Diploma in Paralegal Studies
The Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals replaces the Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies.
Overview
The new Level 4 Certificate enables you to gain or strengthen knowledge of key areas of law. The subjects covered within the Level 4 Certificate have been chosen by WLS to provide a solid foundation for new Paralegals to build upon as they start in their chosen profession.
By completing the Level 4 Certificate, you will develop the qualities and transferable skills for Paralegal practice requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. Additionally, you will gain a recognised and respected qualification to aid you in entering and progressing your career as a Paralegal.
Entry Requirements
- Learners under the age of 25 wishing to enrol on the Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals must have obtained any one of the following qualifications:
- Two A Levels in any subject OR A Level in Law OR T Level in Law
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- BTEC National Diploma (NVQ/GNVQ Level 3 or above)
- ILSPAs Legal Secretary Diploma
- Access to HE Diploma
- Foundation Year Degree
- 5 CXC (CSEC) O levels with English Language compulsory
UK Equivalent Qualifications
- Learners over 25 years old are welcome to enrol on the Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals without meeting any of the above criteria, however, please contact us to discuss whether this is the correct level for you.
- A reasonable standard of written English is required (equivalent to a Level 2/3 in English such as a GCSE grade 4/5 (old grade C), A-Level etc.).
What will you study?
There are four mandatory units required to complete the Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals.
The following is a summary of the units underpinning the Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals with the Total Qualification Time (TQT). The TQT is a term used for qualifications regulated by Ofqual and is the total number of hours it is estimated that an average learner will take to complete a qualification. Each unit has a TQT of 95 hours, providing an overall TQT of 380 hours to complete the qualification.
Unit 1 – English Legal System for Associate Paralegals: To gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the legal system in England and Wales (TQT 95 hours)
Unit 2 – Law of Tort for Associate Paralegals: To understand the rules requiring persons to have a duty of care towards other persons and provide awareness of which infringements constitute a tort in law and the remedies that are available (TQT 95 hours)
Unit 3 – Criminal Law for Associate Paralegals: To understand what constitutes a crime, different categories of criminal offences and defences that may be available (TQT 95 hours)
Unit 4 – Employment Law & Practice for Associate Paralegals: To understand substantive employment rights and duties to effectively take part in the practice of employment law by contributing to the drafting of advice (TQT 95 hours)
You will have a maximum of two years course access to complete from the date of enrolment, however most learners will complete within one(1) year.
Exemption guidance: To discuss possible exemptions please email us with the details of the qualifications you hold (ideally your transcript) and our academic team will gladly assess and advise you further. This is a free service.
Course Features
The Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals is taught by online distance learning with all materials supplied. A variety of learning resources are provided to suit different learning styles and are designed in a way to provide knowledge and understanding of each topic, together with revision and application, guiding you step by step through your study of the qualification specification.
The course fees include:
- Administration
- Workbooks
- On-demand course materials
- Live tutor support
- Final assessment
- Lexis+ UK subscription
How will you be assessed?
The Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals is assessed via a multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper and a written assignment for each individual unit.
Multiple choice question paper: The multiple-choice paper assessment is taken online via a secure proctoring service, at pre-arranged dates and times. You will have 45 minutes to complete the paper which will consist of 30 questions. This paper will account for 60% of the final mark awarded for the unit.
Written assignment: Written assignments are undertaken on request as you complete each unit of study and will consist of problem-based questions. You will have 3 weeks to complete and submit your response with a limit of 4,000 words. This paper will account for 40% of the final mark awarded for the unit.
A pass mark of 45% is set for each assessment (MCQs and written assignment). You must reach the pass mark for each element in order to pass the unit overall.
The course fees include all learning and support materials.
In order to achieve the overall qualification, you must have completed and achieved the required pass mark for all units within 2 years (24 months) of enrolment onto the qualification.
Tuition Fees
Great British Pound (GBP) £1100.00 or $1465.00 United States Dollars
Commence: September 2025
End: May 2026
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you have completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you are ready to create your schedule.