maths, further maths, economics but wanting to pursue law at uni
hi, I just started y12 and initially wanted to do an economics degree at a prestigious university, however my Sixth form isn't allowing me to change further maths to an essay based a level.
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics, epq, and a bunch of law related extra/supercurriculars (considering doing a MOOC in law) and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics, epq, and a bunch of law related extra/supercurriculars (considering doing a MOOC in law) and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
Reply 1
Original post
by saudaida8hi, I just started y12 and initially wanted to do an economics degree at a prestigious university, however my Sixth form isn't allowing me to change further maths to an essay based a level.
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics and an epq and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics and an epq and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
Economics is an essay based A-level (at least in my book and according to LSE) and law usualy has no subject specific entry requirements.
Only seen Cambridge recommend History and English lit out of the 3 unis listed, what other universities have recommended it?
For LSE: "Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level will be considered if combined with an essay-writing subject.".
Reply 2
4
Original post
by Talkative ToadEconomics is an essay based A-level (at least in my book and according to LSE) and law usualy has no subject specific entry requirements.
Only seen Cambridge recommend History and English lit out of the 3 unis listed, what other universities have recommended it?
For LSE: "Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level will be considered if combined with an essay-writing subject.".
Only seen Cambridge recommend History and English lit out of the 3 unis listed, what other universities have recommended it?
For LSE: "Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level will be considered if combined with an essay-writing subject.".
Reply 3
20
LSE has its own off the wall agenda for entry requirements - and clings to stuff about 'traditional subjects' and 'essay subjects' that the majority of sensible Unis abandoned years ago.
For Economics degrees at most top Universities, you don't need an essay-based subject and Maths is the only required subject. And for Law there are typically no required subjects - and btw, science/maths heads usually make very good Law students as Law relies on analysis and logic. What you are doing for extra curriculars is good prep for writing a Law Personal statement - I'd also recommend these BBC podcasts BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show - Available now and this extra reading lawreadinglist.pdf (good for all Unis) - most of these books you will be able to borrow from your local public library (ask the librarians for their help) or 2nd hand on Ebay etc.
For Economics degrees at most top Universities, you don't need an essay-based subject and Maths is the only required subject. And for Law there are typically no required subjects - and btw, science/maths heads usually make very good Law students as Law relies on analysis and logic. What you are doing for extra curriculars is good prep for writing a Law Personal statement - I'd also recommend these BBC podcasts BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show - Available now and this extra reading lawreadinglist.pdf (good for all Unis) - most of these books you will be able to borrow from your local public library (ask the librarians for their help) or 2nd hand on Ebay etc.
Reply 4
Original post
by saudaida8hey thanks for replying, most of them dont really recommend it but I just thought students with the more traditional subjects have more of a chance of getting an offer. considering my subject choices and how competitive law a .a prestigious university is, do u think I have a chance at it despite having only one essay subject?
What would you define as being “the more traditional subjects”?
I’ve only seen LSE and UCL really care these days to the point where they have lists of preferred vs non-preferred subjects. Even when taking this fact into consideration you’re still sitting 3 “traditional” or “strong” or “facilitating” A-level subjects (Maths, FM and Econ) so you tick the boxes.
I therefore can’t see why you’d have less of a chance no matter how you spin it (at least not for most top universities excluding Cambridge but even then, they don’t mandate or de facto expect/require you to have sat History/English/Languages from what I can infer on their course webpage).
@nwar for example sat (someone who knows better or nwar correct me if I’m wrong here) Physics, FM, Music and Maths and go into Cambridge Law.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7567876
Don’t think that you need to sit 4 A-levels (that will serve no benefit to you here or in general), I’m using this user as an example.
Reply 5
Original post
by saudaida8hi, I just started y12 and initially wanted to do an economics degree at a prestigious university, however my Sixth form isn't allowing me to change further maths to an essay based a level.
