Anaya Nolan
Law is a popular degree choice, with thousands of students applying to study it at UK universities each year. However, only a fraction of applicants are accepted, making law a highly competitive field. While there are no specific A-level subjects required to study law at university, universities typically require applicants to have at least two or three A-levels, with grades ranging from BCC to A*AA. Certain subjects, such as English, History, Maths, Economics, Languages, and Science, are considered good choices for students wanting to study law, as they provide essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Additionally, some universities may require specific grades in GCSEs or recommend studying essay-based subjects at the A-level to prepare for the heavy reading and writing workload of a law degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A-Levels required | 2-3 A-Levels ranging from BCC to A*AA, depending on the university |
| Specific subjects required | No, but recommended subjects include English, Maths, History, Politics, Economics, Languages, and Science |
| Essay-based subjects | Recommended by some universities, including Oxford and Cambridge |
| GCSE requirements | Typically at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths |
| Other qualifications | BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications may be accepted as an alternative |
| Foundation courses | Some universities offer foundation courses for students without the necessary A-Level qualifications |
| Personal statement | Important part of the application, demonstrating genuine interest, articulation, and intelligence |
| Extracurricular activities | Considered by law firms and universities, along with work experience and volunteering |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements vary across universities
While it is not a requirement to have studied Law at A-Level, entry requirements vary across universities. Some universities require a minimum of two A-Levels, while others require three A-Levels, ranging from BCC to A*AA. Certain institutions, such as the University of Edinburgh, specify that these A-Levels must include a grade B in an English A-Level (Language, Literature, or combined) or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature.
Some universities, such as the University of Oxford, do not have specific A-Level subject requirements but strongly recommend essay-based subjects such as History or English. Other universities, such as Aston University, require BBB in A-Levels, as well as specific GCSE grades.
It is worth noting that some law schools offer foundation courses for students who do not meet the standard A-Level entry requirements. These courses provide an introduction to legal concepts and skills and help develop the necessary academic skills for university-level study.
Additionally, universities consider other factors beyond A-Level results. For example, a strong personal statement is essential, and some universities may require applicants to sit an entry test, such as the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) required by the University of Oxford. Work experience, summer internships, and extracurricular activities are also considered advantageous when applying to competitive law programs.
Therefore, it is important to research the specific entry requirements of the universities and law courses that you are interested in to ensure that you meet their standards and maximize your chances of admission.
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Law is not a requirement at A-level
Entry requirements for law degrees vary across universities. For instance, the University of Edinburgh requires A*AA-ABB in A-levels, including either a grade B in an English A-level or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature. In contrast, the University of Oxford recommends essay-based subjects, such as History, but does not specify Law as a requirement. Similarly, Aston University requires BBB in A-levels, with GCSE maths and English grade 4s, but does not mandate Law as an A-level subject.
Although Law is not a prerequisite, certain A-level subjects are highly recommended and considered essential for a law degree. These include English, which is the top pick for law applicants due to its emphasis on reading and writing. Other recommended subjects include History, Maths, Economics, Languages, and Science. These subjects provide a strong foundation of skills required for studying law, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication.
It is worth noting that some universities may require specific subjects as part of your A-level lineup. For example, the University of Oxford's Law course recommends an essay-based subject, while the University of Edinburgh requires English Language or Literature at A-level or GCSE level. Therefore, it is important to research the entry requirements of specific universities and law courses to ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
Additionally, some law schools offer foundation courses for students who do not meet the standard A-level requirements. These courses provide an introduction to legal concepts and academic skills necessary for university study.
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Essay-based subjects are recommended
Although it is not mandatory to have studied Law at A-level, it is beneficial to have a strong foundation in the essential skills required for studying law, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Therefore, choosing A-level subjects that are relevant to law and complement each other is recommended to maximise your chances of being admitted to a law degree program.
Essay-based subjects, such as History and English, are excellent choices for aspiring law students as they refine your essay-writing skills and help you develop the ability to explain and elaborate on complex concepts in writing. This skill will be invaluable when embarking on a legal career, as you will be expected to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Moreover, English is often recommended for Law applicants due to its heavy focus on reading and writing, which are fundamental skills for any law student.
