Law A Level / BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Qualification:

A Level

Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate

Entry requirements:    

Five GCSEs including Maths & English Language: a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade 4 and two GCSEs at Grade 5.

A Level Law requires a GCSE Grade 5 in English Language.

The type of qualification students will study will be finalised at enrolment taking into account overall GCSE performance.

Overview

Law is the study of the English legal system, how laws are made, and how justice is applied. Both the A Level and BTEC routes develop your ability to think logically, analyse issues, and apply legal principles to real-world situations. A Level Law is more academic and essay-based, while the BTEC offers a more applied, coursework-focused route.

What you will study

• A Level Law (OCR): You will study the nature of law, the English legal system, and areas of substantive law including criminal law, tort law, and contract law. The course also examines the role of judges, Parliament, and the legal profession.
• BTEC Law (Pearson Edexcel): You will study dispute resolution, criminal law, tort, and contract law through real-life scenarios. Learning is applied and practical, linking legal principles to everyday situations.

Assessment

• A Level Law (OCR): 100% written examinations at the end of Year 2.
• BTEC Law (Pearson Edexcel): A mix of coursework and external exams – Year 1: 50% coursework, 50% external exam; Year 2: 40% coursework, 60% external exam.

Skills you will develop

Across both pathways you will develop analytical thinking, case analysis, legal research, essay writing, and problem-solving. The A Level pathway places greater emphasis on extended writing and evaluation, while the BTEC pathway builds practical application skills through assignments and projects.

Future Pathways

Both qualifications prepare you for university courses in law, criminology, politics, and business. They also open pathways into careers in the legal profession, civil service, public services, policing, journalism, and management.

Exam Board:

A Level: OCR

BTEC: Pearson Edexcel

We have made every effort to ensure that the information displayed is accurate. The College reserves the right to make changes and cannot accept liability arising out of, or in connection with any revision.