If you are given too much change by a shop assistant, can you keep it? If you trespass on someone else’s land and get injured, can you sue the land owner for compensation?

What are your rights if you buy goods that turn out to be faulty? Can a murderer inherit money from the victim that they killed? Law is a vital part of our society and affects all our lives.

Find answers to these types of questions and develop your knowledge and skills in a very challenging academic subject.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Year 1

• The English legal system

• Criminal law 

• Introduction to the nature of law and law and justice 

Year 2 

• Tort 

• Law of contract 

• The nature of law - fault. morality, balancing of conflicting interests 

Elements in Criminal Law is just one of the many topics. 

The Nature of Law and the English Legal System

This unit considers the rule of law, the sources of law and the different ways that laws are made and how these are interpreted by the courts. You will also learn about the courts and tribunals, alternative methods of dispute resolution, access to justice and funding and the role of legal personnel and lay people. You will investigate the role that law plays in society and the relationship that it has with justice, fault and morality and the way the law balances conflicting interests.

Criminal Law

In this unit you will learn about the elements of a crime and study the law of fatal offences, such as murder, non-fatal offences, such as assault and battery, and the property offences of theft and robbery. The unit also includes what is meant by an “attempt” and a range of defences to crimes, including self- defence and intoxication. You will also study the theory of criminal law.

This course provides an introduction to law, a 'taster' for study at degree level and will enable you to explore an exciting and challenging new subject. You will develop a range of skills useful for university and employment. These will include the ability to analyse hypothetical scenarios and apply legal rules and principles to solve problems. You will become adept at critically evaluating legal arguments and the legal system by formulating reasoned and persuasive arguments supported by evidence. 

There are three examination papers: 

Paper 1 – Criminal Law

Paper 2 – The Law of Tort 

Paper 3 – Contract Law

The Nature of Law and English Legal System is assessed in each of these papers, making up 25% of the marks. All the exam papers are equally weighted. Questions are multiple choice, short and longer essay and problem-questions.

Exam Board: AQA

There are great opportunities for enrichment in Law as there are a wide range of different activities and events involving legal professionals and universities. Educational visits include the Police Museum and the Courts. You can also join the Law Society and be a member of The Sixth Form team competing against other schools and colleges in the Bar National Mock Trial competition as a lawyer, witness, court clerk, usher or court artist. There is also the opportunity to participate in a mooting competition hosted by the University of Law. Members of the Law Society also showcase their talents by putting on mock trials for local schools.

You will experience outstanding teaching by senior examiners and extensive support to ensure you reach your potential. There are excellent enrichment opportunities, including the Bar National Mock Trial Competition, visits to the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts and activities with legal professionals and universities.

This qualification will equip you well for university. Alternatively, it is excellent preparation for a higher apprenticeship scheme with a top legal firm after The Sixth Form. Law is a very useful skill in a wide range of careers, including business, marketing, insurance and journalism.

A Level Law is an intellectually challenging subject that requires the ability to memorise an immense number of legal principles from cases and Acts of Parliament. Exam questions require a thorough analysis and application of these legal principles.