A Level Law
Law is an academic subject, and the syllabus concentrates on the way in which the English Legal System works. Contemporary and thought-provoking, Law is highly regarded by employers and universities which relates to real-life situations and complements many other subjects well.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
Should suspected terrorists have rights? Should euthanasia by legalised? Can you really get away with murder? Can we trust our judiciary? Does ‘life’ really mean life? Are sentences too soft? If these are the kind of questions that interest you, then studying law can give you the answers. As well as providing an invaluable base to study at university, A Level Law will equip you with excellent analytical and evaluation skills which will be fully transferrable to other disciplines.
Apply for this course
Start date: 07/09/2023
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
law academy enrichment
supportive, friendly atmosphere
learn about human rights law
highly-qualified law tutors
Trips outside the class
Law students visit the Houses of Parliament, Supreme Court and Royal Court of Justice, as well as travel further afield to the United Nations in New York. Locally, all students will benefit from attending Truro Crown Court to witness the criminal process in action.
Bar Mock Trial Competition
You will have the opportunity to join and hone your debating and advocacy skills by participating in the National Bar Mock Trial Competition and follow in the footsteps of our previous regional champions.
Guest speakers
Hear from guest speakers throughout your studies with visits including the police, barristers, judges and even victims of crime.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Year 1: You will examine how the English legal system works. This will provide you with an understanding of the different kinds of law we have, how these laws are made, applied, and updated as well as an appreciation of the role played by key personnel, both professional and lay members, in promoting justice. We also consider some introductory aspects of criminal law, such as non-fatal offences against the person as well as the potential for liability within the civil law.
Year 2: We will build on the information gained during the first year by analysing in more depth key aspects of criminal and civil law, with the addition of analysing a human rights perspective.
In our study of criminal law, we will examine the key elements which can lead to a charge of murder or manslaughter, theft, robbery, or burglary. We will also consider defences such as self-defence and automatism which may assist a defendant to avoid liability along with special defences such as diminished responsibility and loss of control which can reduce a murder charge to that of voluntary manslaughter.
Tort law focusses on the resolution of disputes between private individuals, such as negligent actions, trespass, and nuisance claims. In addition, students will examine the various remedies available, including compensation for personal injury.
Human Rights will focus on an evaluation of the level of protection afforded to human rights by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. We will consider fundamental rights such as our right to liberty, right to a fair trial, right to privacy and right to freedom of speech and, at the same time, will analyse the potential impact of, for example, police powers and surveillance operations in diluting these rights.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Highly valued by many employers, studying Law could lead to a career in the legal profession as a barrister, solicitor, legal executive or paralegal. Other career options include working within the commercial sector, business and finance, social welfare or politics. University courses in Law, Criminology, Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences are a common choice for our students once they have completed their studies.
Several Higher Education options are available through the University Centre Truro and Penwith for those students who want to remain in Cornwall after College.
assessment arrangements
Law is a natural partner to the study of English language/literature and History at A Level, but the syllabus content also connects well with subjects such as Politics, Psychology, Business and Sociology.
The A Level qualification is achieved following three examinations using the Eduqas awarding body:
Component 1 (25% of the qualification and 1.5 hours in duration) – examines law making and the English legal system via short answer questions, scenarios, and evaluative essays.
Component 2 (37.5% of the qualification and 2.25 hours in duration) – assessment is based on applying the law to a scenario on each of the three subject areas of crime, tort, and human rights.
Component 3 (37.5% of the qualification and 2.25 hours in duration) – assessment is based on evaluating the law on each of the three subject areas of crime, tort, and human rights.
Your achievement in the subject will be dependent upon adopting a positive work ethic based upon excellent attendance, punctuality, and effort. This will include taking the time at home to fully consolidate the information discussed in class and to make your own revision notes.
You will learn in a supportive, friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods.
You will be assessed regularly at the end of a topic. The work will be completed in class, under timed conditions, to practice examination technique. Detailed feedback will be provided on each piece of work and questions are actively encouraged.
You will undertake mock examinations in advance of your final examinations.
You will review your progress regularly with your tutor in 1:1 sessions during the course.
A high standard of literacy and good communication skills are key tools in the study of Law and therefore we require a B grade (6) in English to be accepted on the course.
Information & Support
It is very important for students to take a wider interest in current affairs as it helps to make their course of study relevant. Therefore, it is crucial to read widely and to follow the news on a regular basis. Any work experience within a legal context, e.g., law firm, courts, CPS, CAB etc will be immensely valuable, both to aid understanding and as a point of reference in university applications. A wide variety of electronic resource material is available in addition to a well-stocked Learning Centre.
Students can also join the Law Academy in their second year where they can embark upon wider aspects of law such as legal journalism, client care, introduction to forensics and crime and punishment.  Such additionality will enhance a students’ employability status and help to build their confidence.                     Â
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