Gavin Howe
Law is a highly competitive degree to get into, and many universities prefer applicants with essay-based subjects at A-level. However, law degrees do not require specific A-level subjects, and students with science A-levels can get into top law schools. Students with science A-levels may need to work on their essay skills, but there are many resources available to help them learn how to write excellent essays. Studying law is about understanding how the law is applied to real-life situations and how it can be improved. It involves critical thinking and logical reasoning, which are skills that science students may have.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A-level requirements vary across universities | University of Edinburgh: A*AA-ABB in A-levels, including either a grade B in English A-level or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature |
| University of Oxford: AAA in A-levels – an A-level in an essay-writing subject is recommended but not essential | |
| The University of Law: 120 Ucas Tariff points. BBB at A-level would get you 120 points | |
| Aston University: BBB in A-levels, as well as 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including GCSE maths and English at grade 4 | |
| Law degrees don't require certain A-level subjects | However, some universities prefer applicants with essay-based subjects |
| Psychology is considered a good subject | |
| Chemistry is considered a more "respected" subject | |
| Studying law is about | Studying what the law is, how it is applied to real-life situations, what different people think about the current state of law, and how it can be improved |
| Studying law teaches excellent and important skills like how to construct an argument, how to think, and how to write | |
| Studying law is much more exciting and broad than reading from a book of laws and memorizing them | |
| Studying law is tough as the discussion never stops | |
| Studying law is about understanding human psychology, evaluating the social structure, and advocating for equality and a sense of community |
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What You'll Learn
Law degrees don't require specific A-level subjects
Students with science A-levels can still pursue law degrees. In fact, many universities encourage science students to apply for law degrees as the field requires analytical and logical thinking. However, students with science A-levels may need to develop their essay-writing skills when they get to university, as they will be at a disadvantage compared to students who have spent the past two years writing essays. To address this, students can make use of resources to learn how to write great essays, a skill that can be learned and improved over time.
When applying for a law degree, students should focus on writing a strong personal statement to make their application stand out. They can do this by demonstrating their understanding of what a law degree involves, such as by reading books or watching documentaries on the subject. Work experience can also be beneficial. Additionally, students may need to sit an entry test, such as the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test), which tests skills such as critical thinking.
Overall, while law degrees do not require specific A-level subjects, students with science A-levels should be prepared to develop their essay-writing skills and focus on crafting a strong personal statement to maximise their chances of admission.
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Essay-based A-level subjects are preferred by some universities
While law degrees don't require specific A-level subjects, some universities prefer applicants with essay-based subjects such as History or English. This is because law degrees require strong essay-writing skills, and students with an essay-based background may have an advantage over those with only science A-levels. However, several universities, including top law schools, encourage science students to apply for law as the field requires analytical and logical thinking.
Oxford University, for instance, recommends an A-level in an essay-writing subject but does not make it a requirement for admission to their law programme. Similarly, the University of Edinburgh requires either a grade B in an English A-level or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature. On the other hand, Aston University does not specify any essay-based A-level requirements.
While essay-based A-levels are not mandatory for a law degree, they can provide a strong foundation for the writing-intensive nature of legal studies. Students with science A-levels can still pursue law and may benefit from developing their essay-writing skills through additional reading and resources. It is also beneficial to gain a good understanding of what a law degree entails and showcase genuine interest in the subject through extracurricular activities and work experience.
Some universities may prefer essay-based A-level subjects as they cultivate essential skills such as constructing arguments, critical analysis, and communication. These skills are highly valued in law and can enhance a student's performance and adaptability in a legal context. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that A-level requirements can vary across universities, and it is always advisable to check the specific entry requirements of the desired law programme.
In conclusion, while essay-based A-level subjects are favoured by some universities, they are not a prerequisite for studying law. Students with science A-levels can still excel in law by demonstrating their analytical capabilities and enhancing their writing skills. The choice between essay-based and science A-levels ultimately depends on the specific university requirements and the student's interests and strengths.
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Psychology is a good A-level subject for law
While law degrees in the UK do not require specific A-level subjects as an entry requirement, choosing A-levels that will help you build a strong foundation for your future academic studies and professional career is always a good idea.
