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Certificate of Higher Education in Law - Learning outcomes

Educational aims

This certificate aims to provide you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interest in the law and legal system of England and Wales. Upon completion of your studies you should be able to explain how the legal system operates and some of the provisions of criminal and tort law. You will also have some understanding of the operation of the criminal and civil justice systems and of what the law means for you individually and the society in which you live. You will also be able to identify how criminal and tort law affects others and recognise some instances where these areas of law are enabling social justice, fairness or equal opportunities in society or are failing to protect the vulnerable.

Your legal studies will:

  • provide you with the opportunity to gain an introductory knowledge and familiarity with the legal system of England and Wales,
  • provide you with the opportunity to gain a limited knowledge of the role and function of law in an increasingly globalised world
  • enable you to become independent learners, and to develop other associated and transferable skills and attributes
  • provide those who wish to continue their education with the intellectual and practical skills necessary to do this effectively.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you will have some knowledge and understanding of the:

  • concepts, values, rules and principles of the legal system of England and Wales, and awareness of some of the powers exercised by the devolved legislatures in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
  • areas of substantive law of England and Wales and their impact on individuals and society
  • social, political, economic, historical and ethical dimensions of law.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

  • ask and answer appropriate questions about criminal and tort law and the legal system of England and Wales, identifying gaps in your own knowledge
  • apply legal principles and authority to develop reasoned answers to questions.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

  • conduct basic legal research with clear guidance
  • identify, retrieve and start to evaluate legal information from a range of electronic or other sources
  • acknowledge the sources of information that you have used, in a style appropriate to the task.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • communicate relevant ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • work with a limited range of different textual, numerical and statistical data 
  • reflect on your own learning and development, making effective use of feedback, and demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge and correct errors.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course materials; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.