Law (Applied) (BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language; a grade C in another traditional Humanities subject is desirable.

About the Subject

A new subject to most, Law offers an insight to the workings of the English Legal System.

Some choose the subject intending to study it at University, some to complement other subject choices and others simply out of curiosity.

Whichever is the case, this course is assessed entirely by coursework, and offers an interesting and often challenging view of English law. Although not essential, an interest in (or awareness of) current affairs is helpful.

The BTEC Level 3 courses in Applied Law give students the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life and to allow access to employment opportunities in the legal sector. The specification is designed to appeal to those interested in a career in law.

Course Content

Year 1

The first year comprises three mandatory units. The first, Dispute Solving in the Legal System, focuses on the courts and the people working in them. Students will visit the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts in Leeds in support of a largely practical unit which will provide an opportunity for participation in the College’s mock trial competition. There will be Q&A sessions with local Magistrates and members of the legal profession in an effort to understand what working in this field is really like.

The second unit, Understanding Law Making, focuses on how the law of England and Wales is actually made, along with the impact of EU law.

Finally, the third unit entitled Aspects of Legal Liability is where students get the chance to deal with substantive law for the first time. Both halves of the English Legal System will be studied, ie both criminal law and civil law, as students get to grips with the non-fatal offences of assault, battery, actual and grievous bodily harm, as well as the more ‘gentle’ sort of negligence!

Each unit will be assessed through the completion of presentations, reports, leaflets, posters and other similar methods.

Year 2

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma offers a broad choice of three from seven options, ranging from Unlawful Homicide and Police Powers to Aspects of Employment Law and Aspects of Family Law. The options will ensure once again that both civil and criminal halves of the English Legal System are covered.

Whichever options are undertaken, students continue to build upon the knowledge and skills gained during the first year (especially problem solving), and will have the opportunity to participate in visits relevant to their chosen option.

Assessment

All six units are assessed by coursework throughout the year, enabling students throughout the course to have a realistic expectation of their final grade.