Summary

A-level Law is designed to provide you with a general overview of how our legal system functions. It is popular with those looking to pursue a career in law, as well as those who take the course just out of interest. During your study, you will explore the following key areas:

The aim is to improve your knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of a whole range of issues affecting the legal system. The course is designed to develop a wide range of transferable skills, such as reasoning, and relies heavily on argument to inform discussions and essays. It serves as a perfect precursor to progress onto higher education or other alternative paths.

During your study you will be given the opportunity to visit Bristol Law Courts, the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court. You will be have the opportunity to engage in conversation with a circuit judge, a justice of the peace and a barrister as a part of our guest speakers’ programme. Alongside this, we participate in mock trials at the University of the West of England on their 'Street Law' programme, and we offer an exclusive mentoring scheme.

Law complements many other disciplines, such as economics, English, sociology and psychology.

How will I know how I am doing?

AQA have changed the law syllabus in September 2017. You will now take three exams in the second year in May/June. Each exam is worth 33% and can be on content covered in either of the years.

What do I need to join?

To study this course, you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4–9, including English and Maths. You must also have a 5 or above in English Literature.

Work Experience

You will be required to do a minimum of 36 hours of work experience. This is usually completed in a week during your first year in term time, where you will have the opportunity to explore a career field which takes your interest. In the lead-up to this week, you will be asked to create an exciting CV during a group tutorial period. The aim of this activity is to give you an idea of what full-time employment is like and to help you think about which career you would like to follow.

What can I do next?

Law complements many disciplines and is suited to run alongside economics, English, sociology and psychology, to name but a few.

It serves as a perfect precursor to studying at university, as it develops reasoning skills and relies heavily upon argument to inform discussions and essays. Many of our learners leave to study law at university.

Our students also join the world of work, where they often comment that their understanding of law is an indispensable pillar to their everyday function, as it allows them to understand such elements as their rights and responsibilities, negligence, contracts and health and safety.

This course provides an underpinning understanding that will help and support you in all areas, such as teaching, banking, accountancy, IT, estate agency, insurance and, of course, the law itself.

Law is useful for learners interested in joining the police force or training to become a social worker.