Legal Studies

OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law

Name: OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law
Rating: 4.7 (92 reviews)

An Ofqual-regulated, 240-credit qualification covering twelve mandatory law units across Levels 4 and 5, equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree in law.

Awarding body OTHM

Level Level 5

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A group of people in a conference room discuss legal documents, illustrating the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law course.

Course Features

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is a comprehensive, Ofqual-regulated qualification consisting of twelve mandatory units delivered over two academic years with flexible study options.

Qualification Number: 610/1961/6, regulated and approved by Ofqual
240 credits across 12 mandatory units (120 credits at Level 4, 120 credits at Level 5)
2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) with minimum 1200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree (HND level)
Fully assignment-based assessment; no written examinations
Delivered face-to-face, via distance learning, or online through approved centres

About This Course

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is designed to give learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of core legal principles while building foundational professional and research skills. Learners study twelve mandatory units spanning Level 4 and Level 5, worth 120 credits per academic year, for a total credit value of 240 credits. The qualification is equivalent to the first two years of a three-year UK honours degree programme.

Ofqual-regulated qualification with strong UK and international recognition
Covers all core legal disciplines required for a career in law
Provides underpinning knowledge towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
Equivalent to Year 2 of a UK Bachelor's degree
Supports direct progression to Year 3 of a UK undergraduate degree
Flexible delivery modes including face-to-face, online, and distance learning

What You'll Learn

This qualification develops a comprehensive understanding of core legal principles across twelve officially specified units. Upon completion, learners will be able to:

Understand how laws are created in England and Wales, including the court hierarchy, judicial precedent, legislation, and statutory interpretation
Understand the role of the legal profession, including solicitors, barristers, judges, and the jury system
Understand the role of alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice in civil and criminal proceedings
Conduct effective legal research using case law, statutes, and academic sources, applying Harvard referencing and proper legal citation
Understand and apply the fundamentals of contract law, including formation, terms, vitiating factors, breach, and remedies
Understand criminal law, company law, employment law, tort law, land law, international business law, and public law principles

Who Should Attend?

This qualification is designed for learners typically aged 18 and above who wish to develop a broad and thorough understanding of English law in preparation for a legal career or higher academic study. It is suitable for:

Aspiring legal professionals aiming to build a career in law firms, corporate legal departments, or public sector organisations
Recent school leavers or A-level graduates who wish to progress into higher legal education
Holders of a relevant Level 3 Diploma or GCE Advanced level qualifications in two subjects
Individuals with a relevant Level 4 Diploma who wish to continue directly into Level 5 law units
Mature learners aged over 21 with relevant professional experience in law or related fields
Professionals seeking to formalise their legal knowledge and progress towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

Course Content

Explore the comprehensive OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law course content designed to help you master the material through structured modules and lessons.

An Introduction to the English Legal System (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Comparison between criminal and civil law, nature of law and morality

The court hierarchy in England and Wales; overview of civil and criminal court structures including appeal courts

The role of criminal courts and civil courts, including their powers and aims

The doctrine of judicial precedent: ratio decidendi, obiter dictum, distinguishing, and persuasive precedent

The process of creating legislation: green papers, white papers, readings to royal assent, parliamentary sovereignty

Codification of laws, repeals, consolidation, and delegated legislation

Statutory interpretation: literal rule, golden rule, mischief rule, and purposive approach

The role of the Law Commission in the development of law

Appointment of judges and magistrates; roles of solicitors and barristers; Queens Counsel

Education, training, and ethical responsibilities of the legal profession; the cab rank rule

The jury system: selection process, benefits, and detriments

Access to justice, legal fees, legal aid, public and private funding

Alternative Dispute Resolution: mediation, arbitration, and tribunals; advantages and limitations

Restorative justice in the criminal justice system: purpose, benefits, and difficulties

Academic Writing and Research Skills for Law (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Contract Law (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Business Law (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Public Law (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Criminal Law (Level 4 – 20 Credits)

Company Law and Corporate Governance (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

Employment Law (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

International Business Law (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

Land Law (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

Tort Law (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

Legal Research Methods and Professional Skills (Level 5 – 20 Credits)

Course Requirements

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is designed for learners aged 18 and above. Centres must review the prior qualifications and experience of each learner to confirm sufficient foundation to undertake the programme.

Relevant Level 3 Diploma, GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects, or an equivalent qualification; OR mature learner status (over 21) with relevant professional experience confirmed by the delivery centre
English language competency evidence required for learners not from a majority English-speaking country (e.g., IELTS or equivalent accepted)

Assessments

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced, based on the achievement of all specified learning outcomes. To achieve a pass for any unit, learners must provide evidence demonstrating fulfilment of all learning outcomes and satisfaction of all assessment criteria.

Internal assessment by coursework and written assignments (approximately 3000 words per unit)
Portfolio of evidence submissions for specific units
External verification by OTHM Quality Assurance Verifiers
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied for individual units where sufficient evidence exists

Progression

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law opens a wide range of academic and professional progression pathways, supported by OTHM's established university progression arrangements in the UK and internationally.

Direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme (LLB or related honours degree) at OTHM partner universities
Progression to the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in International Business Law
Preparation for and progression towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
Career opportunities in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and public sector legal services

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