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Law

A Level Law is a popular course that attracts students with a wide range of interests. While some are considering a future legal career, many choose the subject to better understand how the law affects everyday life.

This course develops your ability to analyse legal issues, construct arguments and evaluate different perspectives within the English legal system.

Law
Qualification
A Level
Duration
2 years

Why study Law at St Brendan’s?

Law helps you understand the rules that govern society and develops key transferable skills such as analysis, argument and evaluation. It is a useful subject whether you plan to pursue a legal career or simply want to develop critical thinking skills.

The course is suitable for students with a broad range of interests and career ambitions.

Entry requirements

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above
  • GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade 5
  • GCSE Maths Grade 3 or above

What else do I need to know?

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade 5

GCSE Maths Grade 3 or above

Students should have strong literacy skills, as the course involves significant reading, writing and memorisation.

Component 1: The Nature of Law and the English Legal System (25%)

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Section A – Law making and the nature of law

Two short answer questions and one scenario based question.

Section B – The English legal system and the nature of law

One question from a choice of two essay type questions, each consisting of part a) and b).

Component 2: Substantive Law in Practice (37.5%)

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

One scenario based question from three different sections, selected from:

Section A - Law of contract (private law)

Section B - Law of tort (private law)

Section C - Criminal law (public law)

Section D - Human rights law (public law)

Component 3: Perspectives of Substantive Law (37.5%)

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

One essay question from three different sections, selected from:

Section A - Law of contract (private law)

Section B - Law of tort (private law)

Section C - Criminal law (public law)

Section D - Human rights law (public law)

Please Note: Entry requirements are subject to change.

Teaching includes a variety of methods, such as:

Lectures and case studies

Group discussions

Moots (mock trials)

Student presentations

Students are expected to:

Complete background reading

Produce detailed notes

Practice exam‑style essay questions

Assessment is based entirely on written exam papers at the end of two years.

Students are supported through regular practice questions and feedback to develop exam technique and analytical writing skills.

Online e‑book access

Virtual learning environment

Detailed student workbooks

College library with relevant legal texts

There are no required course charges.

However, students may need to contribute towards optional visits, depending on participation.

Law can be combined with a wide range of A Level subjects. Students should consider their overall study programme and ensure it supports their future goals.

A Level Law supports progression into:

Law degrees and related subjects

University courses across a range of disciplines

Careers where analytical, evaluative and communication skills are required

The course is valuable both for students pursuing legal careers and those entering other professions.

Students have access to enrichment opportunities, including:

Visits to Bristol Law Courts

Opportunities to visit a law library

Guest speakers and real‑world legal insights

These experiences help students understand how law operates in practice.

Students go on to a wide variety of university courses and careers, supported by the strong analytical and communication skills developed during the course.

Progression opportunities

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