HND LEGAL SERVICES

Intro to the course:

This course is a progression from the HNC Legal Services course. Successful completion leads to achievement of an HND Legal Services. This qualification equips the student to be legal industry ready, having completed many practical aspects of legal studies such as drafting court documents, conveyancing and dealing with wills. Achievement of this qualification will also allow you to start in year 1 of the LLB degree or year 3 of a BA (Law) as well as other related degrees, subject to the university’s normal admissions procedures. Universities offering the LLB will commonly stipulate required grades such as AAA or AAB (please ensure you check the specific entrance requirements for your chosen university ahead of applying to university). This course is ideal for anyone wishing to develop their career in law and legal services.  

Who is the course for?

With an HNC/HND Legal Services you can enrol with the Scottish Paralegal Association as a Trainee Accredited Paralegal 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 

 
Full time course: This course will run for 36 weeks. Aspects of this course may be delivered flexibly online. 

What will I study?

Subjects studied include: 

Sheriff Court Civil Procedure 

Scottish Criminal Procedure 

Domestic Conveyancing 

Executry Law and Practice 

Mooting 

Ethics and Cash Handling in the Legal Office 

Criminal Justice System in Scotland 

You will undertake educational visits such as to local courts and the Scottish Parliament and hear from a variety of guest speakers from the legal sector. 

Next step course options

University degree programme such as LLB, BA Law, BA Criminal Justice or other related degree at a range of universities. 

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 highly qualified, experienced staff and have the opportunity to participate in exciting legal activities such as Mooting competitions and visiting local courts. 

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

Where can this course lead?

Ultimately this course can lead to employment within the legal, business, finance, commercial or public sectors and the Police service. The conveyancing, debt recovery, and executory choices within the HND specifically meet the needs of paralegals. 

What are the entry requirements?

It is suitable for those who have achieved 15 credit HNC Legal Services, subject to successful interview where required.  

What are the interview arrangements?

You will be invited to an informal information session and interview where appropriate. 

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:

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.