Full Time Law AS/A2

Law AS/A2
This course will appeal to students who have a general interest in law and current affairs and enjoy discussion and debate. The course will give you an insight into the British legal system, and an understanding of the way in which the law influences our daily lives.

You will have the opportunity to visit courts in session and take part in discussions with guest speakers from a range of legal professions. You will be involved in research using newspapers, journals and the internet. The skills you will develop on the course, such as being able to see both sides of an argument, effective research skills and solving complex legal problems will be of value to you in other areas of life. Most students will not have studied Law before as few Schools offer the subject at GCSE, and the course is designed to introduce you to the subject.

What will I study?
AS: In the first year you will study the English legal system, considering the way in which the criminal and civil justice systems operate, how the law is made and the different legal professions, such as judges, barristers, solicitors, etc. You will also study some aspects of Criminal Law such as assault offences and the tort of negligence.

A2: In the second year you will look more closely at aspects of Criminal Law, looking at fundamental questions such as the difference between manslaughter and murder, and offences against property. You will also study tort in more depth as well as concepts of law.

How will I be assessed?
AS: Written exams at the end of year one, concentrating on the legal system and substantive law.

A2: Written exams at the end of year two, concentrating on criminal law.

What can I do next?
You may go on to study Law at University with a view to becoming qualified as a solicitor or barrister. A level Law also provides a good basis for further study of any subject at a higher level, and is valued by employers in a range of areas such as journalism, public relations, teaching and a range of management and business areas.