Qualification: A Level Law (OCR)
Course Tutor: Miss L Davies
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including a grade 5 at GCSE English Language or Literature. A grade 6 in GCSE English Language is preferred.
Course description
A Level Law is a strong benefit to those who particularly are considering a law related career or higher study of law at university and/or through an apprenticeship. The course mirrors core units required for the LLB Law Degree; legal system, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law, law of tort and law of contract. Students develop their knowledge of law in England and Wales, and develop an awareness of the interaction between law with morals, justice and society (links with sociology and philosophy).
The A Level helps students develop a range of transferable skills: communication/advocacy, analysis, attention to detail, logical thinking, research, essay writing and the ability to produce a balanced, persuasive argument. Many of our law students go on to study at Russell Group universities and to work at top law firms.
The course is actively engaging; it encourages students to participate in mock trials, observe court hearings, and secure work experience at local law firms/companies that offer legal services. We have links with a local Judge and a number of local solicitors and barristers, who take the time to visit to talk to the students and provide careers guidance.
The A Level in Law fosters a large number of students’ interest in law and helps them develop knowledge and skills relevant to further study of law and other subjects. It develops highly employable skills. Students are given advice about future careers and learn the qualifying routes for people in the legal system.
Examination
There are three exam papers, each 2 hours long and of equal weighting. There are a variety of exam skills including: describe/explain roles and processes, advice on liability (like a solicitor) and evaluate areas of law.
Coursework
There is no coursework for this subject.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
The A Level provides an excellent grounding for students who want to read law at university or start a legal apprenticeship. Both of these routes can lead to the qualifications required to become a solicitor, barrister or legal executive. Universities recognise and echo the benefits of A Level Law and the study of core law modules on the A Level will place students at an advantage to those who cannot study A level Law.
Other popular careers include the police, teaching, social work, business and accounting. A Level Law is not just for students who want to enter the legal professions. It links well with subjects including, history, sociology, psychology, economics and business, to name just a few! It also provides lots of discussion of wider general knowledge, such as politics and human rights. The real question is not, ‘Why should you study A Level Law?’ but instead, ‘Why would you not?’.
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the Law curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
