Level 4 Diploma in Law

An Introduction to the English Legal System opens, because you need to know how courts, statutes and precedent fit together before any substantive law makes sense. Contract Law, Criminal Law and Public Law then give you three of the classic foundation subjects, and Business Law adds the commercial context that many applicants work in. Academic Writing and Research Skills for Law, a law-specific version of OTHM's standard writing unit, teaches case citation, statute reading and the structure of a legal argument. Every unit is 20 credits.

We are careful with expectations on this programme. It is 120 credits at Level 4 and covers the level of a first undergraduate law year, but it is not a qualifying law degree, does not exempt you from any stage of solicitor or barrister training, and confers no status with any regulator. What it does well is tell you whether law is for you, give you a rigorous grounding, and support an application for advanced entry to an LLB where a university will consider it. The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Law covers similar ground in four larger units, replacing Business Law and the legal system unit with Legal Methods; the differences are set out below.

OTHM sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
• English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page.
• Centres should review the prior qualifications and experience of each learner and consider whether they provide the necessary foundations to undertake the programme of study at level 5.

Source: the OTHM specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

OTHM asks for a Level 3 diploma or two A levels, or mature entry; its own note asks centres to check that applicants have the foundations for study at this level. You do not need to have studied law; you do need to be a careful reader and a willing writer.

Written assignments for each unit, including problem questions and essays in the style of a law school. There are no timed exams; ask LSPM about feedback on drafts.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by OTHM before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

Level 5 Diploma in Law from OTHM, continuing the route through the second-year subjects.

An application for second-year entry to an LLB, where the university is willing to consider it; qualifying law degree status remains the university's to confer.

Paralegal, legal administration, compliance or contracts roles where legal literacy is valued.