Overview
OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law qualification is to give learners the opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of core legal principles and help build foundational professional and research skills.
Learners will study level 4 and 5 units, worth 120 credits per academic year with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree).
These qualifications are designed to provide opportunities for learners to acquire a broad range of knowledge and understanding and to develop a range of skills essential for a successful career in law, The qualification also provides the underpinning knowledge of the law contributing to preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
Entry requirements
These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.
The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:
- Relevant Level 3 or 4 Diploma
- GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
- Mature learners (over 21) with relevant 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.
Equivalences
OTHM qualifications at Level 4 and 5 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.
Qualification structure
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law qualification consists of twelve mandatory units, 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and the recommended Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this qualification is a minimum of 960 hours.
To achieve the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law qualification, learners must achieve 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 4 (6 units) and 120 credits are at Level 5 (6 units).
Mandatory units
- An Introduction to the English Legal System (20 credits)
- Academic Writing and Research Skills for Law (20 credits)
- Contract Law (20 credits)
- Business Law (20 credits)
- Public Law (20 credits)
- Criminal Law (20 credits)
- Company Law and Corporate Governance (20 credits)
- Employment Law (20 credits)
- International Business Law (20 credits)
- Land Law (20 credits)
- Tort Law (20 credits)
- Legal Research Methods and Professional Skills (20 credits)
Duration and delivery
The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years for full-time study (120 credits per academic year), but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.
The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.
Assessment and verification
All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the assessor.
The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.
Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document sent to centres on request.
Progressions
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including the OTHM Level 7 in International Business Law.
As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners may be eligible to gain direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. For more information visit University Progressions page in this website.
