collageThat includes sociology, political science, psychology and history. Science and math classes sharpen analytical thinking. Coursework that trains students to read large amounts of information is vital. Stick with honors or advanced placement courses and read as much as possible to prepare for the rigors of law school.
English
English is typically regarded as a good A-Level to take if you want to study law. This is largely because it develops your essay writing, fluency and communication skills – all of which are essential if you want to receive good grades whilst at university.
History
Similar to English, history is a great A-Level for law, as it helps to develop your essay writing skills. History also teaches you to read, think critically and develop logical arguments – all of which are key skills for a law student to learn early on.
Politics
Politics is another good subject to take before your law degree because it gives you an awareness of the political context under which our legal system has evolved. It’s also another subject that will help to improve your essay writing skills too.
Languages
Studying a language may be a more useful for a law student further down the line. For students who want to end up in a global law firm or doing international work, a solid grasp of another language will be an asset.
Some students decide to continue with their language A-Level at university, taking online courses or even joining that country’s society.
Maths
Maths is another good A-Level to take if you want to study law. It’s a well-respected choice and therefore would be a great strength to your application.
Whilst not typically associated with developing the writing skills needed for a law degree, maths can help with developing analytical skills and following a step-by-step logical process, which is welcomed when addressing statutes.
Working with numbers may also prove useful if you go on to specialise in tax law in your legal career – however, it is certainly not a prerequisite.
Sciences
Similar to maths, taking biology, chemistry or physics will show that you have a logical mind and are good at problem-solving, which are both important skills for law students to possess.
Other A-Level subjects:
Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Economics
Taking facilitating subjects, such as geography or religious studies will be neither advantageous nor disadvantageous. It is more important that you receive high grades for them and can explain why the skills you developed whilst studying them will help you during a law degree.
Law
A-Level law generally receives a mixed response. Some people argue that it is a ‘soft subject’ but on the whole, neither universities nor law firm graduate recruiters have spoken out against it.
Therefore, taking law will give you an overview of some of the topics you will study in more detail at undergraduate degree level.
Critical Thinking and General Studies
It should be noted that critical thinking and general studies are not received well by universities and are often excluded from their permissible A-Level requirements. for a prospective law student, these should be taken as a supplement to your standard three A-Levels, if at all.
As you can see, there are no set or clearly preferred subjects or subject groups which should be taken at A-Level for law degree applications.
Whilst taking English or History will certainly advance your writing skills, students who have three sciences at A-Level are accepted just as often.
Many guides suggest that the most popular A-Level students take History or Geography, both facilitating subjects, alongside English and/or Maths.
It is more important that a student receives high grades for their A-Levels than what subjects they attain them for. It is better to take the subjects you enjoy the most because you are more likely to receive a better grade for them.
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