A / AS Level Law
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PDF version- Course Description
- Entry Requirements
- Progression & Assessment
- Duration & Location
- Fees
- Further Information
Course Description
What is the subject about?:
This subject relates to the law in England. In year one students will gain an understanding of the English Legal System. In year two students have the opportunity to look at a main area of law. (Criminal Law at the time of writing).
Course Content:
In the first year you will study AS level Law. This comprises two modules, English Legal System ( G151) and Sources of Law (G152). In the second year you will study another two modules which lead to the full A level, these are Criminal law (G153) and the Criminal Law (Special Study) (G154).
Year 1 – AS Law
The first module is Sources of Law and involves looking at how and why the law is made and how it applies. You will cover;
- Judicial lawmaking
- Legislation
- EU Law
- Law Reform
The second module is the English Legal System and includes;
- Police powers
- Criminal procedure and courts
- Sentencing
- Civil courts
- Alternatives to courts
- Judges
- Legal profession
- Magistrates and juries
- Legal services and funding
Year 2 – A level
In year two students will study one area of law in considerable detail. At the time of writing, this is Criminal Law, the first module is entitled Criminal Law. The topics covered are;
- principles of liability
- murder
- special defences to murder
- diminished responsibility
- provocation, manslaughter
- assaults
- theft
- robbery
- burglary
- self – defence
- consent
- insanity
- intoxication
- duress/necessity
- automatism
The second module is the Criminal Law Special Study, where the exam is based on a set of case studies following research from pre-seen materials.
Teaching and Learning Styles
The syllabus is set by the OCR Examination Board. It includes formal input, discussions, role play, case studies and court visits. An integral part of the learning process is the sharing of knowledge and experience. Students are encouraged to take on a degree of responsibility for their learning.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, to include English Language. Mature students will be considered by interview with course tutor. In some circumstances it may be possible to undertake the full A level in one year by combining AS and A2.
Progression & Assessment
There are a number of ‘in class’ activities to engage students and help them understand and learn the law, but the outcomes for both AS and A2 are based solely on exam performance.
| Examination Board | OCR (AS H134) (A H534) |
| Assessment | 100% Examination |
| Programme Co-ordinator | Hilton Spratt |
| Teaching Staff | Hilton Spratt, Michelle Rawlings |
Where can this subject lead me?
The AS in Law can be a stand alone qualification. Most students however decide on successful completion of the first year of studies to carry on into year two. Having completed the A level in Law a number of career paths are open to students. There are a number of options. Many students pursue their interest in law to degree level and beyond, with past students becoming solicitors or barristers. Other students opt for degree courses other than law. in many cases students gain employment in a number of fields with Law being one of their qualifications.
Duration & Location
One year for AS Level; a further one year for A2.
AS Level: 4.5 hours per week, in three sessions, over 1 year
Advanced Level: 4.5 hours per week, in three sessions over 1 year
Starts September each year.
Fees
If you are under 19 on the 31 August when your course begins and are full-time, you will be entitled to free tuition and no examination fees wherever you live provided you are a European Union Community National. Mature students may well qualify for free tuition and no examination fees, please ask Student Services for details.
Further Information
Hilton Spratt
School of Access and Advanced Education
01522 876000 Ext 6635
