Apprenticeship v university
updated on 18 September 2025
University is the right path for some people because it offers the chance to study an interesting subject in detail and gain a valuable degree that opens career options. University can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with opportunities for getting involved in new activities and meeting life-long friends. On the other hand, an apprenticeship offers a more direct path to those same career options, without the costs of going to university.
Apprenticeships are also perfect for people who aren’t keen on full-time study after finishing their A levels and want to kickstart their careers. It’s important to remember that in the legal profession, you can have the same career whether you choose university or an apprenticeship, which means that your choice isn’t so much about where you end up, but how you get there – some apprenticeships even involve gaining a university degree.
Law apprenticeships lead to three possible careers – paralegal, solicitor or CILEX Lawyer. All three are also available if you choose to go to university. Find out more about what being a paralegal, solicitor or CILEX Lawyer involves on pages 4 and 5 in ‘Career paths’. Meanwhile, this table explains some of the key differences between an apprenticeship and going to university.
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Apprenticeship |
University |
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Qualifications |
Professional qualifications to become a paralegal, solicitor or CILEX Lawyer. Completing the solicitor apprenticeship also involves gaining a law degree. Apprentices must complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor. |
A university degree in one of hundreds of subjects that’s widely recognised. For law, a degree in any subject makes you eligible for the postgraduate professional courses and assessments you must complete to become a paralegal, solicitor, barrister or CILEX Lawyer. |
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Cost |
None to the apprentice – the costs of apprenticeships are covered by the government and employers, while apprentices themselves are paid at least the apprentices’ National Minimum Wage. After announcing funding cuts for level 7 apprenticeships, the government confirmed in May 2025 that funding will continue for level 7 apprenticeships for those aged 16 to 21. |
With tuition fees standing at more than £9,000 a year and living costs on top of that, many students leave university in tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of debt. |
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Duration |
Sixteen to 24 months for legal administration/ business administration apprenticeships, 24 months for the paralegal apprenticeship, six years for the solicitor apprenticeship and around 32 months for the graduate solicitor apprenticeship. The duration of the chartered legal executive apprenticeship is dependent on entry point and route (contentious or non-contentious). |
Undergraduate degrees usually last three to four years. You then need to pass the SQE assessments and build up two years of qualifying work experience. |
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Work experience |
Full-time work in a law firm or the legal department of a company or other organisation. |
Optional work placements and internships – students interested in law should apply for work experience at law firms. |
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Social life |
As an apprentice working and studying full time, you may miss out on the social opportunities that come with going to university. However, offices often have great socialising opportunities too, with plenty of activities to get involved in, so you’re bound to make good friends. |
The opportunities for socialising at university are fantastic. From societies covering everything from political debating to cheerleading, to the thriving music, arts and social scenes at most universities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. |
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Career prospects |
Both law apprentices and university graduates can pursue a career as a paralegal, solicitor or CILEX Lawyer. |
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