Psychology is a great A-level subject to choose if you are considering studying law. Studying psychology will help you develop skills in understanding human behaviour, cognition and motivation, which are all important skills for a lawyer. For example, psychological insight can be helpful when trying to convince someone of something. Persuasion is a fundamental pillar of the legal profession, and there are psychological principles that underpin the art of persuasion.
In addition, the skills you will exercise while reading and evaluating academic articles in psychology are identical to those you will use while reading cases and law textbooks. The practice you will get from critically analyzing hypotheses and explaining complicated concepts in clear written language will make legal essays very easy. By the end of your psychology A-level, you will be a persuasive writer, a quick reader, and a clear thinker, ready to take on a law degree.
While some universities recommend an A-level in an essay-based subject, this is not essential. However, if you are concerned about your application, you could consider taking an additional essay-based subject alongside psychology, such as English Literature, which is a popular A-level subject for aspiring law students.
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Chemistry is a respected A-level subject
A law degree is an exciting prospect for students with a wide range of A-level subjects. While some universities prefer applicants with essay-based A-levels, law degrees do not require specific A-level subjects. In fact, many universities encourage science students to apply for law degrees, as the field requires analytical and logical thinking.
Chemistry is a highly respected A-level subject, often referred to as the 'central science'. Chemistry is a facilitating subject, meaning that choosing it at A-level allows a wide range of options for degree study. Chemistry is a compulsory choice for anyone wishing to pursue medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, as well as chemistry-based degrees such as pharmacy, pharmacology, and biochemistry. Chemistry is also a highly useful A-level for students interested in a wide range of careers, including zoology, engineering, law, and medicine.
The study of Chemistry at A-level helps students learn to be objective, analytical, and methodical, and to solve problems. These skills are useful outside of academia, and the study of Chemistry can help students understand current events, including news about petrol, environmental issues, health, and product scares. Chemistry A-level courses cover a wide variety of basic concepts, such as the structure of the atom, the interaction of matter and energy, and how to control reactions. Chemistry is all around us, and an understanding of the subject can help answer many simple questions about everyday life. For example, Chemistry can explain how ice floats, how sunscreen protects our skin, and why cutting onions makes us cry.
While Chemistry is a respected A-level subject, it is not necessarily a requirement for university courses or careers. Students should choose A-level subjects that they are interested in and passionate about, and that align with their future goals. It is also important to consider the requirements of specific universities and degree programs when choosing A-level subjects.
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Studying law is very different from science subjects
While law degrees don't require specific A-level subjects, some universities prefer applicants with essay-based subjects such as History or English at A-level. However, many universities encourage science students to apply for law degrees as the field requires analytical and logical thinking. For instance, Oxford University and King's College London, two of the best universities for law in the UK, do not specify science A-levels as a requirement.
Studying law is very different from studying science subjects. Law students focus on learning about legal systems, legislation, and the protection of rights, whereas science students typically focus on scientific theories and methodologies. Law students spend a lot of time writing essays, which can come as a shock to those who have not studied an essay-based subject. However, essay writing is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. Law students also learn about various branches of law, such as civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and corporate law, and develop skills such as analytical and critical thinking, legal drafting, and the ability to provide legal advice.
In contrast, science students often focus on a specific scientific discipline, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, and learn about the theories, methods, and applications within that field. They may also gain practical skills through laboratory work and experiments. While science students may also develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the context in which these skills are applied is very different from law.
Additionally, the assessment methods for law and science subjects tend to differ. Law students may be assessed through essays, exams, and mooting competitions, which simulate courtroom debates. In contrast, science students are often assessed through a combination of exams and practical assessments or laboratory reports.
Overall, while both law and science subjects require analytical and critical thinking skills, the way in which these skills are applied and the focus of the subjects themselves are very different. Law is focused on the understanding and application of legal systems and legislation, while science subjects focus on scientific theories, methodologies, and applications in specific disciplines.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can study law with science A-levels. Law degrees don't require certain A-level subjects like other degrees do (e.g. Medicine requires Chemistry). However, some universities prefer applicants with essay-based subjects such as History or English at A-level.
While you won't be at a disadvantage, you may need to put in extra work to develop your essay-writing skills when you get to university.
To make your application stand out, you should aim to get brilliant grades and write a strong personal statement. You can also gain work experience and read books and watch documentaries to learn more about what a law degree involves.
Some good universities for studying law in the UK include the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford, the University of Law, and Aston University.
