A-Level Subjects for Law School| CBU ECMAPUS

Choosing Your A Levels What Subjects do You Need to Study Law 1

Introduction

To unburden you straight away, take note that no specific A-level subjects are required to study law. However, if the decision to become a lawyer dawned on you in high school, you can make some smart choices.

One good way of allocating your efforts wisely is focussing on the skills required for the studies and this career line. Legal professionals should have strong written and verbal skills, nurture an analytical mind and be versed in essay writing, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

The best news is that many A-levels allow you to acquire these skills.

Here are some of the best subjects you can take to prepare for what’s ahead.

Recommended Subject Picks

Even though requirements to study law will vary from university to university, a minimum of two A levels is usually listed as one of the main admission criteria. As a rule, the most popular courses will ask for three A levels and A grades.

And although their importance is not officially categorised, some of them are simply more beneficial than others. In other words, they are the best preparation for studying law effectively.

Here’s the breakdown.

EnglishSomewhat as a surprise, A-level law is not the first subject on our list. In fact, to pursue a law degree, you are not obliged to have law knowledge beforehand. But verbal skills are. Most admission boards will highly value your ability to organise thoughts and wrap them up in clear and concise language.
LanguagesAside from improving your communication skills, learning various languages can be very beneficial in the long run. Many lawyers today work in international settings, and knowing one or more languages is “that little something” that can set you apart from the competition.
HistoryGenerally speaking, history is one of the core backbones of many disciplines that focus on human behaviour. When it comes to law studies specifically, History can introduce you to the evolution of legal systems and provide a fertile ground for nurturing critical thinking - all of which are essential for law studies (and getting admitted to a specific course, naturally).
PoliticsThe relevance of this subject seems obvious: while the law is concerned with rules and regulations set by a particular community, political science is all about inspecting the foundation of establishing and leading communities on various levels. As a result, it can offer a valuable insight into how people organise societies and set up building grounds for living together.
Philosophy Once a queen of all disciplines, philosophy is a bit undervalued today. The general perception categorises it as an area that deals with obscure notions that are irrelevant in real life. But those of you who enjoy philosophical meditation are in for some good news. The subject is excellent for honing your abstract thinking skills, which translates to developing critical reasoning, a logical mind, and the ability to put your thoughts in succinct points, all of which are essential for getting a law degree.
Maths And SciencesSimilar goes for maths and sciences. Although the subjects don’t correlate to law directly, they can be very beneficial in preparing you for what’s ahead. By grasping scientific concepts, you’ll sharpen your ability to perceive causal relationships as such and hone your analytical skills. So, if you’ve decided to become a lawyer but still enjoy STEM subjects, it’s strongly recommended that you opt for them at A-level.
A-Level LawIt does seem a bit counterintuitive to note that you don’t have to take A-level law to get to a law school. But, it’s a well-established fact that law students come from various backgrounds and are not obliged to have a well-rounded knowledge of the subject beforehand. However, if you are passionate about the subject and have your mind completely set up to get a law degree, familiarity with the core legal concepts will undoubtedly do you good in the future.

Choosing Your A Levels What Subjects do You Need to Study Law 2

Jump to:

Entry requirements

One thing you should note is that there are no universal qualifications required to study law. Universities are independent in tailoring their admission criteria, and the prerequisite demands vary from institution to institution.

That said, there are some entry requirements for a law degree that many schools will ask their applicants to fulfil. These are:

Minimum of two A levels (three A levels and A grades needed for the most popular courses)
Personal statement
Some universities will require candidates also to take The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)

If you’re competing with many applicants, excellent grades and test scores will likely put you on top of the list. But what could really set you apart from others is your personal statement. It’s a written document that allows you to showcase the entire spectrum of your skills. It’s also a spot where you can emphasise your passion for the subject by noting previous achievements in extracurricular activities. Be sure to include all the relevant work experience, participation in debating clubs (or alike), or any additional reading and research of particular topics.

Of course, organise your history analytically and ensure that the reader can follow it effortlessly.

Best of luck!

Choosing Your A Levels What Subjects do You Need to Study Law 3

CBU’s Bachelor of Law

Here at Copperbelt University, we developed undergraduate programmes in law that will readily launch your legal career. Two versions are available:

Three-year Bachelor of Law degree - that will allow you to quickly reach the next stage of your professional training as a lawyer
Four-year Bachelor of Law degree - that offers a deeper insight into law sciences and provides a broader foundation for honing your skills

The admission requirements are:

Five ‘O’ Levels (a credit (6) or better) inclusive of English Language
A first degree in any discipline from a recognised university or
A professional qualification equivalent to a degree or
Three passes at Cambridge ‘A’ Level or the equivalent or
A Certificate in Legal Studies or Diploma in Law from a recognised University or College

To learn more about our programmes and the corresponding requirements, download our prospectus or contact us directly with any questions you may have.

Download our prospectus