Additionally, other subjects such as Economics, Languages, and Science can also provide a good foundation for studying law. Economics, for example, can be particularly useful if you are interested in financial law, as it helps you understand the underlying principles. Languages can be beneficial if you plan to study law in a foreign country or work in an international legal context. Science subjects can also be advantageous, providing you with analytical and critical thinking skills that are essential for legal analysis.
While there are no specific A-level requirements for law at Cambridge or Oxford, both universities recommend studying subjects that involve essay writing. Oxford, in particular, suggests that applicants consider taking an essay-based subject at A-Level, as it will help with the content of the law course.
In conclusion, while there may not be mandatory A-level requirements for law, choosing essay-based subjects is highly recommended to develop the skills necessary for a successful law degree and subsequent legal career. These subjects will not only improve your writing abilities but also provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve you well in the competitive field of law.
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Other subjects to consider
Although there are no specific A-level subjects needed to study law at university, some universities may require one or two specific subjects to be in your A-level lineup. Certain subjects can help prepare you for law at the degree level. Here are some other subjects to consider:
English
English is the top pick for law applicants due to its heavy focus on reading and writing. It is a highly recommended subject for anyone applying for law. Universities like the University of Edinburgh require a grade B in an English A-level (Language, Literature, or combined). English Literature is also a good choice, as it can help refine your essay-writing skills, which will be essential when writing lengthy essays in law school.
History
History is another recommended subject for law applicants, as it involves essay writing and helps refine your writing skills. The University of Oxford recommends taking an essay-based subject at A-Level, and history is a good choice for that.
Economics
While Economics and Law may not have many overlaps, financial law is a major field. Studying Economics at A-Levels will help you better understand the principles behind financial law.
Philosophy
Philosophy is a great option if you are interested in the ethical aspects of law. However, bear in mind that the content taught in Philosophy may not be very transferable to most fields of law.
Foreign Languages
If you are interested in studying law in a foreign country, taking a modern language at the A-level can be beneficial. For example, to study law in France, Germany, or Spain, you will need to have the appropriate modern language at the A-level.
Maths and Science
Maths and Science are also good choices for students who want to keep their degree options flexible. These subjects can provide a good foundation for the essential skills required for studying law, such as critical thinking and analytical skills.
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Alternative qualifications and foundation courses
While A-levels are the most common route to studying law at university, some institutions offer alternative entry qualifications. For example, the University of Edinburgh requires grades A*AA-ABB in A-levels, but applicants can also gain entry with a BTEC D*D*D* (Level 3 National Extended Diploma in specific subjects). Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications may also be accepted as alternatives.
Some universities offer foundation courses for students who don't meet the standard entry requirements. For example, the University of Oxford offers a foundation year for students who don't meet the grade requirements due to their personal or educational circumstances. All candidates must take the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) as part of their application.
Foundation courses are an excellent way to gain an introduction to legal concepts and skills, as well as develop the necessary academic skills for university study. They can also be useful for students who want to gain foundational knowledge of the UK legal system before starting their degree.
Recommended subjects
Although there are no specific A-level subjects required to study law, some subjects are considered more beneficial than others. English is highly recommended due to its heavy focus on reading and writing, which are essential skills for law students. Other recommended subjects include History, Maths, Economics, Languages, and Science. These subjects can provide a good foundation of skills required for a law degree, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication skills.
GCSE requirements
In addition to A-level or equivalent qualifications, universities may also have specific GCSE requirements for law degrees. For example, the University of Edinburgh requires a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature for applicants who don't have an A-level in English. To become a lawyer in the UK, students typically need at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English language and maths.
Personal statement and extracurricular activities
Aside from academic qualifications, universities also consider an applicant's personal statement and extracurricular activities when evaluating candidates for law programs. Law schools want to see a genuine interest in the subject and evidence of intelligent, articulate, and well-researched candidates. Examples of work experience placements, summer internships, or law summer schools can strengthen an application.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a requirement to have studied Law at A-Level. However, some universities may require one or two specific subjects to be in your A-level line-up.
Recommended A-Levels include English, Maths, History, Politics and more. English is the top pick for Law applicants due to its heavy focus on reading and writing. Other recommended subjects include Economics, Languages, and Science.
This depends on the university. For example, the University of Edinburgh requires grades A*AA-ABB in A-levels, including either a grade B in an English A-level or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature. The University of Oxford requires AAA in A-levels.
Aside from A-Levels and GCSEs, universities will look at your personal statement, extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteering when evaluating candidates for law programs.
