CPQ Foundation Year 2

Course summary

Having successfully completed the first year of study, this course offers an opportunity to undertake the remaining academic modules of the Foundation Stage. 

The Foundation Stage aligns to the role of a Paralegal or Case Handler, who can manage their own caseloads, are able to work with clients to; listen, identify and probe information, conduct legal research and present clear next steps and solutions both written and orally. This qualification will equip you with a fundamental awareness of the law underpinning key practice areas.  

All our courses are delivered via online synchronous learning, meaning that you’ll be attending real time classes online with our experienced, professionally qualified tutors. Courses also include some face-to-face revision and employability and networking sessions on-campus. We have created an interactive and stimulating learning environment in which you will work together with your classmates and receive in class feedback and support from your tutors. In addition, you will have access to the wide array of facilities and support that the University provides, including access to our extensive online library and careers service. 

During Year 2 of the Foundation Stage, you will study:  

• Professional Skills (Succeeding in the Legal Environment and Legal Research) 

• Introduction to Property and Private Client (IPPC) 

In addition to completing your CPQ Foundation Stage academic studies with us, you will also be required to complete a Professional Experience portfolio and undertake the Ethics and Professional Responsibility e-learning modules through CILEX. 

On completion of the Foundation Stage, you will be able to understand the professional and regulatory responsibilities, the duties of working in a legal environment, and make a positive contribution in a supporting role whilst under supervision. You will be able to call yourself a CILEX Paralegal as well as have the opportunity to continue your studies at Advanced Stage should you seek to progress your career further.   

Accreditation

The University of Westminster is a long-standing CILEX Approved Training Provider, having offered CILEX Programmes in excess of 20 years. We are only one of a handful of institutions to receive accreditation approval to run CILEX CPQ qualifications.  As such, when you enrol with us to undertake your studies, you can be certain of receiving rigorous and high-quality education and training. 

Who is this course for?

If you are interested in working in the legal profession, the CPQ offers a structured, progressive training route that will enable you to qualify as a CILEX Paralegal. his qualification will enable you to demonstrate a fundamental awareness of the law underpinning key practice areas. 

Unlike other routes into a legal career, a degree or equivalent qualification or experience are not a pre-requisite. The CPQ is open to all, although the University does require a level of English Language, please see the Entry Requirements section for more information.  

Course fees

The fee for this course is £2,160 for the 3 modules. The instalment plan consists of 50% at enrolment, 25% in December (due by Friday 1st) and 25% in January (due by Wednesday 31st). Contact us on [email protected] to find out more. 

In addition to our course fee, you will be required to pay CILEX a registration fee to cover the cost of annual CILEX membership, initial assessments and mandatory learning materials including the Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Professional Experience portfolio. Remote exam fees are also paid directly to CILEX. Please do not register as a CILEX member before starting this course. 

For full details of additional CILEX costs, please see the CILEX website: https://www.cilex.org.uk/study/apply_cpq/ or contact CILEX directly on +44 (0) 1234 841 000. 

Discounts and offers

We offer a 15% discount for organisations or companies registering two or more delegates on any of the CILEX courses. Offers do not accumulate.

How to claim your discount

Email us on [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)20 3506 9900. Please note that you must confirm your eligibility before booking. Discounts cannot be applied retrospectively.

Course structure

Below is the breakdown of the Foundation Stage modules you will study across the academic year

• Professional and Legal Skills – This is a broad module that aims to provide the underpinning knowledge required to support the development of skills including interpersonal, time management and networking. You will also spend time working in a team and focusing on managing and communicating with both internal and external clients. It is important to grasp the standards and an understanding of the code of conduct as well as how to conduct legal research along with the impact of legal technology.
• Introduction to Property and Private Client – You will gain essential knowledge and an understanding of the law and procedure relating to conveyancing and probate. There is a focus on the procedures required to act on a sale and purchase in a freehold residential conveyancing transaction. In addition, the module will introduce you to the purpose and content of a Will, the Intestacy Rules, how to apply for a Grant of Probate and the appointment of Personal Representatives.

Course delivery

Students are welcomed to our Law School campus in central London in September for an Induction Day ahead of the start of teaching. The course will be delivered via blended learning and as such, you will be required to attend a small number of on-campus revision days throughout the academic year. 

During Year 2, under the supervision and guidance of experienced academics and legal professionals, you will study; Introduction to Property and Private Client (IPPC) and Professional Skills (covering Succeeding In the Legal Environment and Legal Research). 

• Succeeding in the Legal Environment will run by way of synchronous teaching via remote, online live classes. This is likely to take place on Monday evenings during Semester 1 to prepare students for the January exam session but the day of the week is not confirmed until the timetable is released at enrolment. 

• From Semester 2, IPPC will be taught alongside Legal Research. Classes will take place via remote, online live classes and is likely to be on Monday and Wednesday evenings but is not confirmed until the timetable is released at enrolment.  

About the CPQ

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) launched its new qualification framework – the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) – in 2021 as the route to becoming a CILEX Paralegal, CILEX Advanced Paralegal or CILEX Lawyer. The CPQ is a single qualification made up of three elements:

• Assessment of legal knowledge and skills
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility eLearning modules
• Professional Experience

CPQ is a progressive framework across three Stages – CPQ Foundation, CPQ Advanced and CPQ Professional. Each Stage combines a focus on technical expertise and practical skills with the development of the core behaviours required to create forward-thinking, commercially minded, adaptable lawyers who really understand the clients they serve. It is underpinned by the CILEX Competency Framework of:

• Core Principles which underpin everything that a legal professional does and embody the CILEX Code of Conduct
• Core Behaviours which describe the behaviours legal professionals should demonstrate while carrying out their activities and which allow CILEX Lawyers to add greater value to the clients and organisation they work for
• Core Activities which outline what legal professionals need to know and do on a day-to-day basis to be successful

Assessment

CILEX set the assessments/examinations for all modules and you will need to coordinate exam arrangements directly with CILEX. Students will undertake CILEX exams as part of the CILEX June 2024 examination. 

Entry requirements

The CILEX CPQ Foundation stage is geared towards those who are new to law, or who are currently working in the legal sector and would like to better understand it. It’s recommended that students have an appropriate level of English before enrolling on the course so as part of the application process, we ask to see a copy of documentation to show that you hold GCSE English Language with grade C or above or equivalent qualification. Alternatively, you have the option to take the English Password Solo Test. The Password Skills Test samples of four language components, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Please contact the Short Courses Team ([email protected]) with any questions or for further information about the entry requirements.

Open Evenings

We are running 2 events this year, the first on Monday 31st July 2023, 6-8pm and the second on Wednesday 16th August 2023, 6-8pm. The Open Evenings provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions and find out more about our CPQ Foundation programmes. Please fill in this form to choose your preferred session and register.