Law is dynamic and ever changing; it regulates us in every aspect of our lives. Through studying law, you can learn to understand how and why the law affects you.

You will learn about law through a mixture of discussion, mock trials, debate and through visits to legal institutions. Regular speakers include a local barrister, solicitor and magistrates. The course aims to develop your ability to analyse and apply legal principles, construct legal arguments and draw appropriate conclusions. Throughout, critical evaluation of current legal issues will be high on the agenda. All of these skills are highly regarded by employers and make you more employable.

Year 1

Murder, manslaughter - what's the difference?
Non-fatal offences against the person
Theft, robbery and burglary
Defences: intoxication, insanity, self-defence, consent
Civil and Criminal courts
Work and training of solicitors and barristers
Role of jurors and magistrates
Parliamentary law making
Judges making the law

Year 2

Human Rights Law
History of the Human Rights Act
Impact of the Human Rights Act in the UK
How are Human Rights enforced?
The law of Tort
What's the law in personal injury cases?
What's the law on keeping your home safe for visitors?
What is justice?
Should judges make law?
What's the difference between law and morality?

Sophie King

Studied: Law, Psychology, English Language + AS Politics & Anthropology

Progression: Law at University of Sussex

Studied: Law, Psychology, English Language + AS Politics & Anthropology

Progression: Law at University of Sussex

Sophie took a gap year to go travelling and during that time visited Thailand and New Zealand and then lived and worked in Australia for 8 months. After her gap year she studied Law at the University of Sussex and graduated in 2018. She has recently landed a job with Sussex Police and began her 15 weeks training in Spring 2019, after which she will be posted into the Brighton and Hove division to pursue her career as a Police Constable. She then plans to work her way up before hopefully becoming a Detective Constable.

Sophie says: "Enjoy your time at college as it allows you to figure out who you are and what path you want to take. Fully delve into all your subjects as you may be surprised which ones you end up pursuing in the long run."

Course Essentials

Courses Available

A Level

Entry Requirements

PLUS

Grade 5 in GCSE English
Grade 4 in GCSE Maths

How The Course is Assessed

100% exam - 3 papers, 2 hours each

Career Pathways

A Level Law is a sound foundation for a broad range of degree courses and law/business related careers and other work including: journalism, management, and politics.

Transferable Skills

Time management; handling complex information; constructing clear arguments; writing concisely; effective communication; problem solving; confident working in teams and alone.

Other Information

Students also regularly visit courts, including the Supreme Court and High Court in London. Field trips also really help develop understanding and last year students were involved in a Human Rights Symposium in London and worked with the Lawyer portal to develop understanding of the profession. In previous years there have been opportunities to consider Human Rights in Amsterdam and The Hague and explore the UN in New York. As well as taking part in national competitions, last year, two students reached the national Legal Apprenticeship finals out of 1000’s of entries.

Enquiries To

Ben Foley: bjf@varndean.ac.uk