Key facts at a glance
- What: The LLB (Hons) Law & Legal Practice at Bloomsbury Institute London is accredited by CILEx Regulation, the independent regulator for CILEX professionals in England and Wales.
- Why it matters: Students earn a full undergraduate law degree and progress towards qualifying as a CILEX Lawyer (Chartered Legal Executive) at the same time.
- Degree validation: Birkbeck, University of London validates the degree.
- Routes: 3-year degree, 2-year accelerated degree, or 1-year top-up.
- Study pattern: Two days a week on campus in Bloomsbury, central London.
- Intakes: February, June and October 2027.
- Fees: £9,790 per year for UK students. Student Finance is available.
What is CILEX accreditation?
CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) is the professional body for CILEX Lawyers, paralegals and other legal professionals in England and Wales. Its regulator, CILEx Regulation, approves training providers to deliver parts of the route to qualification.
In August 2022, CILEx Regulation approved Bloomsbury Institute as an accredited training provider. Students on our LLB Law & Legal Practice now complete the academic stage of CILEX qualification while studying for their degree. Bloomsbury Institute is the only UK provider whose LLB carries this accreditation.
What is a CILEX Lawyer?
A CILEX Lawyer is a qualified lawyer who specialises in a particular area of law. Once authorised, CILEX Lawyers can:
- Carry out reserved legal activities in their specialist area without supervision
- Practise in areas such as conveyancing, family law, criminal law, employment law, probate, immigration and dispute resolution
- Act as Commissioners for Oaths
- Use the protected title "CILEX Lawyer", which tells clients and employers they are fully qualified
The CILEX route suits people who want to specialise early, qualify while working, or reach a legal career without a traditional training contract.
The benefits of studying a CILEX-accredited LLB
1. Two qualifications progressing at once
Most law students finish their degree first and start professional training afterwards. On our LLB, the degree and your progress towards CILEX qualification run together. You graduate with an LLB (Hons) validated by Birkbeck, University of London, and exemptions from CILEX assessments on the way to CILEX Lawyer status.
2. Less time and cost to qualify
Because you don't repeat content you have already covered at degree level, the CILEX route costs less overall. When CILEx Regulation announced the approval, its Chief Operating Officer, Vicky Purtill, said the accreditation "will promote greater social mobility and diversity within the legal profession."
3. Your options stay open
CILEX accreditation adds a route; it doesn't replace any. Graduates can still:
- Qualify as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
- Train for the Bar
- Move into roles such as paralegal, legal adviser, compliance officer or in-house legal work
- Work in public-sector legal roles, including at the Crown Prosecution Service
4. Real client experience from Year 1
Practice is built into the degree from the first year. Through the Law Clinic, students give legal guidance to people who can't afford a solicitor and don't qualify for legal aid. Qualified solicitors supervise the work on a pro bono basis. The clinic focuses on housing law, runs weekly online sessions with the public, and has a mobile clinic that travels to communities across the UK.
5. Built around working adults
Teaching takes place two days a week, and seminar groups are small, typically 25 to 30 students. This suits mature students, career changers and anyone combining study with work or family. One of our current students, Andrea David, joined after 32 years with the same employer:
"For me, the support network in Bloomsbury is second to none, I've never known something to be so extensive."
Andrea David, LLB Law & Legal Practice student
6. Recognised for how we support students
In the National Student Survey 2026, Bloomsbury Institute ranked 3rd in London for student representation, and 88% of UK students rated their teaching positively.
CILEX regulation in 2026: what has changed?
For several years, CILEX looked at moving regulation of its members to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. In May 2026, the SRA confirmed it would take no further work forward on the proposal. CILEx Regulation remains the independent regulator for CILEX professionals, so our accreditation route is unchanged.
Who is this course for?
The LLB Law & Legal Practice is a strong fit if you:
- Want a legal career but prefer a practical, specialist route
- Are returning to education as a mature student or changing career
- Need to study around work or family commitments
- Want real legal experience before you graduate
- Plan to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, and want a CILEX route as well
Entry requirements
- Standard entry: A Levels at BBC (112 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, plus GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above.
- Non-standard entry: Applicants without traditional qualifications are considered case by case and may be invited to an academic interview.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bloomsbury Institute LLB accredited by CILEX?
Yes. The LLB (Hons) Law & Legal Practice is accredited by CILEx Regulation, which approved Bloomsbury Institute as a training provider in August 2022.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is validated by Birkbeck, University of London.
Can I become a solicitor with this degree?
Yes. The LLB carries full academic standing, so graduates can take the SQE route to become a solicitor.
What is the difference between a CILEX Lawyer and a solicitor?
Both are qualified lawyers. CILEX Lawyers specialise in one area of law and are authorised to practise in it. Solicitors qualify through the SQE and are authorised across a broader range of legal work.
Is there an accelerated option?
Yes. A 2-year accelerated route leads to the same LLB (Hons) degree.
Can I study while working full-time?
Teaching runs two days a week, so many students combine the course with work.
Is Student Finance available?
Yes. Eligible UK students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full £9,790 annual fee and a Maintenance Loan towards living costs.
Take the next step
Our LLB Law & Legal Practice is open for February, June and October 2027 entry. Explore the course, book an Open Day, or contact our Student Recruitment team at [email protected].
