Law

[Bubblegum]

I study Maths History Business Studies and Art for A Levels and was wondering can i still go on and study Law.

Otherwise is English, History and Politics vital?

[Buenchico]

I very much doubt that an in-depth knowledge of English, History or Politics would be seen as essential for studying law. (I fail to see any any direct relevance to Law for the poetry of W.B.Yeats. I can't think of any reason why a knowledge of the rise and fall of the Austro-Hungarian empire should help. Even a knowledge of political systems doesn't help with an understanding of the application of the laws passed by politicians).

The one A-level subject which might be of most relevance is, of course, Law but if your school or college doesn't include it as an option, there's not much you can do about that. (Even so, I suspect that many university lecturers would prefer their students to arrive unburdened by the A-level Law syllabus).

Two other A-levels which might be relevant are Maths (because of the need for clear, logical, structured and coherent thought) and Business Studies (to provide a knowledge of the way that the law is applied in commerce). So your current subject choices might be fine.

Many universities now require candidates for admission to law courses to take the LNAT. (This is in addition to achieving high grades in their chosen A-level subjects). These universities include most of the 'prestigious' universities for law degrees, such as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, KCL and Durham. It's likely that, as long as your A-level grades are high enough, the universities would give greater weight to your performance in the LNAT than to your choice of A-level subjects.

Information about the LNAT is here:
http://www.lnat.ac.uk/
I suggest that you work through the links, down the right hand side, to check each university's individual requirements for admission to study law.

Chris

[Eve]

I studied French, German and Italian at A Level, started French, German and Italian degree but switched after my first year with Law with no problems.

Am now a qualified solicitor :)

History will be useful for sourcing and the more historical side of the law which you are taught at degree level. it may also help with the research projects and assignments and any dissertation.

Business Studies, as Chris said, will help with the more commercial side of law as this is a huge area nowadays and lawyers in this field need a strong commercial awareness.

Maths again can be useful for the financial and accounting side and the logic and such. This would probably be more useful in lawschool and practice though than at degree level.

There are (or were) certain core subjects that had be be taken when I went through being Criminal, Contract, Tort, Land Law, Equity and Trusts, Legal System and Legal Skills/Process, Administrative and Constitutional Law and European Law.

Other electives depend on where you go but there is usually a wide range.

Skills wise I would say a lot of dedication is needed, there is a lot of reading involved and many hours in the library on top of lectures. some very different skills will be needed such as drafting, advocacy, good writing skills including strong grammar.

It's hard work but can also be a lot of fun :)