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What A Levels do you need to study law?

So, you’re thinking about studying law. Maybe you love a good argument or you’re looking for an excuse to rock a nice suit.

Either way, you’re here because you’re wondering what A Levels you need to get there.

Here’s the good news: there’s no magical checklist of must-have subjects. The road to law is surprisingly flexible.

However, the key is to pick subjects that build transferrable skills while keeping you engaged enough to succeed.

So, what should you choose?

A Level requirement for law degrees

Fun fact: you don’t need to study A Level Law to pursue a law degree.

However, if it’s an option at your school or college, it wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on all that legal jargon.

Universities aren’t particularly fussy about which subjects you take, but they do care about your grades.

Law degrees usually require grades between AAA and ABB, so you’ll need to bring your A-game, no matter what subjects you choose.

That said, some law schools are eager to see how well you can think critically, argue a point, and communicate clearly, so choosing subjects that help to develop those skills is highly recommended.

What A Level subjects should you consider?

If you’re looking for A Level subjects that will help you build the key skills needed for a law career, here are some of the best options to consider:

A Level English Language or Literature

Law requires strong skills in reading, writing, and convincing people you know what you’re talking about. English literature, in particular, is about reading between the lines, teaching you how to analyse texts, interpret meaning and argue a point of view.

Plus, if you can survive Shakespeare, legal texts will feel like a walk in the park!

A Level History

History as a subject revolves around asking questions like ‘why did this happen’ and ‘who is responsible?’ – which, coincidentally, is excellent practice for the courtroom.

Furthermore, laws are often influenced by past events, so studying history will give you that background knowledge and a valuable head start in understanding why things are the way they are.

A Level Politics

The more you understand the political landscape, the better you’ll understand why certain laws exist in the first place and how they might change over time. After all, politics and law are interconnected – what happens in one often shapes the other.

A Level Sociology

Sociology focuses on understanding the social factors that influence behaviour. Understanding societal structure provides insight into why people break the law, how laws affect different groups of people, and how to analyse cases from multiple perspectives.

A Level Philosophy

Philosophy might seem deep and abstract, but it’s actually very useful for law. You’ll explore ethical dilemmas and moral reasoning, which is key when navigating tough cases or making decisions that impact people’s lives.

Check entry requirements to be sure

While there is flexibility in the A Level subjects you can choose for law, it’s still super important to check specific entry requirements for any universities you’re interested in.

For instance, University of Manchester does include a list of acceptable A Level subjects as part of its entry criteria. However, the list is still broad enough to allow flexibility in your choices.

Additionally, there are often other entry requirements you need to watch out for, such as minimum GCSE grades in key subjects like English or Maths. Some universities also require you to sit a law admissions test like the LNAT.

For non-natives, proof of English language proficiency is a common requirement.

Conclusion

Many law students come from a variety of A Level backgrounds, often in subjects unrelated to law. So, don’t worry if it wasn’t part of your A Level mix.

Some universities might prefer subjects like History and English because they develop relevant skills. Others might be less concerned about the specific subjects you choose, as long as you smash your grades.

Bottom line? Do your homework.

Law is a far-reaching subject and whatever you choose to study can always help in some way. For example, A Level Business Studies or Economics are ideal if you’re aiming for commercial, corporate, or tax law.

It’s important to pick subjects that you genuinely enjoy and are good at, rather than subjects you think will look impressive on your application. Try to balance transferrable skills with genuine passion.

Law schools have demanding grade requirements, so focus on the subjects that play to your strengths and work best for you. Case closed.

If you’re interested in studying law but prefer a path that skips the classroom, we offer a range of online A Levels, including A Level Law, to help you build the UCAS points and transferrable skills needed.

Alternatively, if you prefer to take a different path completely, an Access to Higher Education Law Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and can be achieved in one course – and there are no exams involved. Several UK universities accept it as a valid qualification under their entry requirements but be sure to check first!

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