These distinct and complementary subjects enable you to appreciate the complex nature and diversity of today’s modern society. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the internal and external forces that shapes our lives and determine our life chances. As part of your studies you’ll assess the merits of competing theories and explanations. Your understanding will be enhanced by our links with highly renowned academics and via the additional enrichment activities on offer. Teachers within the department come from a variety of backgrounds and specialisms, bringing an often unique quality to their teaching. Having high standards and expectations means that each individual in their care is guided to achieve to the best of their ability.

The course examines the English Legal System and specific areas of Criminal and Civil law including a range of criminal offences, torts and contractual principles. You will also examine the relationship between law and society with a consideration of the philosophical basis of law in morality. This course will appeal to those who are planning a career in the legal sector or to people who are interested in the operation of law in society. The course examines the legal rules contained in case law and legislation and provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of legal terminology, methods and procedures in preparation for further study and practice.

Five GCSEs at grade 4/5 including English. It is not necessary to have any prior knowledge of the Law to succeed on this course. Most important is a strong work ethic and an interest in how the law impacts society.

Students will gain the knowledge and skills that will set you apart from law undergraduates who have not studied the subject at A level. The course develops the core legal skills of critical analysis, logical argument and counter argument, research and citation of authorities with the view of preparing you for career progression in the legal sector. These skills are transferable to almost any field of study and would provide a good basis for progression into alternative career pathways.

The course is assessed entirely by closed book examination in the second year. The assessment consists of three exams, two hours each.

• The Nature of Law: This compulsory section focuses on the nature of law. Learners will explore the nature of law in a wider context and develop their understanding of how the law interacts with morality, justice and society.
• The Legal system: This section focuses on the civil and criminal courts, the legal professions and access to justice. The processes and people involved in the law and the changing nature of the legal system.
• Law making: This section focuses on law making in England and Wales. Students will study law making methods and their underpinning concepts.
• Criminal Law: This section focuses on the rules and general elements of criminal law and provides an introduction to criminal liability through the study of offences against the person and offences against property.
• The Law of Tort: This section focuses on the rules of tort, liability in negligence, occupiers’ liability and remedies. It provides an introduction to civil liability.
• The Law of Contract: This option focuses on the central elements of contract law from the formation of contracts to their enforcement.

Learners will be expected to purchase the latest edition of the text book appropriate for the level of course they are studying.