New to Legal Study

Start your journey into a legal career.

You don’t need to know the qualification names yet. If you’re new to legal study, we’ll help you understand the routes that may be relevant to your starting point and what your next step could be.

A learner sitting at a table, smiling while working through study material on a laptop.

Your Starting Options

Two routes for people new to legal study.

If you don’t already have legal qualifications, these are the main Brightlink routes that may be relevant to you.

CPQ Foundation

Build your legal knowledge and take the first step through the CILEX Professional Qualification.

Level: Level 3
Who is it for?: People who are new to legal study or do not yet hold legal qualifications.
Entry requirements: No formal academic entry requirements.
Duration: Around 18 months.
Cost: £1,810
How you’ll learn: Online learning with structured resources, recorded teaching and specialist tutor support.
What next?: Progression can continue into the CPQ Advanced Stage and later stages of the CILEX qualification pathway, subject to the relevant requirements.

Please note: CILEX membership and course registration fees are payable directly to CILEX in addition to Brightlink course fees, regardless of which training provider you study with.

Have questions about CPQ or whether it’s the right starting point for you?

Talk to Us

Welsh Legal Services Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn through a funded route for eligible learners working in Wales.

Level: Level 3
Who is it for?: People employed in a legal or legally aligned role who meet the relevant apprenticeship eligibility requirements.
Working hours: At least 16 hours per week.
Location: At least 51% of your working time in Wales.
Employment: The learner must be employed in an eligible legal or legally aligned role and paid at least the applicable National Minimum Wage.
Duration: Around 2 years.
Cost: Fully funded by the Welsh Government for eligible learners. Employer-funded exam resits are excluded from that funding.
What next?: Potential progression to the Level 5 Welsh Legal Services Apprenticeship and further CILEX progression, subject to the relevant requirements.

Apprenticeship eligibility depends on your employment, location and existing qualifications. We’ll help you understand whether the route may be available to you.

Explore Legal Services Apprenticeships

Extra reassurance for eligible CPQ Foundation learners

The Brightlink Paralegal Success Pledge provides continued academic support to eligible CPQ Foundation Stage learners who engage with their studies, sit their examination and do not achieve a pass. See how the Paralegal Success Pledge works

Where Could This Take Your Career?

Build towards a professional career in law.

Legal study can help you build the knowledge, experience and professional capability to develop a long-term career in law. The route you take will depend on your qualifications, experience and career goals.

Build your legal career

Develop the legal knowledge and practical skills that can help you start or progress in legal work.

Progress into professional legal roles

As your qualifications and experience develop, you can build towards greater responsibility and progression in roles such as paralegal and other specialist legal positions.

Work towards becoming a CILEX Lawyer

The CILEX qualification pathway can support progression towards qualification as a CILEX Lawyer, subject to the relevant professional and regulatory requirements.

Build skills. Progress your career. Increase your professional opportunities.

What studying with Brightlink is like

Flexible Online Learning
Study at a time and pace that works for you.
Specialist Tutor Support
Receive personal guidance and one-to-one support from a named specialist tutor.
Structured Resources
Use course resources and planned study support to help structure your progress.
Practice & Exam Preparation
Build confidence through practice questions, mock exams, revision and exam-preparation support.
Live Support
Take part in workshops, group tutorials or Zoom tutor meetings where relevant to your programme.

Costs and funding at a glance

CPQ Foundation £1,810

Welsh Legal Services Apprenticeship Fully funded by the Welsh Government

For eligible learners. Employer-funded exam resits are excluded.

Not sure which route is right for you?

You don’t need to work it out on your own. Tell us where you are now and what you want to achieve, and we’ll help you understand which route may be relevant.

Talk to Us

Call us on 02921 888386 or get in touch via our Talk to Us page.