WHAT A levels do you need to be a barrister?

Asked by: Hellen Schmeler V  |  Last update: August 31, 2022
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Entry requirements
A levels – To get on to a law degree you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A grades needed for the most popular courses. Entry requirements range from BCC to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for ABB.

What are the best A levels for law?

Which A-Levels to Take if You Want to Study Law
  • English. English is typically regarded as a good A-Level to take if you want to study law. ...
  • History. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Languages. ...
  • Maths. ...
  • Sciences. ...
  • Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Philosophy, Economics. ...
  • Law.

How do you qualify as a barrister UK?

A barrister must first complete Academic Training—meaning a law degree or an unrelated degree followed by a conversion course (or Graduate Diploma in Law). Instead of training in a law firm like a solicitor, a barrister candidate will take the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) and, if successful, join an Inn of Court.

What GCSEs do you need to be a lawyer UK?

The short answer to this question is that, in order to be a Lawyer, you will be required to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including passes in English, Maths and Science. These GCSEs are required for most Law-related A-Levels, as well as being basic requirements for most Law University courses.

WHAT A levels are needed for law at Oxford?

Examples of law degree requirements

University of Oxford: AAA in A-levels, including a subject that involves writing essays. Aston University: BBB in A-levels, as well as 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including GCSE maths at grade C/4 and GCSE English at grade C/4.

Solicitor or Barrister: Which One Should You Choose? (Salary, Hours, Employers, Work Experience)

30 related questions found

WHAT A-levels do I need for law UK?

A levels – To get on to a law degree you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A grades needed for the most popular courses. Entry requirements range from BCC to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for ABB.

Is A-level law hard?

A-Level Law doesn't need much extra time to understand the content, as it's already fairly straightforward. As long as you have a good memory and some common sense, you should find A-Level Law fairly easy. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but in general most students find this A-Level easy.

What subjects do you need to become a lawyer UK?

There are no essential subjects that you must take at A-level. However, to demonstrate that you have the skills, choose subjects that involve research, analysis and communication - such as history, geography, modern languages, sciences or maths - as these can give you an edge.

What GCSEs do I need to be a barrister?

You'll usually need: 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including maths and English.

What qualifications do you need to become a lawyer UK?

In summary:
  • Three-year undergraduate degree (+ 1 year GDL conversion course if required)
  • One-year Legal Practice Course (LPC)
  • Two-year Professional Skills Course.
  • Two-year law training contract in a law firm.

What is a barrister salary UK?

Qualified barristers in private practice with around five years' experience can earn anything from around £50,000 to £200,000. For those with over ten years' experience, earnings can range from £65,000 to £1,000,000.

Is it hard to become a barrister?

The path to becoming a barrister is very challenging and competitive. Aspiring barristers can come from any degree discipline and they will need to undertake additional training and study after they leave university.

Do you need a Masters to be a barrister?

What qualifications do I need in becoming a barrister? You must complete an undergraduate law degree, or an undergraduate degree followed by the GDL. You must also pass the BPTC as a postgraduate degree at law school.

Do you need maths for law?

No, you don't. The only two which you really need (or at least look really really good) are History and English Lit, so take English - especially if you don't like Maths.

What subjects do I need for law?

There aren't any specific subjects required to study law but history will come as an advantage, as there is a focus on the history in certain law modules. The minimum requirement to study law is a NQF level 4 certificate, which is a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate.

Is the UK bar exam hard?

The Bar is competitive, but it is by no means impossible. Outside of London is probably infinitely easier than within. It's impossible to quantify how hard it is though, but just take it that loads and loads of really good people struggle intensely to get pupillage!

How much does a first year barrister earn?

As a very rough guide, a barrister may expect to earn between £12,000 and £90,000 in the first year of qualification. For some criminal work, a junior barrister may earn as little as £50 per day.

Is there a GCSE in law?

The GCSE Law exam consists of one three-hour exam that comprises two papers. Paper 1- 41601 The English Legal System 1 hour 30 mins Candidates answer all questions from Section A and one from two options in Section B. Paper 2 - 41601 Law in Action 1 hour 30 mins Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four.

What GCSEs are good for law?

A minimum of 5 GCSEs, including level 4 or C grades in maths, English and science, are typically necessary to study law at A-level.
...
Some of the most beneficial GCSEs to consider include:
  • English Language.
  • Maths.
  • Science.
  • History.
  • English Literature.
  • Geography.
  • a modern foreign language, such as French or Spanish.

Do law firms look at GCSEs?

Baker McKenzie: “As with GCSE grades, A-Level grades form part of the selection criteria for many firms. We look for around 340 UCAS points as a benchmark and use a contextualised recruitment system to understand each candidate's achievements in the context in which they have been gained.

Which uni is best for law UK?

2. Best law schools in the UK - TopUniversities Subject Ranking 2021
  • University of Oxford.
  • University of Cambridge.
  • London School of Economics and Political Science.
  • University College London (UCL)
  • King's College London.
  • University of Edinburgh.
  • Queen Mary University of London.
  • Durham University.

What is the hardest A-level?

The 12 hardest A-Level subjects are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, History, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The list also includes English Literature, Art, Psychology, Computer Programming and Music. You might be looking at some of these subjects and thinking, “No way!

What is the easiest A-level?

The 12 easiest A-Level subjects are Classical Civilisation, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Drama, Geography, Textiles, Film Studies, Sociology, Information Technology (IT), Health and Social Care, Media Studies, and Law.

Is law a good A-level?

At most universities, an Law is a perfectly acceptable A-level: it will count towards your offers. But it's unlikely to help you to get a place on a university Law course, as most universities treat it the same as any other A-level.

What does LLB stand for?

Bachelor of Laws (abbreviated as LL. B., LLB, or rarely Ll. B.) is an undergraduate law degree. In most common law countries (with the exceptions of all Canadian provinces except Quebec, and the U.S.), the LL.