Applied Law
Why study Applied Law?
The law of a country affects every aspect of its citizens’ lives. It can determine who we are – child or adult, male or female, citizen or alien; even whether we are human. It tells us what we can or can’t do – e.g. where we can live, who we can live with and, in exceptional cases, whether we will be given longer to live, or will be denied life-saving treatment. If we disobey the law we can be punished. If you would enjoy examining the rules that govern your life, finding out how these are enforced and challenging your ideas of morals and justice then you will find this an exciting challenge.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
The Course
The course will give students a working understanding of the English legal system; vital for those wishing to enter a law-based profession. In particular, you will become familiar with the various people involved in the legal system; both professionals and members of the public. You will also gain a knowledge of the process by which laws are created by judges and Parliament. You will use this knowledge as a foundation from which to study the substantive law; the law that applies to all citizens. You will study a range of crimes, including non-fatal offences against the person, murder, manslaughter and property offences, and examine the area of tort law, in particular the tort of negligence.
Course Activities
- Students learn through a variety of activities, including:
- Class debates and discussions.
- Individual and group presentations.
- Written reports.
- Regular individual and group IT research projects.
- Trips to Luton Crown Court, The Old Bailey and The Royal Courts of Justice.
- Talks by visitors from the legal profession.
- Role plays, including production of mini ‘films’ about legal cases and issues.
- Voluntary support sessions.
We recommend that you devote 4.5 hours of private study time per week to this subject.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Many of our Applied Law students have gone onto study the subject at degree level at university. BTECs are also valued by employers, and the skills and knowledge you will gain in this course will be useful if you wish to enter the legal profession as a legal secretary or legal executive, to work for the police, social services or local government, or in the area of business.
Course Structure and Assessment
The BTEC extended certificate is the equivalent of one A-level course in size. It can be studied alongside A-levels or other BTEC subjects. The certificate course is the equivalent in size to half an A-level. Most students will study for 2 years and complete the extended certificate.
| Unit title and content | Assessment |
| Unit Titles and Content (Year 1) | |
| Unit 1: Dispute Solving in Civil Law You shall study aspects of civil law: in particular how civil disputes are resolved. You shall gain an oversight of some of the procedure required to bring a civil case, in particular looking at sources of advice, funding and alternatives to court. You will also gain an oversight into the elements of a claim in negligence. | Externally assessed - 90 minute examined assessment based on a pre-released case study |
| Unit 2: Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System You shall study aspects of criminal law: in particular, the non-fatal offenses of assault, battery, ABH and GBH. You shall also examinethe various sentences available to the criminal courts. You will also explore how Parliament and other bodies make law. | Internally assessed - written or verbal presentations |
| Unit Titles and Content (Year 2) | |
| Unit 3: Applying the Law You shall study further aspects of criminal law; the fatal offenses of murder and manslaughter as well as the property offenses of theft, robbery, burglary, fraud and criminal damage. You will explore various defenses available to offenses. You shall also discover the powers that the police have to stop, search, arrest and detain individuals. | Externally assessed – 2 hour examined assessment based on a pre-released case study |
| Unit 7: Aspects of Tort You shall study further aspects of civil law; the areas of psychiatric harm, negligent misstatement, nuisance and Occupier’s liability. This will enhance your understanding of the law on negligence. | Internally assessed - written or verbal presentations |
Additional Information
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel