Which A Level subject to choose for Law at Cambridge?

Question

I am starting Year 12 tomorrow, however have a few doubts about my A Level Subjects. I would ideally like to study Law at Cambridge University, and have chosen English Literature, Maths, Chemistry and History (and I already have a Spanish A Level- A).

However I am thinking of changing my options, which I am still allowed to do at my school, from History to French. I'm a very confident French student, and would like to know which selection would be more appealing.

As extra information I got 8A*s and 4As at GCSE.

Thank you :)

Answer 1

Erm... shouldn't you study a Law A-level for starters?

Also i think Politics might be good.

Then English LANGUAGE.

French or HIstory... either.

Maths and Chemistry are Law related how?

Answer 2

Depending on how good you are at History, I'd say it would be a better choice. But again, it does depend how good you are - I've seen highly competant students really struggle to get As in A level history.

The reason is that History is a highly regarded subject for Law (although French is too, that you already have a Spanish A shows you are linguistically talented) and languages get much harder.

Either is good, but I'd personally say History would be more interesting, and a little easier.

Answer 3

You should choose the subjects that you enjoy the most to get good grades in your A Levels!

A Level Law is not necessary to study law at university. Most law students will be expected to take up History or a similar subject (like Politics), as well as English (or similarly French) as it shows fluent communication skill. Its great that you have A Level Spanish already.

Having said that, good universities like Cambridge will very much appreciate you showing a competency for a broad range of subjects - so Maths and Chemistry are fine. You should be able to discuss your choices with a teacher when you enrol at college.

Answer 4

Not to be rude but the person before has it completely wrong.

Because of your amazing grades you need to keep your education as broad as possible.

Cambridge themselves have actually said they discourage Law A Level as they prefer people to have a wide range of knowledge.

Chemistry- good as it shows logic (needed for law)

English Lit.- Prefered to language and teaches you how to speak through reading great books

Maths- Great again, show's that your clever

History- Probably more useful than french and since you already have spanish they know you're a keen linguist.

Best of luck xx

Answer 5

Have to agree the first answerer has it all wrong. Lit is way better than language. I would say history edges over french because it requires a lot of research/reading, writing essays and the ability to remember and cite previous events. That's basically what you will be doing in a law degree. Learning case studies/laws and writing logical essays based on them. In fact the more I type about it the more I have persuaded my self that you should go for history! French would also be good though.

Answer 6

Many A level (or equivalent) subjects provide a good grounding for the study of Law at university and Colleges have an open mind about the subjects that are a sound preparation.

Good applicants tend to have taken subjects at A level (or equivalent) that develop a careful, analytical approach to reading and which require them to present information in a way which is well structured and thoughtfully argued. Normally applicants with backgrounds in Mathematics and science subjects perform as well as those whose background is in humanities subjects. Many Colleges are pleased to see applicants with a mixed background in these subjects.

Applicants are not required to have studied Law at GCSE or A level. Those who have done so tend not to have any special advantage once they begin studying Law at university. Academic subjects other than Law will generally provide a solid foundation for the course, as well as give a desirable breadth of experience.