Law

Why study Law?

This course provides a proper insight into the realities of both a law degree and a career in the profession.

A level law is not only for budding solicitors and barristers, it’s also popular with those seeking to enter the business or financial worlds and is highly regarded by universities.

Law is an empowering subject. Everyone should know how the legal system of their country works. Hopefully, you will never be charged with murder, but in your lifetime you may buy a property, make a Will, enter into a contract and sue or be sued! All of these things cease to be intimidating once you have studied law.

You will learn to express yourself clearly both in writing and orally, and become capable of researching at a high level and arguing a case from all sides. You’ll visit a magistrates’ court, Crown Court, High Court and the Supreme Court to see law in action. You will have the opportunity to hear outside speakers such as senior Crown prosecutors, and take part in a mock trial.

Course overview 

Core areas of study include:

• The English Legal System
• Criminal Law
• Tort Law
• The Nature of Law
• Human Rights Law

Skills gained:

Legal Analysis
Analysing legal scenarios, identifying key legal issues, and applying relevant legal rules and principles. 

Evaluative Skills
Critically assessing legal concepts, rules, and arguments, forming reasoned judgments. 

Legal Writing
Constructing clear, concise, and logical legal arguments using appropriate terminology. 

How is the course assessed? 

A-Level Law is often assessed through written exams, which may include essay-style questions requiring in-depth analysis and application of legal principles.

What will I do in lessons?

Learners will speak, read, discuss and do some written work in and around law.

This involves learning about the structure of the courts, the roles of legal professionals, and the processes involved in making and interpreting laws. Additionally, students will study specific areas of law like criminal offenses (e.g., murder, theft), tort law (e.g., negligence, nuisance), and human rights.

What Independent study will be expected?

1. Reading and making notes from text books
2. Watching relevant video clips
3. Exam style written responses

Exam Board

AQA

Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements:

• 5 in Mathematics required
• 6 in English Language required
• 6 in an essay writing subject required if Law not taken at GCSE (e.g., Eng. Literature, History, Geography)

What A Levels go well with this one?

All humanities and social science based subjects including: English Language, Literature, History, Politics, Languages, Psychology.  Many of our students study Law alongside Mathematics and the Sciences.

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject? (HE and careers)

An A-level in Law can be a strong foundation for various career paths, both within and outside the legal field. It can lead to university degrees in law, legal apprenticeships, and careers as solicitors, barristers, legal executives, or paralegals. It also provides valuable skills applicable to roles in public services, business, journalism, and government. 

Frequently asked questions

Do you need A Level Law to study Law at university?

No.  To study law at university it is advisable to take at least one traditional essay writing subject.

Studying the A level is a good way of deciding if a Law Degree would be a good idea. Many people say they would like to study law without really knowing what it involves. A level gives a taster of what a Degree will be like.

Is it true some universities do not like students wishing to take a law degree to have A level law?

This used to be the case but not in the last 20 years!

Most universities treat A level law in the same way as any other A level. It will not help your application but it will not hurt it either.

The only 2 universities that officially regard A level law less favourably are The London School of Economics and Oxford. In reality, both have taken a number of Woodhouse students with A level law so it is not clear what they really think!

What sort of student enjoys A Level Law? 

You do need to be interested in current events. Do you read a newspaper, watch the news on the television or follow it on line? Do you enjoy watching legal series and documentaries?  You need to enjoy discussion and debate and be interested in the law itself and what is right or wrong with it.  You do not need to have any legal knowledge.