Entry Requirements

GCSE History, Geography or Religious Studies Grade 4 or Higher. 

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Why Study Applied Law?

What rights does an individual have if stopped and searched by the police? What constitutes self-defence in a criminal case? In what circumstances can the charge of murder be reduced to manslaughter? The answers to these questions and more are waiting to be discovered in the BTEC Applied Law Course at RR6. The course is exciting and enjoyable and is designed not only for those wishing to pursue a career in Law, but also for those who wish to become more empowered about their rights and responsibilities. It also caters for students who enjoy expressing their opinion, learning about laws that affect everyday life and for those who are aiming to improve their intellectual and academic skills. 

Through the study of Applied Law, students will:​​

• ​Develop and sustain an enjoyment and knowledge of law in England and Wales​

• Develop techniques such as critical thought, presentation skills, analytical and problem solving skills; all of which are highly desirable in the workplace and higher education

• Open doors to different career paths for those who wish to work within the legal sector, civil service, politics and many more

What Topics Will I Study?

Units 1 & 2 are studied in Year 12 and Units 3 & 4 are studied in Year 13.

Unit 1 – Dispute Solving in Civil Law 

Students explore how civil disputes are resolved, both in the courts and by alternative means. They will examine the making and working of precedent and its application in the law of negligence. Assessment is through a task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions.

Unit 2 – Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System 

Students research how laws are made and interpreted, who advises and decides on the outcome of criminal cases and the punishments that can be imposed if laws are broken. They will then present advice to clients on non–fatal offence case studies. This is internally assessed.

Unit 3 – Applying the Law 

Students examine the law related to specific crimes, including homicide and offences against property. They will explore the police procedures for dealing with such offences. Assessment is through a task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions.

Unit 4 – Family Law 

Students study laws within the family unit, including marriage and civil partnerships, divorce and annulment and child custody. The rights of children are also explored. This unit is also internally assessed

How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will experience a range of teaching activities on the course and are encouraged to share their views within small groups to whole class debates. In the external assessments, students will be required to relate their knowledge to a scenario and pick out the key details within that in order to conclude on possible liability for the decided offence. The internally assessed modules are designed to develop learners’ research, writing skills and ability to complete set tasks within a deadline.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

The Law qualification is widely held in high regard by employers across many industries as the course helps students to develop vital skills, knowledge and understanding. With further training, this course is a sound grounding from which to enter into a career in the legal profession such as a solicitor, barrister or paralegal. Law is also an excellent foundation on which to build a career in the police, as a teacher/lecturer, as a legal secretary or within the civil service or political arena. Employers value this course due to the range of analytical skills and focus on independent learning which students develop during the course. There are also a growing number of apprenticeships available in the legal sector.

Other Opportunities  Available Whilst Studying this Course

There will also be opportunities for employer involvement in the form of guest speakers, such as solicitors, barristers, magistrates and police officers. There will also be opportunities to visit a Magistrate's Court and/or the Crown Court.

Other Information

The content of this qualification has been developed to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. It includes the opportunity to develop the research, communication, presentation, decision-making and critical-thinking skills valued by higher education. In addition, employers have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the legal sector. 

The qualification carries UCAS points and if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualifications learners have taken. The qualification can also support progression to employment directly or via an Apprenticeship.