A-level law
Entry requirements
- Six GCSEs 9-4, two from English, Maths OR Science
- Two at least grade 6
Specific requirements for Law:
- It is useful to have a grade 5 or above in GCSE English, but not essential.
What is 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 human rights.
Components
Paper 1: English legal system and criminal law
Percentage of total mark: 33.3%
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: 33.3%
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: 33.3%
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.
Law
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 British legal system and the different sorts of law in our country. This doesn’t mean you only study criminal law. You will study both civil and criminal. 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. But 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. This will help when thinking about your future. So, there’s a mixture of studying legal subjects, and learning about the legal sector and careers.
Is A level Law hard?
One of the hardest elements in A level Law is remembering all the case name and case details. Our experienced teaching staff will help you. 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.
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. They may provide further guidance.
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. 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. 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. Every year, students compete in the Bar Mock Trial Competition which helps young people understand how the law touches every aspect of their lives, gaining an insight into how the legal justice system works. Students also compete in the University of Law’s Mooting Competition, with both internal heats and an external final, where they debate against other schools and colleges.
Loreto also hosted the inaugural Judicial Internship placements at Manchester Crown Court with three Crown Court Judges, and is an
enthusiastic and committed member of the Manchester University Pathways to Law program, a widening participation scheme which
inspires and supports academically able state school students in Year 12 and 13 from backgrounds under-represented at university who are interested in a career in law.
What are the A Level Law results like?
Results for A level Law at Loreto are consistently above the national average, and well above the national average for the higher grades.