While it may not seem like the biggest decision at the time, selecting A-level subjects is a crucial part of your academic career that plays a significant role in deciding your path toward a fulfilling legal career.
The truth is your preparation for a law degree begins much sooner than you might have thought. Getting the grades you need to study law at university is no easy feat, but what if we told you the buck doesn’t stop there?
Whether a subject is specifically required for a law degree or not, there are a number of topics that can provide a solid foundation for your studies. That’s where we come in. In this article, we will take a look at the A-level subjects that you might want to consider taking if you’re setting your sights on studying law after school.
We will also take a look at the requirements of leading law degrees in the UK as well as what choices are most suitable for the different law specialisations.
Key takeaways:
- Universities typically look for five GCSEs with grades ranging from 9 to 4
- There are often set minimum requirements for English and Mathematics
- English Literature, History, Politics, Religious Studies, Politics and Psychology are among the most helpful A-level subjects for law.
Why A-Levels Are Important for Studying Law
Making informed choices about your A-level subjects can set a strong foundation for your future success and will make the transition to university easier since you’ll have an easier time keeping up with the pace of your course.
While it's not always necessary to have attained a specific grade in an A-level subject for admission to universities, certain subjects can equip you with the skills needed to excel in a law degree program.
A law conversion course provides a gateway for students who might not have a background in law but wish to pursue a legal career.
Universities typically look for five GCSEs with grades ranging from 9 to 4, with a set minimum requirement in English and Mathematics. When it comes to A levels, the standard requirement is three subjects with a grade expectation of around ABB.
However, for the more reputable institutions that we will discuss later, such as Oxford and Cambridge, there are often higher standards set with requirements like AAA or A*AA.
Carefully selecting your A-level subjects can arm you with knowledge and abilities that will support you throughout your studies and future career.
The video above details some of the considerations you might want to keep in mind when setting your sights on a prestigious university such as Cambridge.
Subjects such as English Literature, History, and Politics focus on refining thinking skills, textual analysis capabilities, and persuasive argumentation, which you may already know to be vital skills for aspiring lawyers.
These subjects help you break down texts, consider perspectives, and construct compelling arguments and will go a long way in improving the quality of your college assignments.
By studying economics, students gain an enhanced commercial awareness which is particularly beneficial for those looking to go into corporate law.
Taking up a foreign language can be one of the more challenging academic pursuits that a student can go through throughout their secondary school education, but it can open many doors in international legal practice.
You may also want to consider knuckling down with Maths and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as it enhances your ability to think logically, solve problems, and conduct research, which also plays an important role in any law career.
Hopefully, by now, you will be starting to get a sense of the different skills that you can develop throughout your A-level education, which will allow for a more seamless transition into studying law.
Delve into the realm of top law schools in the UK to uncover a treasure trove of opportunities for budding legal eagles.
Recommended A-Levels for Law
📚 English Literature
🧐 History
🏛️ Politics
We mentioned earlier how many UK universities do not have A Level requirements for studying law. However, certain subjects can lay a solid groundwork and enhance skills that are advantageous for a law degree.
English Literature, History, and Politics are among the subjects that are most commonly suggested and sought after by students aspiring to pursue law.
If you think about most of the day-to-day tasks that a lawyer will encounter or how the bulk of your assignments and assessments at university will look, you can see how the learnings that surface from studying these A-level subjects will help.
Essay writing which helps sharpen thinking, analysis of texts, and the ability to present arguments. Just like how you imagine yourself in the courtroom after graduating with your law degree!
This is echoed by the requirements for law courses here in the UK with many universities highly recommending students to pursue A Level English Literature.
When it comes to taking History studies at A Levels, this subject proves to be advantageous for the logical reasoning skills it teaches.
Politics is another go-to that not only enhances one's understanding of the political landscape but also sheds light on legislative processes that are fundamental for lawyers. Enrolling in the A Level subjects offers insights into the creation, defence, and implementation of laws thereby giving you a good base for just about any legal profession!
A masters in law can be your secret weapon, propelling you ahead of the pack in the fiercely competitive legal job market.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Subject
Now that we have covered and provided some justification for studying core A-level subjects such as Literature, History, and Politics. Let’s take a look at some of the other options at your disposal that can also contribute to both academic and career success in law.
When deciding what subjects to study at A levels, consider your strengths, interests, and future career aspirations, too!
Facilitating Subjects: Subjects like Geography or Religious Studies are seen as solid choices. Even if they don't directly tie into law studies, excelling in these subjects and highlighting how the skills you acquire can enhance your understanding of law can be advantageous.
Mathematics: Mathematics is known for its nature and academic rigour, showcasing logical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be valuable for a legal career. It's especially helpful for those in areas like tax law or corporate law.
Sciences: While not directly linked to law, science subjects such as biology, chemistry, or physics can showcase reasoning and problem-solving abilities that are crucial for any aspiring lawyer.
Transform into a legal powerhouse by studying law in the UK, joining an illustrious alumni network and mastering the art of professional problem-solving.
Subject Combinations
When choosing your A Level courses, it's crucial to think about combinations that complement each other and demonstrate your strengths while getting you ready for the challenges of studying law.
By choosing subjects that develop the same set of skills or even overlap in some components of their curriculums, you can also set yourself up for success in the A-level exams.
This can save you time and even make life a little easier for yourself when aiming to meet the minimum grade requirements. Think of it this way: if you spend months working on your English essay writing skills, you will likely notice improvements in your history and politics exam answers as a byproduct of this, and vice versa!
Some beneficial pairings to consider are;
- English Literature, History, Politics
- English Literature, History, Religious Studies
- English Literature, French, History
- English Literature, History, Psychology
- English Literature, Politics, Mathematics
When considering your university choices, keep in mind that although certain subjects and combinations are suggested, there are typically no A Level prerequisites for the majority of law programs.
The important thing is to select subjects in which you excel and show how the abilities you've honed will enhance your education. Navigate the maze of undergraduate law courses in the UK's top institutions.
A-Level Subject Choices for Specific Law Specialisations
On the other side of the coin, you will need to consider subjects that may not be required at university, but certainly go a long way in facilitating a successful law career.
This is why having the career path that you see yourself pursuing in the back of your mind is important when making your choices.
Of course, you can't look into the future, and you may also just not know exactly what area of law you want to go into just yet. In such a case, a general law course would be most suitable so that you can get a taste of each area and make your decision further down the line.
If you already know what direction you want to take your career, then tailoring your choice of A levels should align with these interests so that you are equipped with the knowledge from the outset and ready for those university admissions interviews.
Let’s take a look at the different law specialisations and what a-level choices will serve you best.
Criminal Law
If, when you close your eyes and imagine your future career, you see yourself in criminal law, then Psychology could be a great choice.
As an attorney, you'll often deal with a range of scenarios, whether representing the defendant or plaintiff. A foundation in Psychology can enhance your ability to handle these situations effectively and comprehend the individuals involved, which is key to achieving outcomes in such cases.
Corporate Law
If your vision involves you practising in corporate law, then opting for Business Studies as one of your A-level subjects can help a lot.
This course will familiarise you with how companies operate, the individuals involved, and the dynamics of labour relations within businesses.
Understanding these aspects can prove beneficial when dealing with matters in the corporate world.
Have a look at what a day in the life of a corporate lawyer looks like and see how your A level subjects can prepare you for what lies ahead!
Human Rights Law
If you aim to pursue a career in human rights law, including Philosophy in your A-level subjects can be more than beneficial.
This course provides insights into different faiths, their beliefs about the divine, and their moral frameworks. Remember, in many parts of the world, religion shapes people's way of life, legal responsibilities, and freedoms. So, grasping the viewpoints of cultures and their implications is vital for individuals interested in working across various cultural contexts within human rights law.
Setting yourself up for success
As you can see, becoming a legal professional requires a great deal of planning and preparation, even as a student in secondary school.
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind throughout the decision-making process is that you are studying subjects in which you have a genuine interest and suitability.
These are the factors that will have the biggest impact on your attitude towards learning and, perhaps more importantly, on the grades that you can achieve in your A-level exams.
Choosing the right A-level subjects for you is crucial to developing the skills and knowledge for your law studies and future career. So, it’s never too early to start mapping out your future so that you can stack the odds in your favour and earn your place on your preferred law course.
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