A-levels - Perceptions of Their Value for University Preparation in Law and Psychology Admissions Tutors

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Explores perceptions of how well A-levels prepare students for university study, using findings from prior research and a study focused on Higher Education Admissions Tutors. Synthesizes evidence from Nuffield Review focus groups and survey results showing mixed or skeptical views about A-level benefits, including concerns about students’ literacy and numeracy readiness. Examines how these debates appear specifically in Law admissions, including conflicting opinions on A-level Law usefulness and differences in university entry requirements and guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

A-levels

A-level Law

INTRODUCTION A-levels There has been some research into perceptions of the benefit of A-levels generally in preparing students for study at university. As part of the Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training, a series of focus groups were conducted to investigate university lecturers’ and admissions staff expectations of the education and training of 14 to 19 year olds (Wilde, Wright, Hayward, Johnson, & Skerrett, 2006) . Over 250 participants from 21 higher education institutions across England and Wales took part in the focus groups. The majority of participants perceived there to be a general decline in the literacy and numeracy skills of school leavers, to the extent that some institutions were providing additional support in literacy and mathematics, although details of this support were not reported. Moreover, some participants considered that degree courses might need to be lengthened to account for the additional resources and time needed to support the limited literacy and numeracy skills of current applicants. There is further evidence to indicate that this may be an issue for some universities, with a recent article by Frean, Yobbo, and Duncan (August 15, 2007) in The Times reporting on a small survey of universities’ provision of study skills or essay-writing classes for undergraduates. Of the 117 universities approached , 26 of the 47 that replied stated that they offered classes in study skills or essay writing. Although many universities offer such classes as a matter of course, Frean et al. quoted staff from four universities who stated that these classes were a new initiative in response to poor literacy skills among students. However, the article does not specify how many of the responding universities had introduced such classes as part of a new initiative, or whether they were components of pre-existing (or recently expanded) study skills programmes. Moreover, a recent study conducted by the Association of Colleges (2006) found that many students considered A-levels to be of questionable benefit in preparing them for university study. This survey of 1,027 first- , second- , and third-year undergraduates (446 males, 581 females) found that only 58.6% of respondents slightly or strongly agreed with the statement“Doing A Levels adequately prepared me for my current university course”. Of the remaining respondents, 17.7% disagreed (either slightly or strongly) that A-levels prepared them for their course; 23.7% were neutral or did not know. However, this study was somewhat limited in that it only asked a single general question relating to A-levels. Although the above examples illustrate that there are negative views surrounding the perceived utility of A-levels, the evidence is largely anecdotal and unfocussed. The present paper describes a study that aimed to expand upon this limited previous research, and to determine the extent to which Higher Education Admissions Tutors, those individuals who organise and co-ordinate the selection of students who apply for admission to undergraduate degrees, perceive that A-levels prepare students for university study. However, for reasons discussed below, the present study focussed upon the opinions of Law and Psychology Admissions Tutors. A-level Law The commissioning of this study arose from AQA’s Senior Subject Officer in Law and Psychology’s awareness of anecdotal evidence suggesting that some careers advisors and university admissions tutors consider A-level Law to be unhelpful in preparing students for studying Law at university. To illustrate, a teacher of A-level Law stated in the Spring 2003 issue of the Association of Law Teachers Bulletin that, although almost all universities consider A-level Law to be an acceptable subject for admission to a degree course, “...there are still some individual lecturers (and some careers advisers) who try to discourage students from taking this option” (Deft, 2003) . These contradictory opinions of A-leve

FAQs

What do the Nuffield Review focus groups suggest about A-levels and student readiness?

Most participants perceived a decline in the literacy and numeracy skills of school leavers, leading some institutions to provide additional support. Some participants also suggested degree courses may need to be lengthened to account for additional support time.

What does the Association of Colleges (2006) survey indicate about A-levels’ preparation value?

Among 1,027 undergraduates, only 58.6% slightly or strongly agreed that doing A-levels adequately prepared them for their current course. A substantial share disagreed or were neutral/uncertain, though the study relied on a single broad question.

How do university admissions criteria treat A-level Law?

Many universities either do not mention A-level Law specifically or include it as an accepted subject, while some explicitly advise taking other subjects unless there is a particular reason. Others may not require or recommend it, arguing that more traditional and rigorous A-level subjects provide better preparation.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah