HNC Legal Services

Intro to the course:

71% of UK legal employers are planning to recruit staff in this sector over the next 12 months, so there are plenty of opportunities ahead. This course leads to higher-level study and is a good starting point for those wanting to pursue a career in the well paid and rewarding law and criminology sectors.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for anyone wishing to develop their career in law and legal services. It will suit school leavers or those looking to change career or progress into the industry.

What will I study?

You will  learn about the Scottish legal system, Scots private law, property law, commercial law, criminal law and communication. The course is endorsed by the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Paralegal Association.

You will undertake educational visits to parliament, courts, Police Scotland and hear guest speakers from Law Society of Scotland; Paralegal Society; Crown Office and a variety of legal professionals.  

Next step course options

• HND Legal Services or another HND programme including: accounting, human resource management and business management 
• University degree programme at a range of universities
• HND Legal Services can lead to progression to 2nd year LLB at Caledonian University.

How will I be assessed?

SQA secure assessments.  This could involve:

• open-book assessments
• closed-book assessments
• group-work activities
• projects and presentations

Why should I choose this course?

This course will set you on the path to a career in law, legal services and criminology. With an average salary of £42,000 across the UK for newly qualified lawyers and ample job opportunities for knowledgeable individuals, this course will teach you the fundamentals in order to progress to higher-level study or into an entry-level position. You'll be taught by our experienced staff and get the chance of work placements, visits to the Crown Office, local law firms and other organisations, and a variety of guest speakers. 

This course is one of our most popular, so we encourage you to apply early.

Where can this course lead?

There are opportunities in administrative or supervisory and management roles in business, finance, commercial or public sectors and the Police service. The conveyancing, debt recovery, and executory choices within the HNC specifically meet the needs of paralegals.

What are the entry requirements?

One or more of the following: 

• at least one Higher in English or equivalent such as History or Modern Studies or
• an appropriate grouping of National Units at level 5 or
• equivalent recognised qualification or
• relevant work experience

What are the interview arrangements?

You will be invited to an informal information session.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for full time:

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds.

Click here to find out more about fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

When you register for the HNC or HND you can enrol with the Scottish Paralegal Association (SPA) as a student member or at a higher level depending on relevant work experience. You will be able to: 

• join the members' rewards scheme 
• attend the SPA annual conference 
• be part of a national network of paralegals