Studying Law gives students an understanding of the role of Law in today’s society and raises their awareness of the rights and responsibilities of individuals. By learning about legal rules and how and why they apply to real life, students also develop their analytical ability, decision-making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All these skills are highly sought after by higher education and employers.
Apart from the obvious careers of solicitor or barrister, law students are well liked by industry, commerce and local government and can be found working in retail management, publishing, journalism, the police force, social services and teaching. The assessment for the A level will come from three external examinations at the end of Year 13.
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 in GCSE English Language & Literature. You do not need to have studied law at GCSE.
Three examinations (2 hours each) ranging across topics 1 – 8. No coursework
Unit 1: The legal system and criminal – Exam: 2 hrs
Section A: The legal system focuses on the nature of law, the civil and criminal courts and the legal profession. Students will develop knowledge of the processes and people involved in the law and the changing nature of the legal system.
Section B: Criminal law focuses on the on the rules and general elements of criminal law and non-fatal offences against the person. It introduces criminal liability. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of criminal law and the skills to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations.
Unit 2: Law making and the law of tort – Exam: 2 hrs
Section A: Focuses on law making in England and Wales as well as the EU. Students will study law making methods and concepts. They will develop an understanding of legal method and reasoning as used by lawyers and judiciary.
Section B: Focuses on the rules of tort, liability in negligence, occupiers’ liability and remedies. It introduces civil liability. Learners will develop knowledge of the law of tort and the skills to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations and gain a critical awareness of the present state of the law of tort.
Unit 3: The nature of law and Human rights – Exam: 2 hrs
Section A: focuses on law in a wider context and how it interacts with morality, justice and society.
Section B: Focuses on the protection of human rights and freedoms, key provisions of the European convention on human rights and the restrictions and enforcement of human rights law. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding, the skills to apply their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations and gain a critical awareness of the present state of the law.
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