About the course

The Pearson BTEC National Certificate in Applied Law is an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education. The qualification is equivalent in size to half an A Level and aims to provide a basic introduction to the legal sector.

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. It includes the opportunity to develop the research, communication and critical-thinking skills valued by higher education. In addition, employers have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the legal sector.

Key units

• dispute solving in civil law - external assessed
• investigating aspects of criminal law and the legal system - internal
• applying the law - external

The optional units have been designed to support choices for further study, preferred interest or employment needs. They support the mandatory unit content and link with relevant occupational areas, students must cover one optional unit. They cover content areas in:

• aspects of family law - internal
• consumer law - internal
• contract law - internal
• aspects of tort - internal

Assessment

The styles of external assessment:

• examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome
• set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task

The styles of internal assessment:

• write up the findings of their own research
• use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations
• demonstrate practical and communication skills using appropriate presentations and role play.

Where does this lead?
A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it's not the only path you can choose. Many career options are available to you beyond the legal profession, including:

• Barrister/Barrister’s Clerk
• Solicitor
• Patent Attorney
• Chartered Legal Executive
• Paralegal
• Company Secretary
• Police
• Probation and Prison Service
• The Crown Prosecution Service
• Licensed Conveyancer
• Advice Worker
• Chartered Accountant
• Civil Service Administrator
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Mediator
• Financial Services
• Stockbroker
• Trading Standards Officer

Future opportunities

The qualification carries UCAS points, it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualifications learners have taken. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers. The qualification can also support progression to employment directly or via an Apprenticeship

How does the qualification provide employability skills?

In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.