Entry requirements
- At least two Higher qualifications, at Grade C or above, preferably one in English
- A Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy or Business Skills
- For those returning to education, life skills and experience may allow entry.
Why take this course?
This advanced level course will help successful candidates to pursue employment in a legal office or as a paralegal or legal secretary. Alternatively, successful completion will allow you to progress to further legal study at university degree level. It is an excellent foundation course that will give you a good understanding of legal practices and procedures, various aspects of law and how the legal system works.
What you will experience
- Scottish legal system
- Scottish criminal procedures
- Executory, property and company law
- Sheriff Court procedures
- Essential skills in IT, communication and research skills
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will get
HND Legal Services (Law)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 30 November 2024, register your interest.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
If you do not already own a suitable device you can apply for a student loan from SAAS, if eligible, to fund the cost of purchasing a device.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
University
- Robert Gordon University (RGU) - BA (Hons) Law & Management year 3
- University of Aberdeen - Single Honours – Bachelor of Laws year 1
- University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) - BA (Hons) Business and Management Year 2 or 3 with bridging
Employment
Common career opportunities on completion of this level of study include:
- Conveyancing Assistant
- Legal Accountant
- Legal Cashier
- Paralegal Assistant
Student Stories
Drew Smith
Business & Management
Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship
“If you’re not too sure about what you want to do, then I would definitely recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship because it gives you an insight into working while you’re still studying.”
Read more about Drew's story
Morven Garden
Business & Management
Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship
“I feel confident moving forward as the experience of a Modern Apprenticeship and the skills I have managed to develop stand as a strong base structure for the rest of my career.”
Read more about Morven's story
Charlie Third
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’d advocate the brilliant experience that is North East Scotland College to anyone thinking about returning to learning. “
Read more about Charlie's story
Zoe Frieslick
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol gave me the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the self-belief to continue my studies at university.”
Read more about Zoe's story
Robyn Blacklaw
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I absolutely loved my time at NESCol. It was a much better fit for me than school and a great environment to learn in.
Read more about Robyn's story
Kirsten Koss
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I’m so glad that I came to NESCol because it really has been a life changing experience. I think Social Sciences is a great place to be if you’re curious about the world or if there’s something that really frustrates you about the system and you’d really like to see it change. Studying an HND in Social Sciences really helped me to see the world in a better light. The department has such down to earth, friendly, normal staff and I would jump at the chance to finish my studies at the college if I could. Choose College – it really is a wonderful place!”
Read more about Kirsten's story
Hollie Dunn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“My time at college helped me see that I actually wanted to study psychology at university rather than a more broad-based social sciences course. If I hadn’t gone to college first, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover that so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to properly explore the subject area before making a final decision.”
Read more about Hollie's story
Dean McGlynn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“I found my time at college to be the perfect link between leaving school and starting university. The course was interesting, the assessments were rigorous and gave me the skills to work alone, as well as part of a group, which served me well at university. The lecturers were engaging and treated students as adults which created a good atmosphere for learning.”
Read more about Dean's story
Edward Flinn
Social Sciences
HND Social Sciences
“NESCol really prepared me for the step up to university. I would definitely recommend college if you don’t feel ready to go straight to university when you leave school.”
Read more about Edward's story
Abby Grant
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“For anyone considering studying Accounting at NESCol, I would say it will definitely set you up and give you the right foundation for progressing on to a career in accountancy. I feel the skills I learned at college have been very beneficial in the work I am doing today. I use my knowledge gained at college of accounting principles and taxation every day.”
Read more about Abby's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2024
-
Duration 2 years
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Course Code PGDL
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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