Is English Lit, Sociology and Criminology an okay subject choice for A level?
I originally wanted to do English Lit, History and Sociology, but my school wouldn't allow me to take History and Sociology together so I dropped History and chose Criminology instead in a panic because I want to study law in uni and Criminology felt like it fit the most out of all subject options. Is this okay? I've people saying that unis don't accept Criminology because its not an actual A level. Should I change my subject choice at all?
Criminology is not an a level and is a sub field of sociology so they are quite similar. Why wont your school let you take sociology and history? It’s common to do and they work well together, is it a case of timetable clash? What are your other options?
If applying to study law at university, you will need to take three A levels (no more than three). Most universities do not stipulate any A level subjects for law applicants, but check the website of each university which you are interested in.
To be a competitive candidate, pick three rigorous academic subjects that you are likely to be good at. A language A level is always useful.
History is a very useful subject for those who wish to study law. It is notable, by the way, that amongst the approximately fifty percent of lawyers practising in the UK who do not have degrees in law, the most commonly held degree appears to be history.
SB (lawyer with a degree in history)
To be a competitive candidate, pick three rigorous academic subjects that you are likely to be good at. A language A level is always useful.
History is a very useful subject for those who wish to study law. It is notable, by the way, that amongst the approximately fifty percent of lawyers practising in the UK who do not have degrees in law, the most commonly held degree appears to be history.
SB (lawyer with a degree in history)
Original post by DerDracologe
Criminology is not an a level and is a sub field of sociology so they are quite similar. Why wont your school let you take sociology and history? It’s common to do and they work well together, is it a case of timetable clash? What are your other options?
I assume its a case of time table clashes - they had this block system on the application where you could only pick one subject from each block. The only other subject I think may be relevant would be psychology (the only other subjects they offer are the sciences, maths, business and sports, none of which I really want to do), but would English Lit, Sociology and Psychology be alright?
Original post by Stiffy Byng
If applying to study law at university, you will need to take three A levels (no more than three). Most universities do not stipulate any A level subjects for law applicants, but check the website of each university which you are interested in.
To be a competitive candidate, pick three rigorous academic subjects that you are likely to be good at. A language A level is always useful.
History is a very useful subject for those who wish to study law. It is notable, by the way, that amongst the approximately fifty percent of lawyers practising in the UK who do not have degrees in law, the most commonly held degree appears to be history.
SB (lawyer with a degree in history)
To be a competitive candidate, pick three rigorous academic subjects that you are likely to be good at. A language A level is always useful.
History is a very useful subject for those who wish to study law. It is notable, by the way, that amongst the approximately fifty percent of lawyers practising in the UK who do not have degrees in law, the most commonly held degree appears to be history.
SB (lawyer with a degree in history)
I wanted to drop History instead of Sociology because Sociology was a subject that I really enjoyed at GCSE. The sixth form I'm meant to be going to offers maths, biology, chemistry, physics, sports, business, geography and psychology as the only other options that I can really take. I'm thinking of switching Criminology to Psychology but I'm just worried that both Sociology and Psychology together might be considered too soft. Do you think it would be better to take English Lit, History and Psychology, instead of English Lit, Psychology and Sociology, despite the fact I'd probably do better at Sociology?
Original post by chunkybread92
I assume its a case of time table clashes - they had this block system on the application where you could only pick one subject from each block. The only other subject I think may be relevant would be psychology (the only other subjects they offer are the sciences, maths, business and sports, none of which I really want to do), but would English Lit, Sociology and Psychology be alright?
Switching to psychology is probably a good idea as it means 3 a levels not 2 and an applied extended certificate and gets rid of the crossover issue with sociology and criminology. Also this combination should work well for you- I’ve heard of others doing it and enjoying it. For law English lit has got you covered in terms of requirements and the combination of psych and sociology could be excellent to discuss in a law personal statement as you can relate topics in these courses to law and transferable skills for law 🙂 best of luck with year 12!
(edited 1 month ago)
i thought the government got rid of criminology from 2024 onwards ?? Thats the whole reason why my friends who did Lvl 2 courses and is now finally doing Lvl 3 courses switched from criminology to philosophy and ethics because it wasnt an option anymore. But yeah psychology, sociology and english lit sounds more like a good combo. History may seem more tailored but trust me, unis only require you to either get the grades that they want, at least one essay based subject and MAYBE the lnat exam.
