Best A Level Subjects for Law Degree

Best A-Level Subjects for a Law Degree: Complete Student Guide

Are you planning to pursue a law degree after A/Ls? If yes, choosing the right A-Level subjects is a critical first step in shaping your legal education and future career. Whether you want to become a lawyer, judge, legal advisor, or enter public service, your subject choices will influence your university application, academic performance, and readiness for legal studies.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover:

The best A-Level subjects for law
Why subject selection matters for legal careers
Ideal subject combinations
What subjects to avoid
Common myths and FAQs

Let’s get started.

Why A-Level Subject Choices Matter for Law

Law is an intellectually demanding and competitive field. Your A-Level subjects should prepare you to handle complex texts, develop arguments, and write clearly. While most universities offering law degrees don’t demand specific subjects, your choices can still impact your admission chances and your ability to succeed in law school.

Law schools often look for:

Strong communication skills
Analytical and critical thinking
Research and writing ability
Academic discipline

Choosing the right combination helps you demonstrate these skills.

Top 5 Best A-Level Subjects for a Law Degree

Here are the most recommended subjects for students who want to study law:

1. English Literature or English Language & Literature

Why it’s valuable:

Law requires excellent reading comprehension and writing skills.
English trains you to interpret complex texts and express arguments clearly.
Essay-writing practice prepares you for legal assignments.

Good for: All branches of law – from criminal to civil and corporate.

2. History

Why it’s valuable:

History teaches you to evaluate sources, understand different viewpoints, and construct logical arguments.
Encourages deep reading and analysis of causes and consequences.
Builds research and evidence-based writing skills.

Good for: Students who enjoy debates, writing, and learning about past systems.

3. Law (A-Level)

Why it’s valuable:

Offers early exposure to key legal principles such as contract law, criminal law, and the legal system.
Gives you an idea of what to expect in your law degree.

Note: While helpful, Law A-Level alone won’t make your application strong. It’s best paired with essay-based subjects like English or History.

Good for: Gaining a foundation in legal studies before entering university.

4. Politics / Government and Politics

Why it’s valuable:

Law and politics are deeply connected.
Enhances your understanding of governance, constitutions, and the law-making process.
Great for students interested in human rights, international law, or public administration.

Good for: Law students aiming for public service, diplomacy, or NGO work.

5. Modern Languages (e.g., French, German, Mandarin, Sinhala, Tamil)

Why it’s valuable:

Shows advanced communication skills and cognitive development.
Important for international law, business law, or working in multinational firms.
Adds a competitive edge in a global legal market.

Good for: Students interested in international careers or working abroad.

Additional Strong A-Level Subjects for Law

Here are a few more subjects that complement legal studies:

Economics: Helps with commercial and business law.

Psychology: Useful for understanding human behavior in criminal law.

Sociology: Helps understand society, justice, and law enforcement structures.

Mathematics: Shows logical reasoning and is helpful for areas like tax or financial law.

Ideal A-Level Subject Combinations for Law

Here are some sample subject combinations that are both practical and powerful:

Option 1: English Literature, History, Politics

Strong in writing, argumentation, and social context.

Option 2: English, Law, Modern Language

Offers communication strength with early legal knowledge.

Option 3: History, Economics, Psychology

Balances social sciences with real-world applications.

Option 4: English, Sociology, Psychology

Ideal for criminal law or social justice careers.

Whichever path you choose, make sure you enjoy the subjects—your performance depends on it!

What Subjects to Avoid for Law Degrees

Not all subjects prepare you equally well for the demands of a law degree. Some A-Level subjects are considered less academically rigorous or not as relevant to legal studies.

Less Preferred (especially if taken without academic subjects):

Media Studies
Travel and Tourism
Film Studies
Art & Design
Photography
ICT

These are not "bad" subjects, but they may not provide the analytical or argumentative training needed in law school. If you choose one, make sure to balance it with stronger academic subjects like English or History.

Do You Need A-Level Law to Study Law at University?

No, you don’t. Most students who study law at university have never studied it before. While A-Level Law can provide helpful background knowledge, it’s not a requirement.

Universities generally prefer:

Essay-based subjects (like English, History, Politics)
Traditional academic subjects
Evidence of clear thinking, writing, and critical analysis

How Many A-Levels Should You Take?

Most universities accept students with three strong A-Level passes. However, taking four A-Levels is optional and should only be done if you’re confident in managing the workload.

Focus on quality over quantity. Three A-Levels with high grades are better than four with average performance.

What Grades Do You Need for Law?

Admission requirements vary by country and university. In general, aim for:

AAB or above for highly competitive law programs
BBB or higher for mid-range law schools
Some institutions may accept BCC or lower with a strong personal statement or other qualifications

Check with the specific university or law faculty you’re applying to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I become a lawyer without taking Law at A-Level?

Yes. Law is not required at A-Level. Most students start learning law at university.

Is Psychology a good subject for law?

Yes. It helps with understanding behavior, useful in criminal and family law.

What if I want to study abroad for law?

Choose subjects with international recognition and focus on academic performance. English and History are great options worldwide.

Is Business Studies useful for law?

It can be helpful for business or commercial law, but should be paired with a strong essay-based subject.

Bonus Tips for Future Law Students

Start reading legal books: Introductory texts and case studies will prepare you for future study.
Practice debating: It improves public speaking and critical thinking—two core skills for any lawyer.
Write essays and participate in model parliaments or student councils: These simulate legal reasoning and argumentation.

Final Thoughts: Best A-Level Subjects for a Law Career

To succeed in a law degree, choose subjects that:

Develop your writing and reasoning abilities
Build analytical and critical thinking skills
Are recognized and respected by universities

Top subjects include English Literature, History, Politics, Law, and Modern Languages. Your A-Level subject selection lays the groundwork for your legal future, so choose wisely.

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