Course Overview

Understand the foundations of justice, legal reasoning, and rights in society with our A level Law course.

A level Law is a fascinating subject that introduces students to the structure, purpose, and operation of legal systems in England and Wales.

Law stands out at A level for its blend of real-world relevance and analytical challenge. Students explore key areas such as the English legal system, criminal law, tort law, and human rights—developing a clear understanding of how laws are created, interpreted, and applied in society.

This A level course not only builds legal knowledge but also strengthens skills in reasoning, argument, critical thinking, and essay writing. With flexible online learning, A level Law provides excellent preparation for university or careers in law, public service, criminology, or politics.

  • 25%
pass rate at A* in 2024

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Law at a glance

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Exam board

AQA 7162

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included with your course:

  • Martin & Price, AQA A level Law for Year 1/AS, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Russell, S (2017) Criminal law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Tort law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Human rights for AQA A Level
  • Russell, S (2018) The nature of law for AQA A Level Part 2
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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7162

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included with your course:

  • Martin & Price, AQA A level Law for Year 1/AS, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Russell, S (2017) Criminal law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Tort law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Human rights for AQA A Level
  • Russell, S (2018) The nature of law for AQA A Level Part 2
course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7162

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included with your course:

  • Martin & Price, AQA A level Law for Year 1/AS, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Russell, S (2017) Criminal law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Tort law for AQA A Level Part 2
  • Russell, S (2018) Human rights for AQA A Level
  • Russell, S (2018) The nature of law for AQA A Level Part 2
education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
  • 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course

Why study A level Law

Future opportunities

  • Studying a law course at university.
  • Working in the legal profession as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive.
  • A wide range of rewarding career paths in fields such as the civil service, social research, policing, education, HR, charity, journalism and marketing.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Law-making

  • The nature of law and the rule of law
  • Parliamentary law-making
  • Delegated legislation
  • Statutory interpretation
  • Judicial precedent
  • Law reform
  • European law
Section 2

The English legal system

  • The civil courts and alternative dispute resolution
  • Criminal courts and sentencing
  • Lay people
  • Legal personnel
  • The judiciary
  • Access to justice and funding
Section 3

Criminal law

  • General rules of criminal law
  • Actus reus
  • Mens rea
  • Strict liability
  • Common assault and actual bodily harm
  • Grievous bodily harm and wounding
Section 4

Tort

  • General rules of tort and duty of care
  • Breach of duty
  • Causation of damage
  • Occupiers’ liability to visitors
  • Occupiers’ liability to trespassers
  • Remedies
SECTION 5

Criminal law – offences against the person

  • Criminal theory and murder
  • Voluntary manslaughter: loss of control
  • Voluntary manslaughter: diminished responsibility
  • Involuntary manslaughter
SECTION 6

Criminal law – property offences

  • Theft
  • Robbery and attempt
  • Capacity defences
  • Necessity defences
SECTION 7

Tort

  • Theory of tort and economic loss
  • Psychiatric harm
  • Nuisance and the escape of dangerous things
  • Vicarious liability, general and special defences
SECTION 8

Human rights 1

  • Theory and history of human rights
  • The right to life and the right to liberty
  • Rights and restrictions under Articles 8, 10 and 11
SECTION 9

Human rights 2

  • English Law and Articles 8, 10 and 11
  • Balancing the rights and enforcement
  • Criticisms and reform of human rights
SECTION 10

Nature of law

  • Law and morality
  • Law and justice
  • Law and society: fault
  • Law and society: balancing competing interests

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    People who study A level Law also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.