Law

Entry requirements

Click the button to read our faculty brochure or read more about the course below:

Six GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C)
Two from English, Maths OR Science
Two at least grade 6

Loreto students dressed in barrister robes and wigs inside court

A Level Law

A Level Law gives students an insight into the law of England and Wales, including the study of the legal system, how laws are made, criminal law (including murder and manslaughter), tort law (including negligence and nuisance), concepts of law and the law of contract.

Exam board: AQA

Components

Paper 1: English legal system and criminal law

Percentage of total mark: 33.33%
Method of assessment: 2 hour written exam

In this module you will learn about the structure and function of criminal courts, as well as how laws are interpreted and developed by judges. You will also learn about the work of professional lawyers and judges, and of lay people in the criminal justice system – magistrates, judges and juries – as well as how access to justice is funded.

You will also study criminal law in depth, including topics such as murder, manslaughter, theft and robbery, as well as defences.

Paper 2: English legal system and tort law

Percentage of total mark: 33.33%
Method of assessment: 2 hour written exam

In this module you will focus on the creation of law and the influences on Parliament in making new law, including pressure groups, public opinion and the media. The role of the Law Commission will be studied in the context of law reform, and students will learn how civil courts operate, and how access to justice is funded in civil case.

You will also study tort (civil) law, including negligence, the potential liability of occupiers and employers, nuisance, as well as defences and remedies.

Paper 3a: English legal system and contract law

Percentage of total mark: 33.33%
Method of assessment: 2 hour written exam

In this module you will study the rule of law, delegated legislation and the European Union.

You will also study the law of contract, including how contracts are made, the terms that are included, and consumer law, as well as how contracts can become frustrated and discharged, and the remedies available when they are breached.

Skills

You will learn to ‘think like a lawyer’ and apply legal rules to the facts. You will also develop your ability to critically analyse and evaluate legal concepts, institutions and processes.

Across the three papers, you will also explore the law in a wider context by considering the role of law in society, and the way in which the law seeks to balance conflicting interests. You will use your knowledge and understanding gained from all areas of the course to address such questions as whether the law always achieves justice, and to what extent it should enforce moral values.

Careers/destinations

Many of our A Level law students go on to study law at Russell Group Universities and to pursue careers in the legal profession as solicitors and barristers. Others go on to undertake legal apprenticeships or degrees in other social science subjects. Law is also a great A level to prepare students for a wide variety of careers including business, the civil service, local government, banking and finance.

What are the entry requirements for A Level Law?

The entry requirements are the same as the overall college entry
requirements. (4 grade 4’s and 2 grade 6’s).

What is the A level Law syllabus like?

The syllabus gives you an overview of the English and Welsh legal system and structure, along with the personnel involved within the system. A Level Law doesn’t mean you only study criminal law! During the Loreto Law course, you will learn about contract, criminal and tort law. This will give you a good foundation of knowledge and introduce you to some key concepts of law. However, a good deal of time will also be spent on looking at various roles in the legal sector, such as how to become a Solicitor and the requirements to become a Magistrate. You will also gain an understanding of legal theories and debate concepts like justice and morality. This will help develop critical thinking skills that you can apply to a wide variety of subjects in the future.

Is A level Law hard?

This is a very common concern for students, and we always say one of the hardest elements in A level Law is remembering all the case names and case details. Don't worry, our experienced teaching staff and student mentors will help you using a wide range of strategies. If you know about the key legal principles, how they apply, and how the cases back them up, then you will be well on your way to getting a high grade in Law. It’s all about effort and preparation, starting strong in your first week.

What are the best A levels for a Law degree?

Being successful in law comes down to two things. Your knowledge
and your skills. Knowledge doesn’t just need to be directly legal based; business, accounting and economics could help boost your knowledge of commercial law and should help you demonstrate commercial awareness.
English, History and Politics are subjects which can help you develop your critical thinking and essay writing skills. Often Law students have studied subjects as diverse as Maths, Sciences, Geography and Languages. Take a look at the websites of a few of the universities you want to apply to for further guidance as they may have specific subject requirements.

Should I take A level Law if I want to study law at university?

Studying A Level Law is the perfect way to find out whether law at university is for you. At Loreto we send large numbers of law students to the best Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge to study law and other subjects. Studying A level Law also gives you a head start when thinking about your career – you learn about the steps you need to take to get certain legal jobs. You can also benefit from extra-curricular activities we offer in Law such as trips and Law Society to aid your applications to universities and apprenticeships. It’s also possible that telling a firm you’re studying law at college could help you get work experience or a part time job as it shows interest.

What are the entry requirements for law at university?

This all depends on your university or law school, consult them for the UCAS points requirements / exact grades needed.

What extra-curricular activities does the Law department run?

The Law department has a very active Law Society, which is where students will meet weekly to discuss current legal issues and debates or you may attend a talk from a practicing lawyer.
Every year, students compete in a Bar Mock Trial Competition where they will act the role of a barrister, jury member or witness in a trial and compete against other schools and colleges. This helps young people understand how the law touches every aspect of their lives, gaining an insight into how the legal justice system works.
The Law department also offers trips throughout the year to different universities and debate days, along with offering talks on the LNAT to assist student with university applications. This support ensures that our students have the best possible chance to grow and foster their passion for law.