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics, epq, and a bunch of law related extra/supercurriculars (considering doing a MOOC in law) and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
I got 8s at gcse in English lit and history and im willing to do an epq if it gives me extra credit since 2 of my a levels are maths based, but is it still possible to get into law at somewhere like LSE, cambridge, UCL etc? I know they dont explicitly say I cant but I know they prefer English lit, history etc at a level.
I just wanna know if it's realistic to do maths, fm, economics, epq, and a bunch of law related extra/supercurriculars (considering doing a MOOC in law) and expect to get into law at a top university. if not I was thinking of doing economics degree and then a law conversion? I dont really wanna do that but if it comes to it I might just have to
Hi @saudaida8 ! I’m a current student ambassador at the University of Southampton (I study Aerospace Engineering), and although I’m not a law student, I can definitely give some guidance on the admissions side of things.
First of all, YES, it is absolutely still possible to get into top law schools with Maths, Further Maths and Economics. None of the major law universities require essay-based A levels, and places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge, KCL, Durham etc. all regularly accept applicants with quantitative subject combinations. They may prefer essay subjects only in the sense that they help develop skills you’ll use on the degree — but that doesn’t mean the door closes for you if your combination is different.
What matters most is that you can show you have the analytical writing ability and genuine interest in law. You can demonstrate this in other ways:
•
Supercurriculars – online law MOOCs, webinars, court judgments, legal podcasts, attending open days or public court hearings.
•
Reading around the subject – doesn’t need to be long books; even articles + case summaries help.
•
Your personal statement – this is where you show your writing skills and your interest in law, which easily compensates for not doing an essay A level
On the other hand, doing Economics and then a law conversion is still a completely valid route, and many solicitors/barristers come from non-law backgrounds. But you definitely don’t need to go down that path unless you want to.
If you enjoy your subjects, can produce strong writing through your EPQ, and build a solid law-focused personal statement, you’re still a competitive applicant for places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge etc.
Feel free to ask if you want help choosing a MOOC, building supercurriculars, or planning out a strong law application . Also if while Southampton may not be on your list we are a Russel group university which also carries its own prestige.
Hope this helped!!
Kind regards
Thaabit - Student Ambassador at the university of Southampton
Reply 6
4
Original post
by Uni of Southampton StudentsHi @saudaida8 ! I’m a current student ambassador at the University of Southampton (I study Aerospace Engineering), and although I’m not a law student, I can definitely give some guidance on the admissions side of things.
First of all, YES, it is absolutely still possible to get into top law schools with Maths, Further Maths and Economics. None of the major law universities require essay-based A levels, and places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge, KCL, Durham etc. all regularly accept applicants with quantitative subject combinations. They may prefer essay subjects only in the sense that they help develop skills you’ll use on the degree — but that doesn’t mean the door closes for you if your combination is different.
What matters most is that you can show you have the analytical writing ability and genuine interest in law. You can demonstrate this in other ways:
So yes ,your current subjects do NOT make top law universities unrealistic.
On the other hand, doing Economics and then a law conversion is still a completely valid route, and many solicitors/barristers come from non-law backgrounds. But you definitely don’t need to go down that path unless you want to.
If you enjoy your subjects, can produce strong writing through your EPQ, and build a solid law-focused personal statement, you’re still a competitive applicant for places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge etc.
Feel free to ask if you want help choosing a MOOC, building supercurriculars, or planning out a strong law application . Also if while Southampton may not be on your list we are a Russel group university which also carries its own prestige.
Hope this helped!!
Kind regards
Thaabit - Student Ambassador at the university of Southampton
First of all, YES, it is absolutely still possible to get into top law schools with Maths, Further Maths and Economics. None of the major law universities require essay-based A levels, and places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge, KCL, Durham etc. all regularly accept applicants with quantitative subject combinations. They may prefer essay subjects only in the sense that they help develop skills you’ll use on the degree — but that doesn’t mean the door closes for you if your combination is different.
What matters most is that you can show you have the analytical writing ability and genuine interest in law. You can demonstrate this in other ways:
•
Supercurriculars – online law MOOCs, webinars, court judgments, legal podcasts, attending open days or public court hearings.
