If you are thinking about studying Law at university, this course gives you a strong head start. But even if you are unsure about your future career path, Law A level teaches you how to negotiate and argue your point with confidence, understand complex information, and form balanced opinions—skills that are useful for life in general.

What will we study?

The OCR A Level Law course covers key areas of English legal system and substantive law. Students study how laws are made, including Acts of Parliament and judicial precedent, and the role of legal personnel like judges and solicitors. The course explores criminal law (e.g. offences like murder and theft), tort law (e.g. negligence and occupiers' liability), and human rights. It also considers the nature of law in society, including morality, justice, and the rule of law. You will learn a lot of memorable cases and develop critical thinking skills. You will also develop public speaking skills and be able to apply legal principles to scenarios as well as evaluating the law and proposed reforms.

Do I need to know anything about law before I start the course?

No, you don’t need to know anything about law before starting Law A level. The course is designed for beginners and starts with the basics, so everything you need to know will be taught from there. You’ll learn about how laws are made, how the legal system works, and explore interesting topics like criminal law, tort law, and human rights. All you need is an interest in the subject, a willingness to think critically, and a curiosity about how rules and justice shape society. No prior knowledge is expected or required—just come ready to learn!

What careers will Law A level be useful for?

Law A level is useful for a wide range of careers—not just becoming a lawyer or working in the legal system. It helps you build a wide range of skills like critical thinking, analysis, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable in many jobs. Law is a useful subject for the following careers:

Solicitor or barrister

Police eg an officer or detective

Probation officer or prison officer

Journalist or broadcaster

Civil servant or government policy adviser

Human resources

Social worker or youth worker

Paralegal or legal executive

Banking and finance

Politician or political researcher

What are the entry requirements?

To study Law A level, you don’t need any previous knowledge of the subject, but strong written communication skills are important. You should be confident expressing your ideas clearly in writing and willing to learn and understand a lot of new information. An interest in current affairs, debating, and problem-solving can also be helpful for success in the course.

Are there any trips?

During the course we will visit the local Crown Court, as well as the Magistrates’ Court. You will be able to witness law in action and watch criminal cases. These can range from minor driving offences in the Magistrates’ Court to murder and robbery cases in the Crown Court.

Speakers will be invited in to talk to you about their work in the legal system. You will get the opportunity to meet magistrates, police, politicians and local law firms. This will enable you to learn more about work they do and also it is a great networking opportunity.

 

 

If you have any subject specific questions that you'd like to ask.  You are very welcome to contact the relevant Head of Subject.  To find their email address click on Teaching Staff.  For general enquiries, contact the 6th Form Team.