Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Law

Course Leader: Georgia Bainbridge – georgiabainbridge@kba.uk
Qualification Number: 601/9043/7

Equivalent in size to one A-Level.

WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?

Students with an interest in Applied Law are encouraged to apply. Strong communication, literacy and analytical skills will support success on the course. Achievement in GCSE English and other subjects will be considered, and all applications will be reviewed on their individual merits.

You do not need to have studied Law before starting the course. An interest in real-life issues, a willingness to research and investigate, and a commitment to completing practical assignments will help you make the most of Applied Law.

WHAT IS APPLIED LAW?

Do you want to discover how the law works in the real world? BTEC Applied Law offers a practical, hands-on approach to studying law, allowing you to explore legal issues through realistic scenarios and applied tasks.

Rather than relying solely on traditional examinations, you will complete coursework assignments that develop your research, investigation and problem-solving skills. You will also undertake supervised external assessments in which you apply your knowledge to realistic legal situations.

From investigating criminal cases to exploring how legal rules are applied, you will develop valuable skills in research, analysis and communication. You will consider how disputes can be resolved, how criminal offences are dealt with and how legal decisions affect individuals and society.

Applied Law is the ideal course for students who enjoy practical learning, investigating real-life legal issues and applying their knowledge to the world beyond the classroom.

COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS

The course is studied over two years and consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit. At KBA, students study Unit 7: Aspects of Tort as their optional unit.

Unit 1: Dispute Solving in Civil Law

You will explore how civil disputes arise and how the legal system can resolve them.

Topics include:

• The role of the civil courts and the people involved in resolving disputes
• Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation
• The law of negligence and how it applies to civil claims
• Sources of legal advice and funding
• Remedies available to claimants
• How legal principles are applied to realistic civil disputes

You will investigate how individuals can seek justice when they experience harm or loss and consider the different ways in which disputes can be resolved.

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

You will investigate how the legal system operates and how criminal law is developed and applied.

Topics include:

• How laws are made and developed
• The role of legal personnel and the criminal justice system
• The investigation and prosecution of criminal offences
• The role of legal advice and representation
• Sources of information about criminal law
• Researching legal issues and interpreting relevant information

Through coursework assignments, you will research legal information, investigate relevant sources, organise your findings and present your understanding in response to an assignment brief.

Unit 3: Applying the Law

You will apply criminal law to realistic scenarios, developing your ability to identify legal issues and reach reasoned conclusions.

Topics include:

• Criminal offences, including offences against the person and property
• Homicide offences, including murder and manslaughter
• Relevant criminal defences
• Police powers, including arrest, detention and searching
• The application of legal rules and relevant case law
• Advising on realistic criminal law situations

You will learn how to identify the relevant offences and defences, explain the legal principles and use cases to support your conclusions.

Unit 7: Aspects of Tort (Optional Unit)

You will study how tort law protects individuals, property and interests when harm or loss occurs.

Topics include:

• Psychiatric harm
• Economic loss and negligent misstatement
• Occupiers' liability
• Vicarious liability
• Private nuisance
• The rule in Rylands v Fletcher

You will explore relevant legal principles and cases, applying them to practical situations through coursework assignments.

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

The qualification is assessed through a combination of externally assessed supervised tasks and internally assessed coursework assignments.

Unit	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1: Dispute Solving in Civil Law	External supervised assessment	25%
Unit 2: Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System	Internal coursework	25%
Unit 3: Applying the Law	External supervised assessment	33⅓%
Unit 7: Aspects of Tort	Internal coursework	16⅔%

External assessments

For Unit 1, you will receive information about a case in advance to support your research before completing a supervised assessment lasting up to 1 hour 30 minutes.

For Unit 3, you will receive information about two cases in advance to prepare for a supervised assessment lasting up to two hours. You will apply your knowledge of criminal law to the scenarios and produce reasoned legal advice.

Internal coursework

For Units 2 and 7, you will complete assignments based on realistic legal situations. These will involve research, investigation, interpreting information and presenting your findings clearly.

You will build your understanding through teacher-led learning, discussion, case studies, practical activities, legal research and independent tasks. Regular feedback will help you develop your legal knowledge, improve your written work and prepare effectively for assessments.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

Throughout the course, you will develop a range of valuable skills:

• Applying legal knowledge: Use legal rules and relevant cases to explain how the law applies to a situation.
• Research and investigation: Find relevant information, interpret sources and organise evidence for assignments.
• Problem-solving and analysis: Identify key legal issues, consider how the law applies and reach reasoned conclusions.
• Communication: Present information clearly, use legal terminology accurately and support conclusions with evidence.
• Independent learning and organisation: Manage assignment tasks, meet deadlines and take responsibility for developing your understanding.
• Evaluation and judgement: Consider different arguments and possible outcomes before reaching a justified view.

PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?

Applied Law can support progression to further study, apprenticeships and employment. It is particularly relevant if you are interested in legal services, criminology or the wider criminal justice system.

Possible progression routes include:

• Law and Criminology degrees
• Legal apprenticeships and legal services
• Paralegal and legal support roles
• Policing and criminal justice
• Probation services
• Public services and the Civil Service
• Business, management and human resources

The qualification develops transferable skills that are valued across many careers, including research, communication, analysis, decision-making and problem-solving.

Whether you are considering a future in the legal profession or simply want to understand how the law affects everyday life, Applied Law provides an engaging and practical foundation for your next steps.