type of work.
• Already working in an environment where a basic knowledge of law, legal procedures and practice underpin their exisiting work (e.g within the Criminal Justice sector, court clerk etc).
• Currently seeking to develop a career in the legal sector as support staff.
• It could also be of interest to those in the retail trade, leisure services, security or general business world where knowledge of law is an important element or advantage.

It creates a particularly

good foundation to those who wish to progress onto ILEX - professional legal development Level 3 and 6.

Course content:
The Legal Environment Unit examines the nature of law, the workings of the English Legal system (civil and criminal) together with its supporting structures. The other units examines aspects of actual law (civil and criminal) through the understanding law-making unit and goes on to specialise in the Criminal law, Justice system and police powers in the final unit where various crimes are considered in detail with possible defences.

Course structure:
It comprises of three units:

• 
  
  The Legal Environment - enabling students to explain the purpose of law; describe the main purpose of law; and explain the operation of the legal system. This unit is assessed through multi-choice on-line examination (GLH = 40; mandatory unit)
• 
  
  Principles of Liability - enabling students to explain the principles of criminal liability; identify and be able to apply the main elements of contract law; and identify the legal requirements needed to establish negligence. Assessment is through one externally assessed assignment. (GLH = 60; mandatory unit)
• 
  
  Principles of Criminal Law - enabling students to gain an understanding in the key principles of criminal liability, offences and defences. They will also be able to explain the criminal process including the roles and powers the Police, the Crown prosecution service and court personnel (GLH = 40; our chosen optional unit).

Assessment procedure:
Unit 1 (Legal environment) is assessed through a City & Guilds GOLA online multiple choice test. The remaining two units (Principles of Liability and Principles of Criminal Law) are assessed through one externally set assignment per unit, locally marked and externally verified. Those assessments cover all the knowledge outcomes taught on the course.

Entry requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements however candidates must have the potential and motivation to successfully gain the qualification. In addition basic literacy and numeracy skills are required to be successful i.e. the ability to read and interpret written tasks and to write answers in a legible and understandable form. Candidates will also need to be able to organise written information clearly and coherently with accurate spelling and grammar.

Qualifications achieved:
QCA accredited qualification: ILEX/C&G Cerificate in Legal Studies - Level 2

Progression opportunities:
These qualifications can lead to the Level 3 Diploma in Vocational Paralegal Studies, also offered by City & Guilds in partnership with ILEX. Further professional development can be via the ILEX Professional qualifications at levels 3 and 6, after which candidates can develop their careers as solicitors. Other professional routes can be via the Institute of Leadership and Management's Team leader qualifications.

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course, We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books, etc. In addition, if you have just left school you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please see our money matters section for details.