•
Reading around the subject – doesn’t need to be long books; even articles + case summaries help.
•
Your personal statement – this is where you show your writing skills and your interest in law, which easily compensates for not doing an essay A level
On the other hand, doing Economics and then a law conversion is still a completely valid route, and many solicitors/barristers come from non-law backgrounds. But you definitely don’t need to go down that path unless you want to.
If you enjoy your subjects, can produce strong writing through your EPQ, and build a solid law-focused personal statement, you’re still a competitive applicant for places like LSE, UCL, Cambridge etc.
Feel free to ask if you want help choosing a MOOC, building supercurriculars, or planning out a strong law application . Also if while Southampton may not be on your list we are a Russel group university which also carries its own prestige.
Hope this helped!!
Kind regards
Thaabit - Student Ambassador at the university of Southampton
hi thank you so much for replying! i appreciate the advice
i just wanted to ask if you have any suggestions specifically for supercurriculars in law that can help strengthen my application. my GCSEs grades are not the absolutely best (888877666) so I just want to make sure everything else is stronger before the end of y12
Reply 7
Original post
by saudaida8hey thanks for replying, most of them dont really recommend it but I just thought students with the more traditional subjects have more of a chance of getting an offer. considering my subject choices and how competitive law a .a prestigious university is, do u think I have a chance at it despite having only one essay subject?
I had no essay subjects and both Cambridge and UCL were happy with that 🙂 didn't apply to LSE so I can't say anything about that if that's where you want to study. Not doing essay subjects has no bearing on how you'll do during your degree as well (at least in first year - I can't speak for year 2 and 3).
It's not really a preference for essay subjects. It's more so that the majority of people do essay subjects, so most of their data is based off A level performance in subjects like history, literature, etc. Best of luck with uni applications.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
4
Original post
by nwarI had no essay subjects and both Cambridge and UCL were happy with that 🙂 didn't apply to LSE so I can't say anything about that if that's where you want to study. Not doing essay subjects has no bearing on how you'll do during your degree as well (at least in first year - I can't speak for year 2 and 3).
It's not really a preference for essay subjects. It's more so that the majority of people do essay subjects, so most of their data is based off A level performance in subjects like history, literature, etc. Best of luck with uni applications.
It's not really a preference for essay subjects. It's more so that the majority of people do essay subjects, so most of their data is based off A level performance in subjects like history, literature, etc. Best of luck with uni applications.
Hi, thanks for replying! 😁
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
Reply 9
20
Original post
by saudaida8Hi, thanks for replying! 😁
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7305524
This was written by one of our previous successful applicants.Knock yourself out!😁
Reply 10
Original post
by saudaida8Hi, thanks for replying! 😁
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
Hello : ) I did a lot of reading, a few essay competitions and watched some introductory lectures. Reading was probably the most important bit out of all those. I think my personal statement was less about showing skills and more about showing interest (I had so many areas of law I was super interested in before starting my degree — although some have changed, most have stayed!).
For the unis you’ve mentioned, you’ll sit the LNAT anyway, which is the place to show off your skills. One thing I’ve noticed is that legal essay writing is pretty analytical, so your subjects will help you with that.
For some subject exploration, would highly recommend The Law Show podcast and the HE+ website.
https://myheplus.com/subject/law/criminal-law
Reply 11
Original post
by saudaida8Hi, thanks for replying! 😁
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
how did u go about extracurriculars and super curriculars to show that you have the skills for law? my teachers r telling me to lean towards economics because of my subjects and the lack of essay skills in them subjects.
also did the unis you applied to look mostly at your personal statement?
Also would like to add that essay skills through A level subjects doesn’t translate to essay skills at degree-level. Based on personal experience, I’ve found it a bit easier to adjust to legal essays at university than my friends (who did purely essay subjects at A level). Don’t think there’s any particular advantage to doing essay subjects at A level to get essay skills, although of course I never did any so I’ll never know!
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