I want to do Law at Uni, will my A-Level choices prevent me?

Hello! I’m a Year 12 student studying three A-Levels in Law, Media Studies and Photography. When I started A-Levels my aim was to work in media however after a while I’ve turned towards Law and this is where my ambitions now are. However, I’m really worried that my less “highly recognised” A-Levels in Media Studies and Photography will prevent me from going to a really good University for Law😞 I want to apply to some of the best Unis for law in the future and I’m working really hard to get good experiences to boost my application but I’m not sure it will be enough. I tried to change Media Studies in the past however I’m not able to anymore. Can anyone please put my mind at ease, or should I not even waste an application on those top Unis?😭 Thanks!

Hi Oscarpiastri81,
It can be tricky navigating course requirements as many universities require different subjects and grades for their courses.
I would recommend emailing the universities admissions team, this information can be found on their website. They will be able to give you more information about the requirements for the law courses they offer. This can reassure you about which direction you want to take when applying for universities.
Good luck with your application!
Myla
YSJ Student Ambassador

Essentially, unis don't have hidden requirements, (and why would they, they don't want to encourage a raft of unsuitable candidates to apply). So you can safely go by whatever requirements you see on their respective websites. If they have preferred subjects, they'll be spelt out clearly.

Hello! I’m a Year 12 student studying three A-Levels in Law, Media Studies and Photography. When I started A-Levels my aim was to work in media however after a while I’ve turned towards Law and this is where my ambitions now are. However, I’m really worried that my less “highly recognised” A-Levels in Media Studies and Photography will prevent me from going to a really good University for Law😞 I want to apply to some of the best Unis for law in the future and I’m working really hard to get good experiences to boost my application but I’m not sure it will be enough. I tried to change Media Studies in the past however I’m not able to anymore. Can anyone please put my mind at ease, or should I not even waste an application on those top Unis?😭 Thanks!

Hi @oscarpiastri81 ,
Please don't worry - the A-levels you're studying shouldn't necessarily limit your chances of doing a law degree! While you'll need to doublecheck each university's website, most law degrees don't have specific subject requirements (lots of students currently doing an LLB have never even studied law before - so you're already in a great position doing it at A-level).
Law, being an essay-based subject, combined with media studies and photography will demonstrate a fantastic level of versatility, showing you can master the nuanced, persuasive writing required for legal arguments while demonstrating your creative, analytical outlook. I personally studied History, Geology and English Literature at A-level and did an undergraduate degree in Anthropology & Archaeology before doing a law conversion - there are many more routes into law than you would think!
Provided you are able to discuss your transferrable skills and experiences effectively and demonstrate your passion for law, I'm sure you'll be an excellent candidate for an LLB at whichever university you choose. Please don't limit your options just because you've chosen a more varied set of A-levels - this is a strength, not a weakness 😊
Good luck!
Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law

Hello! I’m a Year 12 student studying three A-Levels in Law, Media Studies and Photography. When I started A-Levels my aim was to work in media however after a while I’ve turned towards Law and this is where my ambitions now are. However, I’m really worried that my less “highly recognised” A-Levels in Media Studies and Photography will prevent me from going to a really good University for Law😞 I want to apply to some of the best Unis for law in the future and I’m working really hard to get good experiences to boost my application but I’m not sure it will be enough. I tried to change Media Studies in the past however I’m not able to anymore. Can anyone please put my mind at ease, or should I not even waste an application on those top Unis?😭 Thanks!

No, only ur grades matter at most unis

Heyy @oscarpiastri81,
That’s great that you’re considering Law as a career path.
As everyone has mentioned already, most universities don’t require specific A-level subjects for Law (aside from GCSE English). While some subjects are sometimes considered more “traditional,” what really matters is strong grades and a well-written personal statement that shows you have the skills and motivation to succeed in a Law degree.
Your subjects can absolutely work in your favour if you frame them well. Focus on the transferable skills you’ve gained from your subjects and link these directly to the skills needed for Law. You could even strengthen your statement by connecting your background to areas like Media Law, showing a clear and thoughtful journey from your original interests into Law.
For studying Law at Lancaster University, we do not have a specific A Level requirements. Admissions look at your grades, overall academic ability and how well you demonstrate your interest and suitability for the subject in your personal statement. Furthermore, Lancaster is known for being flexible and will often consider applicants who are slightly below the stated entry requirements.
If you have any more questions about applying for Law or studying at Lancaster, feel free to ask 😊
Rachel
Lancaster University Student Ambassador
3rd Year LLB Law Student

Hello! I’m a Year 12 student studying three A-Levels in Law, Media Studies and Photography. When I started A-Levels my aim was to work in media however after a while I’ve turned towards Law and this is where my ambitions now are. However, I’m really worried that my less “highly recognised” A-Levels in Media Studies and Photography will prevent me from going to a really good University for Law😞 I want to apply to some of the best Unis for law in the future and I’m working really hard to get good experiences to boost my application but I’m not sure it will be enough. I tried to change Media Studies in the past however I’m not able to anymore. Can anyone please put my mind at ease, or should I not even waste an application on those top Unis?😭 Thanks!

Hi! I'm a first year law student at Swansea!
It is worth noting that universities look holistically at your application, your subject choices make up a small part of the picture. Law schools place more emphasis on your personal statement and grades. Therefore, doing A-Levels and getting good grades is more important then the subject they are in. The fact you are considering work experiences will be very desirable to universities as well. If you have the opportunity to do an EPQ that would also be beneficial.
Overall, I really wouldn't worry about your subject choices as they make up only a small bit of your application. By the sound of things you are on track to getting where you want to go! Good luck for the future!
All the best,
Lucy