If you're thinking about studying law at university or getting into the legal profession through an apprenticeship, this course, though not an essential requirement, can be a useful preparation. You don't need to have studied law at GCSE to do the A level but you should have strong analytical skills, enjoy reading and essay writing. Law will give you transferable skills such as analysing, thinking critically, problem solving and communicating effectively that are useful for a range of careers. If you are aiming to study a law degree, taking this subject alongside strong facilitating subjects may broaden the range of institutions to which you can apply. You'll cover the main principles of English law, learning about the nature of the legal system, the processes of law making and law reform and the important careers available in the sector. You'll develop an understanding of the civil and criminal courts and the ways in which the legal system is accessed and funded. You'll investigate criminal and tort law, learn about the role of parliament and the judiciary and the impact of European Union law. You'll develop your understanding of legal method and apply what you have learned to problems based on legal principles, legislation and case law. There's an opportunity to study either human rights law or the law of contract. By the end of the course you'll be able to analyse and interpret legal problems, apply the rules and principles of law to them and formulate logical legal arguments.