What A-levels do you need to study law?
Budding barrister or solicitor? Here's a guide to some of the entry requirements for taking a law degree...
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That said, some universities may require one or two specific subjects to be in your A-level line-up. Certain subjects can help prepare you for law at degree level – this includes law itself, as well as A-level English (which is why some universities ask for this as a required or preferred subject).
Take a look at our section on university requirements below, or browse law courses to see what specific universities say about GCSE requirements.
University of Edinburgh: A*AA-ABB in A-levels, including either a grade B in an English A-level (Language, Literature or combined) or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature.
University of Oxford: AAA in A-levels – an A-level in an essay-writing subject is recommended but not essential.
Aston University: BBB in A-levels, as well as 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including GCSE maths at grade 4 and GCSE English at grade 4.
Oxford Brooks University: 120 Ucas Tariff points. BBB at A-level would get you 120 points – find out more about Ucas Tariff here.
As well as satisfying any qualification and grade requirements, you’ll need to write a strong personal statement to stand out and possibly sit an entry test known as the Lnat (the Law National Aptitude Test).
- What A-level subjects are needed or essential for law
- Useful A-levels for law
- GCSE entry requirements for law
- Examples of university entry requirements for law
- Other similar degree subjects
Law degree entry requirements: A-levels
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for law?
Although law is a subject available at A-level, you don’t need it to take a law degree – this is normally open to you with any A-levels.That said, some universities may require one or two specific subjects to be in your A-level line-up. Certain subjects can help prepare you for law at degree level – this includes law itself, as well as A-level English (which is why some universities ask for this as a required or preferred subject).
Students who want to take law are often told to study the likes of English literature and law at A-level, but I personally think people should study what they like and are good at. Law students don't have to study law beforehand.
I think English and history probably help in the sense that they refine your essay writing skills. My essay writing skills needed work when I got to university, but I caught up in the end!
I think English and history probably help in the sense that they refine your essay writing skills. My essay writing skills needed work when I got to university, but I caught up in the end!
Alternatively, what A-level subjects are useful for law?
- Essay-based subjects such as history or English will set you up nicely for law at degree level.
- Many law students take subjects like a foreign language, maths, science, English, history or geography – these are good choices for students who want to keep their degree options flexible.
You can browse law courses here on The Uni Guide to learn more, including full entry requirements and the common A-level subjects current students apply with – compare these to get an idea of how flexible a university may be on the subjects they actually accept, against what they ask for upfront.
- Read more: what are university entry requirements?
GCSE entry requirements for law
Most universities will require five GCSEs at grade 9-4 – you’ll probably need this for most A-level subjects. And a university may ask for specific minimum GCSE grades in English and maths.Take a look at our section on university requirements below, or browse law courses to see what specific universities say about GCSE requirements.
Examples of law degree requirements
Below are a range of Bachelor of Law (with honours) courses offered by different universities and the A-level entry requirements for 2024 students:University of Edinburgh: A*AA-ABB in A-levels, including either a grade B in an English A-level (Language, Literature or combined) or a grade 7 GCSE in English Language and Literature.
University of Oxford: AAA in A-levels – an A-level in an essay-writing subject is recommended but not essential.
Aston University: BBB in A-levels, as well as 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including GCSE maths at grade 4 and GCSE English at grade 4.
Oxford Brooks University: 120 Ucas Tariff points. BBB at A-level would get you 120 points – find out more about Ucas Tariff here.
As well as satisfying any qualification and grade requirements, you’ll need to write a strong personal statement to stand out and possibly sit an entry test known as the Lnat (the Law National Aptitude Test).
Other similar degree subjects
Not so sure that you want to study law at university? These degree subjects have similar A-level subject requirements:
Be aware that similar degree subjects could have slightly different A-level requirements to law – so check the entry requirements of specific courses if you want to keep your degree options open.- Read more: subject guide to studying a law degree
