a level options for law degree
Hey! I'm currently studying Law as an A-Level, and I can say that it doesn't necessarily matter! Although I'm applying to medicine, Law was my original first choice, later going off to medicine because I enjoyed it more. I've been to the uni of Surrey for a Law summer school, as well as gone to the open days for UCL and King's college. As long as you're good at the subject and get good grades, you should be fine, unless the uni has a specific requirement. For example, I'm studying Biology, Chemistry and Law. One of my friends is studying Criminology, Sociology and Law, another Maths, Physics and Law, and another Politics, Economics and Law. You don't even need a Law A-Level, as I've heard of unis being indifferent to them largely, however it is pretty useful as the knowledge you get during a Law A-Level are what you learn in the first two years (from what I've heard. At the very least the first year).
Ah perfect! Thanks so much!
I suggest going to some open days and applying for summer schools now. It'll help you see what other people will be applying for and get a good view of different courses people take. It'll also help you see if Law is the right course for you too! One of the reasons why I initially loved Law was because I really enjoyed the process of being in a moot court, which simulates an actual court proceeding, in a summer school.
Sounds great! Do you have any specific ones or recommendations on where to find them (especially local/close to Bristol)?
ideally just search up ‘summer schools in (local university)’. There might be ads on your social media, too. It’s just a matter of searching for them really
Maths might have some practical use if you go on to practise law. Being numerate can be of assistance to a lawyer (and to many types of business people) in various ways. But, for an aspirant law student, the choice of A levels subjects does not matter, so long as you choose academically rigorous subjects. My own view is that taking Law at A level deprives you of the chance to study something else more fun, but opinions on that vary.
Good luck!
I know students who take law and did Bio, Chem, and History as their A-levels. Ultimately you should do what you enjoy and what you're good at to get the best chance at high grades. I'd recommend staying away from law A-level; I've worked with people who took it in college and they ended up getting complacent during exams as they had covered the material already. This is not to say because you take law A-level, you will become complacent at university, but I imagine having to re-learn will not be as enjoyable as learning them for the first time.
When you get to the summer of year 12, attend some open days/events to get a feel for the universities you're applying to. Ones close to Bristol would be Bristol (where I go), Cardiff, Exeter, or any London unis as the train from Temple Meads to Paddington is only 1.5 hrs ish.
Best of luck
Hi there
It is great to hear that you are starting to consider course options for University. For a Law degree, there are usually no specific requirement for A level subjects. However, there are some things which you may like to consider when deciding your A levels: 🙂
•
Predicted grades: Many Universities, particularly the higher ranking ones have high grade requirements, so choosing a subject that you are likely to achieve well in may increase your chances of getting in.
•
Essay based subjects: whilst it is not necessary/ essential to take essay based subjects, it may be useful to consider such an option. For a Law degree, there will be many coursework/ assignment tasks that require good writing and reading skills. So A levels such as History, English and religious studies will be quite good in giving you plenty of practice.
•
Subjects that you enjoy: A levels will be a step up from your GCSEs, so it is important to choose subjects that you enjoy and can put in consistent efforts, these may increase the chances of achieving high grades.
•
However, even if you do not choose these A levels, it is still possible to enter a Law Degree. I chose Maths, Biology and Chemistry- as long as you meet the entry requirements of the University, there is a good chance of getting in.🙂 In my opinion, doing A level maths was definitely a huge step up from GCSEs, and it was not really relevant to the law degree. However, if it is something you enjoy, you should definitely consider taking it. On the other hand, if you are not certain about entering a law degree, having maths as an A level can act as a back-up so you can apply for other options after more research.
I hope this helps.
Good luck with deciding your A level subjects. 😀
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep
Maths might have some practical use if you go on to practise law. Being numerate can be of assistance to a lawyer (and to many types of business people) in various ways. But, for an aspirant law student, the choice of A levels subjects does not matter, so long as you choose academically rigorous subjects. My own view is that taking Law at A level deprives you of the chance to study something else more fun, but opinions on that vary.
Good luck!
Ah okay, that makes sense. I think I will decide which one to do based on which one I'm best at, like you said, although I am unsure at the moment so I might wait until results day for GCSEs. A big concern for me is that I'm wondering if having 3 essay/content based subjects will be too much for me and whether it might be easier for me to take a skill based a level in addition to english literature and history. Although, I have heard that maths a level is extremely hard and often described as harder than religious studies. Thank you for the advice!
When you get to the summer of year 12, attend some open days/events to get a feel for the universities you're applying to. Ones close to Bristol would be Bristol (where I go), Cardiff, Exeter, or any London unis as the train from Temple Meads to Paddington is only 1.5 hrs ish.
Best of luck
Thank you! I will definitely make sure to visit those universities and their open days! From what I have heard from others, I agree with you regarding law alevel but thankfully it wasn't an option at my sixth form anyways and so the decision was already made for me.
It is great to hear that you are starting to consider course options for University. For a Law degree, there are usually no specific requirement for A level subjects. However, there are some things which you may like to consider when deciding your A levels: 🙂
•
Predicted grades: Many Universities, particularly the higher ranking ones have high grade requirements, so choosing a subject that you are likely to achieve well in may increase your chances of getting in.
•
Essay based subjects: whilst it is not necessary/ essential to take essay based subjects, it may be useful to consider such an option. For a Law degree, there will be many coursework/ assignment tasks that require good writing and reading skills. So A levels such as History, English and religious studies will be quite good in giving you plenty of practice.
•
Subjects that you enjoy: A levels will be a step up from your GCSEs, so it is important to choose subjects that you enjoy and can put in consistent efforts, these may increase the chances of achieving high grades.
•
However, even if you do not choose these A levels, it is still possible to enter a Law Degree. I chose Maths, Biology and Chemistry- as long as you meet the entry requirements of the University, there is a good chance of getting in.🙂 In my opinion, doing A level maths was definitely a huge step up from GCSEs, and it was not really relevant to the law degree. However, if it is something you enjoy, you should definitely consider taking it. On the other hand, if you are not certain about entering a law degree, having maths as an A level can act as a back-up so you can apply for other options after more research.
I hope this helps.
Good luck with deciding your A level subjects. 😀
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep
Thank you! That has alleviated a lot of the pressure from the decision, I might wait until GCSE results day and review whether I was more successful in maths or religion to help me decide.
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