Law
AQA A Level Law
Why should I study law?
Law is the study of the rules that govern society and the systems that enforce them. It develops analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and effective communication — skills that are highly valued in both higher education and employment. You will explore the nature of law, how it operates within society, and how it affects individuals, institutions, and justice. This course is ideal if you are interested in the legal system, current affairs, and how laws evolve to reflect social change.
Course outline
Paper 1: The nature of law and the English legal system
This paper introduces the foundations of English law, including the role of judges, juries, and Parliament. You will study how law is created, interpreted, and applied, and explore concepts such as justice and morality. Topics include statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, and law reform.
Assessed by external written examination.
Paper 2: Criminal Law and the English Legal System
You will study the principles of criminal liability, including offences against the person (such as assault, murder, and manslaughter) and offences against property (such as theft and robbery). You will also consider defences such as self-defence and intoxication.
Assessed by external written examination.
Paper 3: Tort Law and Human Rights
This paper focuses on civil law, exploring areas such as negligence, nuisance, and occupiers’ liability. Alternatively, you may study Contract Law, examining offer and acceptance, consideration, and breach of contract. You will also analyse how human rights are protected in the UK and under international law.
Assessed by external written examination.
What skills will I gain?
You will develop strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills. The course encourages logical thinking, constructing balanced arguments, and applying legal principles to real-life scenarios. These transferable skills are valued by universities and employers alike.
Entry requirements
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Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; including English and/or maths
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National data suggests successful students will have achieved an average points score of 5.0 or more including a 6 in English.
What career paths is Law suitable for?
A Level Law provides a strong foundation for university study in Law, Criminology, Politics, Business, or related fields. It can lead to careers in legal practice (solicitor, barrister, legal executive), policing, civil service, business management, and public administration.
What other courses does Law go well with?
Law complements subjects such as History, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, and English, offering a broader understanding of society and communication.