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What GCSE's / A-Levels do you need to be a lawyer?

Also what subjects should I pick at A level? And what do Universities look for?
Reply 1
Original post by FailHard
Also what subjects should I pick at A level? And what do Universities look for?


My friends who've applied for Law at uni, are currently studying English Lit, History and Government and Politics.
Those seem like the perfect combination to give you the skills required for studying Law.

As for universities, there are lots out there, it's just a matter of research. I'd look at this, it might help:

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?s=law
Reply 2
No one gives a monkey's about your GCSE subjects, provided you do well in them. And any A-Levels (apart from stupid nonsense like media studies) are perfectly acceptable.

But yeah like Sarah says humanities and social sciences are esp. good for Law. But you really don't need to be worrying about any of this if you haven't even started your GCSEs.
(edited 8 years ago)
It's mainly the essay-based subjects (e.g English, Pyschology, Law, and so on).

However, these aren't essential. If you want to become a Lawyer, you can still study other non-complimentary subjects and even study another course at Uni. You just do the GDL (conversion course) at the end of studying your course - which is basically a short Law course.

I've previously worked with Pinsent Masons Law Firm - in some cases, some global firms actually encourage you to study a different course and then do the GDL, as it makes you a more knowledgeable and well-rounded candidate.

All the best :yy:

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(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by FailHard
Also what subjects should I pick at A level? And what do Universities look for?


Original post by Walt_14
No one gives a monkey's about your GCSE subjects, provided you do well in them. And any A-Levels (apart from stupid nonsense like media studies) are perfectly acceptable.

But yeah like Sarah says humanities and social sciences are esp. good for Law. But you really don't need to be worrying about any of this if you haven't even started your GCSEs.


My friend is going to Cambridge for Law. At A level he did Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The moral of the story is it really does not matter what A levels you do, you just need to be well versed in current affairs and understand some basic things related to law at an interview. Also you need to do well in the LNAT, which may be the most important factor I think?
Reply 5
Original post by Walt_14
No one gives a monkey's about your GCSE subjects, provided you do well in them. And any A-Levels (apart from stupid nonsense like media studies) are perfectly acceptable.

But yeah like Sarah says humanities and social sciences are esp. good for Law. But you really don't need to be worrying about any of this if you haven't even started your GCSEs.



Provided I do ''good'', so does that mean mostly A's and B's right? Or do they have to be exceptionally good like A's and A*'s?
Original post by FailHard
Provided I do ''good'', so does that mean mostly A's and B's right? Or do they have to be exceptionally good like A's and A*'s?


different unis all have different standards! different unis put different priorities over gcse results. a levels are more important, and there will be law courses at unis for a variety of different a level results. i mean, your choices MIGHT be limited if you do better at A level than gcse and their decision between two candidates comes down to comparing gcse results, but just do your best and therell be a uni that will except you for it :smile:
Original post by FailHard
Provided I do ''good'', so does that mean mostly A's and B's right? Or do they have to be exceptionally good like A's and A*'s?


With current grade inflation good is A's and A*'s, exceptional is all A*'s and nothing less really.
Reply 8
Original post by Jai Sandhu
My friend is going to Cambridge for Law. At A level he did Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The moral of the story is it really does not matter what A levels you do, you just need to be well versed in current affairs and understand some basic things related to law at an interview. Also you need to do well in the LNAT, which may be the most important factor I think?


I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I said in that post.

Original post by FailHard
Provided I do ''good'', so does that mean mostly A's and B's right? Or do they have to be exceptionally good like A's and A*'s?

I know people who narrowly missed out on 5 Cs and they're doing Law. Mind it's one of the poorer unis in Britain so I guess that's not what you want. Just do your best... whatever grades you get will be indicative of your ability provided you give it your all. Forget all about grades for now.
Original post by Walt_14
I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I said in that post.


Was just reinforcing.
What do you guys think of availability of law jobs? Like is it a degree you'd encourage people to do if they want a high paying job?
Reply 11
so my geography teacher said to take geography and history for gcse to study law. is this true and, if not, what optional subjects should I choose for gcse if I want to study law in future? many thanks
Reply 12
my geography teacher says that to study law you need to choose geography and history (and other things if you want). is this true and, if not,
what optional subjects are necassary at gcse levels for a future of law??
many thanks
A good combination of A levels would be Business studies, History, English Literature, and Government and Politics. This is only if you are REALLY committed about going down the Law path however. If you want something to back your fall if you don't get the A levels you want or don't get the offers (since Law is a fairly competitive course in the UK) I'd suggest doing something like Biology.

GCSE subjects should be much the same. You do not NEED any specific A-levels or GCSEs to become a Lawyer as Law can be sub divided into many different practices with many different specialisations. It's reccomended you choose GCSEs and A-levels that may allow you to develop an analytical and critical approach to matters. The subjects I listed above can do that, and also develop your skills in writing which is essential to Law. It's all about the personality, and a little bit about the subjects you pick.
Original post by Walt_14
No one gives a monkey's about your GCSE subjects, provided you do well in them. And any A-Levels (apart from stupid nonsense like media studies) are perfectly acceptable.

But yeah like Sarah says humanities and social sciences are esp. good for Law. But you really don't need to be worrying about any of this if you haven't even started your GCSEs.

This, is a very late reply, but I happened to notice your snide comment about Media Studies and I’d like you to know that my cousin, who did Media Studies, has now gotten a respectable job as a Prosecutor. To discredit the knowledge one gains from Media Studies, personally, is wrong. Due to Media Studies, she is able to tell and work out the truth from lies, and further information ergo making her the successful woman she is today. You could’ve made the same point without such a comment.
Reply 15
English,Politics ,History, Psychology e.t.c

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