Qualification Structure

he Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), with Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN) 610/3349/2. The qualification comprises 240 credits, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2,400 hours and 1,200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is assignment based. All units are internally assessed through written assignments, internally marked by the Qualifi-approved centre and subject to external quality assurance by Qualifi. The assessment tasks address the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit, and learners must demonstrate achievement of all required assessment criteria to achieve the qualification.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all eight mandatory units

Core Study Units

1. Contract Law

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The principles governing the formation of legal agreements.
• The rules governing contractual terms and representations.
• Vitiating factors that may affect contractual validity, including misrepresentation and duress.
• The ways in which contracts can be discharged and terminated.
• Remedies available for breach of contract, including the principles governing damages.

2. Criminal Law

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The aims and general principles of criminal law.
• The elements of offences against the person, including murder, manslaughter and non-fatal offences.
• The principles governing property offences, including robbery and burglary.
• Inchoate offences, including attempts and assisting or encouraging crime.
• The nature and application of criminal defences, including insanity, duress, mistake, involuntary intoxication and self-defence.

3. Legal Methods

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The principal sources of law and the hierarchy of legislation and case law.
• The principles of legal interpretation, including judicial precedent and statutory interpretation.
• The structure of the legal profession, judiciary, courts, juries and magistrates.
• The civil and criminal justice systems and alternative dispute resolution.
• Legal writing and mooting skills, including applying legislation and case law to legal scenarios and presenting arguments.

4. Public Law

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The features, history and operation of the UK constitution.
• The separation of powers and the roles of the legislature, executive and judiciary.
• The rule of law, parliamentary sovereignty, the royal prerogative and the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998.
• The composition and operation of the UK Parliament and devolved governments.
• Judicial review, including its scope, procedures and the distinction between substantive breaches and procedural impropriety.

5. Equity and Trusts

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The historical development and nature of Equity and its relationship with law.
• The requirements for creating valid trusts and the characteristics of different types of trusts.
• The beneficiary principle and recognised exceptions.
• Equitable remedies, including tracing, change of position, specific performance and injunctions.
• Trustees’ administrative and fiduciary duties, powers and available defences.

6. EU Law

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The historical rationale and objectives behind the creation of the European Union.
• The functions and powers of EU institutions and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
• How EU law operates through treaties, regulations and directives, including supremacy and direct and indirect effect.
• EU rules concerning the free movement of goods and services.
• The free movement of persons, workers’ rights and freedom of establishment.

7. Land Law

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The nature of interests in real property, including legal, equitable, personal and proprietary interests.
• The concept and application of proprietary estoppel and its remedies.
• The creation, acquisition and extinction of legal and equitable easements.
• Freehold covenants, including positive and restrictive covenants and their operation in law and equity.
• The application of adverse possession and the protection available to registered landowners under the Land Registration Act 2002.

8. Law of Tort

Learners will develop an understanding of:

• The nature, purpose and principles of tortious liability, including defences and remedies.
• The duty of care and its application when establishing liability in negligence.
• Employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and vicarious liability.
• The principles governing nuisance claims, including the rule in Rylands v Fletcher.
• Defamation, including libel, slander, the requirements for a claim and available remedies.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of key areas of law and build a stronger academic foundation for further legal study. It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring legal professionals seeking structured study across core areas of UK law, including contract, criminal, public, land, tort, and equity and trusts law.
• Law students who want to strengthen their understanding of substantive law, legal methods, research, analysis, and application.
• Learners progressing from Level 3 or Level 4 law qualifications who want to advance their legal knowledge to Level 5.
• Career changers looking to establish a formal foundation in law before progressing into further legal education or related professional pathways.
• Paralegal and legal support professionals who want to broaden their understanding of legal principles and improve their ability to analyse legal issues.
• International learners seeking a UK-regulated law qualification that provides structured exposure to the principles and operation of the English legal system.
• Learners planning further academic study in law, including those considering progression towards higher-level qualifications where the receiving institution accepts the qualification.

The qualification is best suited to learners who are prepared for assignment-based academic study, legal research, critical analysis, and the application of legal principles to practical scenarios. It provides broad coverage of core legal subjects rather than focusing on a single specialist area of law.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law develops learners’ knowledge and practical understanding of core areas of law, including contract, criminal, public, land, tort, equity and trusts, and EU law. It strengthens legal research, analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving skills, supporting progression into further legal study and related professional pathways. The qualification is suitable for UK and international learners seeking a structured foundation in English law and broader legal education.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Law provides a structured foundation for learners seeking to progress in legal education and related legal support roles. The qualification covers key areas of law, including contract, criminal, public, land, tort, equity and trusts, and EU law, making it relevant to learners developing broader knowledge of the English legal system.

Academically, learners may progress to relevant higher-level qualifications in law, including Level 6 or Level 7 study and, where accepted by the receiving institution, degree-level or postgraduate programmes. Progression is subject to the entry and credit-transfer requirements of the university or institution. The qualification can also support continued professional development in areas such as legal research, compliance, contracts, dispute resolution, and governance.

Professionally, the diploma can support progression into roles such as Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Legal Researcher, Legal Administrator, Compliance Assistant, Contract Administrator, Claims Handler, and Legal Support Officer. The legal knowledge, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills developed through the qualification can help learners contribute effectively to legal, regulatory, contractual, and administrative functions in law firms, businesses, public-sector organisations, and other professional environments.