Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas
According to Thomas Reuters, 88% of UK law firms want to see more diversity in their recruits
If you choose to study law, you are choosing a lively, vibrant subject that is always current and relevant. A strong legal system is the basis of every society. The law affects all aspects of human endeavour and we can see the effects of law in disciplines such as arts and media, business, sciences, sports and entertainment. In almost everything we do, we are governed by and protected by law.
As individuals, we rely on the law to protect our rights as consumers, to regulate businesses and to make sure that our health and safety is safeguarded. As employees, the law makes sure that we are fairly treated and free from exploitation through rules on working time, paid holiday, equal pay and much more.
The business world could not exist without the safety net of contract law below it, ensuring that promises are kept and that those who suffer loss are compensated fairly. Many professionals (such as accountants) are required to study some law to understand their responsibilities. By studying this A-level in Law, you will develop an understanding of the legal system that will serve you well in any profession.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
Course breakdown
To achieve your Law A-level, you must study the following topics, and also choose one of the optional modules:
The Nature of Law
- Law and morals
- Law and justice
- Law and society
The English Legal System
- How law is made and developed
- The criminal process
- The civil court process
Criminal Law
- Elements of criminal liability
- Fatal offences against the person
- Non-fatal offences against the person
- Property offences
- Defences to crime
Law of Tort
- Negligence (personal injury and damage to property)
- Torts related to property
- Defences
- Remedies
- Vicarious liability
Human Rights (optional)
- The rules of Human Rights law
- Protection of individual’s rights and freedoms
- Exploration of specific rights and freedoms (including the right to a private and family life, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association)
- The right to freedom of expression
- Restrictions on human rights
- Enforcement of human rights
- Reform of human rights law in the UK
Contract Law (optional)
- The formation of contracts
- Contractual terms
- Factors that can invalidate a contract
- Ending a contract
- Remedies
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:
- your knowledge and understanding of the legal system and legal rules and principles
- your ability to apply the law to different scenarios to present legal arguments and reach reasoned conclusions
- the ability to analyse and evaluate legal rules, principles, concepts and issues
Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally.
What will this course prepare you for?
If you aspire to a legal career as a solicitor or barrister, A-level Law will help you develop an understanding of the legal system and develop the skills you need to study law at a higher level. You may choose to progress to a degree in law or take a work-based route into the legal system through an apprenticeship.
You may also wish to explore other career options within the legal system such as the police force, probation, prisons or the courts service. Legal knowledge and skills are also beneficial if you wish to pursue a career in business.
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Lawyer
Average Salary: £50,000
Barrister
Average Salary: £89,200
Legal executive
Average Salary: £35,000
Police officer
Average Salary: £30,000
Probation officer
Average Salary: £37,000
Our new sixth form centre
University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
