Have you ever considered a career in law, criminology, or the justice system? If you have an eye for detail, a strong sense of justice, or a passion for debate, our Law pathway could be the perfect fit for you!

Law plays a crucial role in shaping society, from criminal justice to human rights and business regulations. At The Sheffield Sixth Form, we offer a dedicated Law pathway, helping students build the skills needed for legal careers or university.

In this blog, we’ll explore the Law pathway A Levels available, extra learning opportunities, and the careers this subject can lead to.

Already convinced? Apply now to one of our Law pathways.

What is Law and Why is it Important?

The law governs every aspect of modern society, from protecting human rights to regulating businesses and enforcing justice. Studying law helps students develop problem-solving abilities, ethical reasoning and practical communication skills. This makes it an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers.

With our Law pathways, you’ll soon be able to apply your knowledge to analyse and answer problems based on legal principles. As you’d expect, studying this A Level will also allow you to communicate very persuasive legal arguments.

Given its broad application, we offer two Law pathways at The Sheffield Sixth Form: Policing and Lawyer. No matter your choice, one of your core A Levels will be Law or BTEC Law. And, The Sheffield Sixth Form is one of the few providers of the Law A Level in the region.

Law Pathways at The Sheffield Sixth Form

Like all our pathways, we aim to support a career outcome no matter what you study. To help you choose A Levels that complement one another, we've grouped them into the following options:

• Policing (Criminology and Law or BTEC Law)

• Lawyer (Psychology and Law or BTEC Law)

Alongside your chosen option, you can also select another A Level from the below list:

• Business Studies

• English Language

• History

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Politics

These courses provide a strong academic foundation and are ideal for students planning to progress to university.

Emily Peaker studied Criminology and Law, and says: “My experience of studying at The Sheffield Sixth Form has been one that has been immersing as I have found my subjects interesting. I have met some amazing people and I have become more confident and had some great guidance.”

Policing Pathway: Why Criminology?

An understanding of crime, types of crime and how they are perceived is essential for anyone considering a career in policing. Alongside your Law course, you’ll study:

• Why people commit crimes.

• What happens between the crime being committed to a sentence being given.

• The skills needed to examine sensitive information.

Lawyer Pathway: Why Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behaviour and aims to explain how we develop and predict patterns of behaviour. And the skills you'll learn in psychology go hand in hand with those you’ll need for your course in Law.

For example, you'll develop critical reasoning skills (essential for any degree course), learn to analyse and understand data, and practice how to make your arguments clearly.

Hands-On Learning

At The Sheffield Sixth Form, our law students have a practical learning experience designed to develop real-world skills:

• Mock Trials & Legal Debates – Students participate in courtroom simulations and legal discussions

• Legal Case Studies – Explore high-profile cases to understand legal reasoning

• Guest Lectures & Industry Insights – Hear from barristers, solicitors, and criminal justice professionals

• Legal Research Resources – Access to digital case law databases and legal texts

Where Next?

A Law qualification can open doors to higher education, Apprenticeships, and employment in legal or criminal justice fields.

Higher Education

Many Law students progress to top universities, studying subjects such as Law, Criminology, and Forensic Psychology. We provide personalised UCAS application support to help students attend their dream universities.

Learn how we support student career progression.

Legal Apprenticeships and Paralegal Work

If you don't fancy university, there are paralegal Apprenticeships and legal administrative roles that provide practical experience while working towards professional qualifications.

Criminal Justice Careers

Law and criminology students often go on to careers in policing, forensics, probation services, and social justice. The skills developed in legal studies are also highly transferable across industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at debating to study Law?

Not necessarily! Law students develop communication and persuasion skills over time.

What’s the difference between A Level Law and BTEC Applied Law?

Law A Level is more academic and theoretical, whereas BTEC includes more coursework and practical application.

Can I go to university with a BTEC in Law?

Yes! Many universities accept BTECs for Law and Criminology degrees.

What careers can Law and Criminology lead to?

Law qualifications can lead to careers as solicitors, paralegals, police officers, legal researchers, or forensic analysts, and there are many more!

Are there extracurricular activities related to Law?

Absolutely. The Sheffield Sixth Form has a Debate Club, and even opportunities for court visits.

Final thoughts

Studying Law at The Sheffield Sixth Form provides an exciting, hands-on experience. Whether you want to uphold the law, set new policies to keep communities safe or challenge evidence in court, our Law pathways will set you up perfectly.

Ready to explore Law at The Sheffield Sixth Form? Apply now via our website.