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by blind-ranger
i thought the government got rid of criminology from 2024 onwards ?? Thats the whole reason why my friends who did Lvl 2 courses and is now finally doing Lvl 3 courses switched from criminology to philosophy and ethics because it wasnt an option anymore. But yeah psychology, sociology and english lit sounds more like a good combo. History may seem more tailored but trust me, unis only require you to either get the grades that they want, at least one essay based subject and MAYBE the lnat exam.
It’s being cut for next year so this is its final year i believe
It is usually better to study subjects which you enjoy and are likely to do well in.
There is some risk that some academics in some law departments might regard sociology and psychology as a bit soft at A level. Those subjects are rigorous at degree level, but some may think, rightly or wrongly, that the versions of them offered at A level are a bit too basic.
There is some risk that some academics in some law departments might regard sociology and psychology as a bit soft at A level. Those subjects are rigorous at degree level, but some may think, rightly or wrongly, that the versions of them offered at A level are a bit too basic.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
It is usually better to study subjects which you enjoy and are likely to do well in.
There is some risk that some academics in some law departments might regard sociology and psychology as a bit soft at A level. Those subjects are rigorous at degree level, but some may think, rightly or wrongly, that the versions of them offered at A level are a bit too basic.
There is some risk that some academics in some law departments might regard sociology and psychology as a bit soft at A level. Those subjects are rigorous at degree level, but some may think, rightly or wrongly, that the versions of them offered at A level are a bit too basic.
why is sociology and psychology looked down on
Original post by blind-ranger
i thought the government got rid of criminology from 2024 onwards ?? Thats the whole reason why my friends who did Lvl 2 courses and is now finally doing Lvl 3 courses switched from criminology to philosophy and ethics because it wasnt an option anymore. But yeah psychology, sociology and english lit sounds more like a good combo. History may seem more tailored but trust me, unis only require you to either get the grades that they want, at least one essay based subject and MAYBE the lnat exam.
hey really random lol what alevels do u do
Original post by garciauegz
hey really random lol what alevels do u do
lolll its okay!!! I do psychology, geography and philosophy & ethics
Original post by blind-ranger
lolll its okay!!! I do psychology, geography and philosophy & ethics
what a coincidence aha im going to be doing the same but not philosophy aha 🙂 might drop geo sorry if u dont mind do u know what uni courses are availabe w this combo !
Original post by garciauegz
what a coincidence aha im going to be doing the same but not philosophy aha 🙂 might drop geo sorry if u dont mind do u know what uni courses are availabe w this combo !
Hey thats so cool!!! Im not sure what ur third subject but there are many things you can go into with psychology and geography (dont apologies, i wished i did the same and picked sociology instead) However i only know what you can get into healthcare related. If you want to pursue Law, social work or teaching you can. But for healthcare related courses, you can get nursing, occupational therapy, operating department practice, speech and language therapy, paramedic science, (clinical/counselling) psychology, therapeutic radiography (for diagnostic radiography, most unis wants you to have at least ONE core science subject)
Im going into children's nursing as it has been my dream ever since i was little
Original post by blind-ranger
Hey thats so cool!!! Im not sure what ur third subject but there are many things you can go into with psychology and geography (dont apologies, i wished i did the same and picked sociology instead) However i only know what you can get into healthcare related. If you want to pursue Law, social work or teaching you can. But for healthcare related courses, you can get nursing, occupational therapy, operating department practice, speech and language therapy, paramedic science, (clinical/counselling) psychology, therapeutic radiography (for diagnostic radiography, most unis wants you to have at least ONE core science subject)
Im going into children's nursing as it has been my dream ever since i was little
Im going into children's nursing as it has been my dream ever since i was little
wow!! im sure you will be a great nurse !!!! good luck on your journey but tysm for all the career options ill deffo look into them 🙂
Original post by garciauegz
wow!! im sure you will be a great nurse !!!! good luck on your journey but tysm for all the career options ill deffo look into them 🙂
Awwwww TYSM!!! That means a lot to me and im glad that i was able to help!!!
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