That’s the long term aim: study law at a top university after smashing your A-levels, going on to undertake a vacation scheme, proceed to get a top degree and land yourself a training contract.

Now you’re off to college or sixth form and wondering which A-levels you need to study in order to be accepted into university.

There are no compulsory subjects you need to study in order to get a place on a law degree (officially called an LLB). Study whatever you please at A-level, but remember there are certain subjects that will give you a good grounding and will be easier explain how studying these subjects furthered your interest in law.

Recommended A-level subjects for Law:

Studying politics at A-level provides you with a solid background knowledge of how laws are formulated, debated and passed in government and parliament. You’ll also touch on constitutional law and public law and gain an understanding of law and order in the UK.

Other A-levels that are useful are those that rely on examination of evidence and construction of arguments – both useful skills you can mention in your UCAS personal statement (more on that later).

With this in mind, subjects such as English Literature would allow you to develop these skills. Studying History would be particularly useful also.

It’s worth noting that if you want to study, say, Law with French Law, you will most likely have to have an A-level in French.

“What about A-level law?”

We were wondering when you’d ask that. Believe it or not, studying law at A-level isn’t particularly useful. University tutors will often have to ‘un-teach’ what students learned. Having said this, it won’t hold you back in your applications.

Churchill College, Cambridge have this to say: “Though we do not frown upon the taking of Law at A-level, we do not in any way require it or even recommend it.”

UCAS Personal Statement & The LNAT

Though you may have free choice in your A-level choices, you should choose subjects that will provide you with the transferable skills that universities will look for in prospective law students. You may also want to consider which subjects will provide you with the critical thinking abilities needed to complete the LNAT.

The most important thing is to choose A-levels you enjoy and to achieve good grades.