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Law
Law & Social Sciences
If you are interested in how the laws
that affect all our lives are
developed and implemented, if you
are interested in a legal career then
A level Law is for you. This course
involves the study of the main
principles of the English legal system.
Where does our law come from? How
does the law work? What powers do
the police have? What is the role of
judges, barristers, solicitors? Who
funds litigation? There will be visits to
the courts in Birmingham to watch the
law ‘in action’ and the Old Bailey and
Supreme Court in London. At A2, you
will specialise in one of the substantive
areas of tort, crime or contract law.
Studying Law will enable you to
develop your analytical and evaluative
skills whilst also improving your
communication skills through
classroom discussions and group
work. There is no coursework.
What can it lead to?
An A level in Law is especially useful if
you are considering a law degree or a
career in the legal profession, because
it allows you to better understand what
law is and the training and academic
demands of joining the legal
profession. Law also provides career
opportunities in business, commerce
and local government.
Additional information
You will need to be interested in, and
prepared to discuss current legal
issues. Students can take part in the
‘Bar National Mock Trial’. This is an
opportunity to develop advocacy skills
and put them to the test in Birmingham
Crown Court. Many of our students go
on to become lawyers. No previous
knowledge of law is needed.
Psychology
Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia can affect around 1% of the population.
Psychology is the theoretical study of the human mind and behaviour that is
helping improve our understanding of all sorts of issues from mental illness to
personal phobias. Are you interested in learning why the brains of males
function differently to those of females, why some people are racist or whether
your dreams have meaning? If so, psychology could be for you.
The course develops your communication, data analysis and information technology
skills, making psychology relevant to a wide variety of courses and careers, as well as
a great subject to help create a balanced programme.
During the AS year you will conduct a number of practical investigations which you
will be expected to report upon, and refer to, during exams. The A2 year further
develops your theoretical knowledge through options such as criminal, child and
clinical psychology. Outside the classroom you will deepen your understanding of
concepts taught through activities such as prison visits and trips to the Freud
Museum in London and a visit to Vienna, the birthplace of Freud.
What can it lead to?
Psychology can lead into many varied careers ranging from health and social welfare
occupations and teaching, through to commercially focussed careers including
advertising, marketing, sales and staff recruitment. High grades combined with
specialist degrees open up opportunities for professional psychologist roles such as
educational, clinical, or forensic psychologists.
Additional information
No previous knowledge of psychology is required, just a critical mind, a willingness to
work hard, and a natural interest in human behaviour.
40 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk