A LEVELS & UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE - A LEVELS TO CHOOSE

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy

Guide on choosing A-level subjects for university entrance, with separate pathways for students aiming for a law degree versus a non-law degree. Explains that law is not universally required as an A-level subject, and outlines recommended subjects for developing analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills. Discusses academic standards for Russell Group universities, typical grade ranges, and how to check entry requirements. Includes advice on completing the UCAS form and crafting a strong personal statement, with suggested structure and timing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

A LEVELS TO CHOOSE

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS TO CHOOSE IF YOU WANT TO STUDY A LAW DEGREE

A-LEVEL SUBJECTS TO CHOOSE IF YOU WANT TO STUDY A NON-LAW DEGREE

ACADEMIC STANDARD REQUIRED

USEFUL LINKS (A-LEVELS)

WHAT DOES THE UCAS FORM NEED?

Structuring your personal statement

A LEVELS & UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE A LEVELS TO CHOOSE When deciding which A-levels to choose, you should consider what you might want to study at university. The subjects you pick might differ if you want to go on to study a law degree, or a non-law degree. That being said, whilst there are some more commonly chosen subjects amongst people who go on to study law, there are typically no subject requirements in order to get a place at a law school. A-LEVEL SUBJECTS TO CHOOSE IF YOU WANT TO STUDY A LAW DEGREE The first question for many people is should I study law at A-level. The short answer is you do not have to have to in order to pursue a legal career. Not every school/college will offer law as an A-level subject, and there are no universities or legal recruiters who require it. Subjects such as History, English Literature and Politics are generally good options to choose as they develop your analytical and critical thinking and writing skills. Foreign languages are also desirable if you think you might want to specialise in some sort of international law later on, whilst maths and science help to demonstrate your ability to solve problems. You will not be penalised if you pick other subjects not listed here. Most universities do not accept general studies or critical thinking as one of your three core A-level subjects, as they are not considered to be traditionally academic. Top Tip: Ultimately, the key thing to remember is that it is important to get good grades in the subjects you do choose in order to secure a place at a well-regarded university. Pick subjects that you enjoy and think you can excel in. A-LEVEL SUBJECTS TO CHOOSE IF YOU WANT TO STUDY A NON-LAW DEGREE There are no set subjects to choose if you do not want to study a law degree. However, what you do need to think about is whether the entrance requirements to your chosen course are subject-specific. For example, if you want to study a history degree, it is common that you will need to have an A-level in history. ACADEMIC STANDARD REQUIRED This will ultimately depend on what subject you choose and where you want to go to university. If you want to study law, most Russell Group universities require three A’sin your chosen A-level subjects. (The Russell Group is an association of 24 leading UK universities.) If you want to study a non-law degree, the entrance requirements may differ. They tend to vary depending on the university and the subject you want to study. However, what tends to be required is if you want to study a specific subject, you will need to have an A-level in that subject. Entry into Russell Group universities for humanities, languages, maths or science can range from A*AA, to AAA, AAB, or for some courses, ABB. If you have an idea what subject you would like to study at university, you should visit the following website: [https://universitycompare.com/](https://universitycompare.com/. You)[.](https://universitycompare.com/. You)[ You](https://universitycompare.com/. You) will be able to compare the course you are interested in at different universities and see what the entrance requirements are. USEFUL LINKS (A-LEVELS) The Uni Guide – What A-levels do you need to study law? [https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-need](https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/what-a-levels-do-you-need)to-study law\#:~:text=many%20law%20students%20take%20at,keep%20their%20degree%20 options%20flexible. The Lawyer Portal – What A-levels to take it you want to study law [https://www.thelawyerportal.com/blog/what-a-levels-to-take-if-you-want-to-study](https://www.thelawyerportal.com/blog/what-a-levels-to-take-if-you-want-to-study)law/ The Guardian – Choosing A-Levels for law [https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/dec/30/choosing-a-levels-for-law-its-the](https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/dec/30/choosing-a-levels-for-law-its-the)grades-that-really-count WHAT DOES THE UCAS FORM NE

FAQs

Do you need to study law at A-level to pursue a legal career?

No. You do not have to study law at A-level to pursue a legal career, since not every school/college offers law and universities or legal recruiters do not universally require it.

What A-level subjects are generally recommended for students aiming for a law degree?

Subjects like History, English Literature, and Politics are generally good options because they develop analytical and critical thinking and writing skills. Foreign languages can also help for international law specialization, while maths and science demonstrate problem-solving ability.

What information does the UCAS form require and why is the personal statement important?

The UCAS form needs personal details, course choices, education and employment history, and especially the personal statement. The personal statement is the chance to explain why you are a good fit for the course, and it is sent to all universities you apply to, so it should avoid naming specific universities.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy