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Desirable A level choices for law application

Im privately sitting my A levels next cycle but have had to drop one of the subjects (English Lit) due to it requiring NEA/coursework. My current subjects are Politics and Philosophy. I want to apply to top law unis in the country so what third subject could i reasonably study until may/june and acquire a A* in (with additional efforts)? Im more focused on what admission teams view as more desirable.

Reply 1

Original post
by Laylafromleeds
Im privately sitting my A levels next cycle but have had to drop one of the subjects (English Lit) due to it requiring NEA/coursework. My current subjects are Politics and Philosophy. I want to apply to top law unis in the country so what third subject could i reasonably study until may/june and acquire a A* in (with additional efforts)? Im more focused on what admission teams view as more desirable.

If you're aiming for competitive Law courses, admissions teams generally prefer a “facilitating” or essay-based third subject. Since you’re already doing Politics and Philosophy, a strong third option that can be self-taught and is well-regarded would be History. It’s respected by top Law schools and develops the analytical and essay-writing skills they look for.
Other possible options (depending on your strengths) are:
Psychology essay-based, manageable for self-study
Sociology content is heavy but straightforward, and many private candidates score highly
Economics is well-respected, but requires a solid grasp of quantitative skills
For Law, the most desirable from the list above would be History, then Economics, followed by Psychology/Sociology
Choose the one you can realistically excel in as a private candidate, top unis care more about high grades and strong LNAT/personal statement than having a “perfect” subject combination..

Reply 2

Original post
by AllThingsCCCU
If you're aiming for competitive Law courses, admissions teams generally prefer a “facilitating” or essay-based third subject. Since you’re already doing Politics and Philosophy, a strong third option that can be self-taught and is well-regarded would be History. It’s respected by top Law schools and develops the analytical and essay-writing skills they look for.
Other possible options (depending on your strengths) are:
Psychology essay-based, manageable for self-study
Sociology content is heavy but straightforward, and many private candidates score highly
Economics is well-respected, but requires a solid grasp of quantitative skills
For Law, the most desirable from the list above would be History, then Economics, followed by Psychology/Sociology
Choose the one you can realistically excel in as a private candidate, top unis care more about high grades and strong LNAT/personal statement than having a “perfect” subject combination..

I wouldnt be able to do History due to its coursework/NEA requirements. I could do economics but im not the BEST at mathematics and charts. Is it feasible to do economics in 5 months and achieve A*
Unless unis list preferred subjects, (and very few do), "facilitating subjects" haven't been a thing for years and years. Likewise, there's really no such thing as a "well respected subject". It's either essential, preferred or accepted like everything else.

Just take whatever subject you enjoy and think you will do best in. Law is one of the most flexible when it comes to subject requirements.

Reply 4

As above, there are no required subjects for Law. Some people find an essay based subject is useful for skills/LNAT but it is not essential. Many Unis will not care if you take 2 A levels now and another 1 or 2 in the following year, especially if you have an obvious reason like home-schooling etc, so you could just delay Uni entry and do a full 2 year A level course on a new subject(s). Check with the Unis you are aiming at before you make any decision about this.

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