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Whether I should take Global politics or History HL in IB

I hope you all are doing well. ImI need some help. I am currently in the process of selecting my IB subjects, I’m conflicted between choosing Global politics or History as an HL. Having said that, I have taken history in my IGCSE’s

I intend to apply to UK to pursue law
The subjects I’ve chosen so far :

HL:
Economics
English lang/lit

SL:
Maths AA
French
ESS

Is this a good selection? I’m struggling to decide between history and global politics as my third HL
Help a girl out 🙏

Reply 1

Original post by Shim_
I hope you all are doing well. ImI need some help. I am currently in the process of selecting my IB subjects, I’m conflicted between choosing Global politics or History as an HL. Having said that, I have taken history in my IGCSE’s
I intend to apply to UK to pursue law
The subjects I’ve chosen so far :
HL:
Economics
English lang/lit
SL:
Maths AA
French
ESS
Is this a good selection? I’m struggling to decide between history and global politics as my third HL
Help a girl out 🙏

It sounds like you’ve already put a lot of thought into your IB subject selection, and you’ve got a solid foundation! Based on your goal of pursuing law in the UK, here’s a breakdown of both options and how they might align with your plans:
History HL: Since you’ve already taken History in IGCSE, you may have a good grasp of the subject, which could give you an edge when diving deeper into historical analysis at HL. History can be a great choice for law, as it develops skills in critical thinking, analysis, and structured argumentation, which are essential for a career in law. Additionally, many law programs appreciate students with a strong background in the humanities, especially History. It will also give you a broad perspective on different historical periods and developments, which could help with understanding political and legal systems. If you enjoy studying past events, understanding cause-and-effect relationships, and writing essays, History HL might suit you well.
Global Politics HL: Global Politics is more directly related to law, especially if you’re considering international law or political science in your future studies. It focuses on current events, global governance, human rights, and conflict—topics that are highly relevant to the legal field. If you’re passionate about understanding how global systems work and how politics and law intertwine on an international level, Global Politics would give you a strong foundation in these areas. It’s also a more dynamic subject that looks at real-world issues and their impact on societies today, which can be exciting if you're interested in staying up-to-date with current affairs.
Subject Selection Overall: Your subject selection looks well-rounded for a law-focused university application. Here’s why:

Economics HL: Economics is a great choice for law as it will help you develop analytical and logical reasoning skills.

English Lang/Lit HL: Essential for law, as it enhances your ability to analyze complex texts, write essays, and communicate effectively.

Maths AA SL: It’s challenging but manageable at SL, and it’s good for developing your problem-solving and analytical skills.

French SL: A useful skill for a law career, especially in international contexts or in multilingual law environments.

ESS SL: It’s a manageable subject with a focus on environmental issues, which shows that you are well-rounded in both social sciences and natural sciences.

Decision between History and Global Politics: If you feel that you enjoy diving into historical contexts and analyzing the past, History HL could be a stronger choice. However, if you’re more interested in contemporary issues, global relations, and how politics impacts the world today (especially with a focus on issues like human rights or international law), Global Politics could be a better fit.
Ultimately, it depends on which subject excites you more and where you feel you’ll excel. Both are great for law, but consider your personal interest and future aspirations. I hope this helps you decide! Best of luck with your studies, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

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