What subjects do I need to study law in high school UK?

Asked by: Mrs. Margot Bailey  |  Last update: June 15, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)

You don't need specific compulsory subjects for UK law degrees, but subjects like History, English Literature, Politics, Economics, Geography, and Languages are highly recommended at A-Level because they build crucial research, essay writing, and analytical skills. GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) are generally required, and top universities seek strong overall grades (AAB-A*AA at A-Level) in these skill-building subjects to demonstrate readiness for the demanding law degree.

What subjects do you need for law UK?

The University has more generally recommended that English Literature, History, languages and Mathematics are good core subjects: choosing one or more of these can provide a good foundation for your subject combination.

Which subject is best for a lawyer in high school?

Here are the most useful high school subjects for future lawyers:

  1. English. Attending high school English language and literature classes can help aspiring lawyers develop their spoken and written communication skills and comprehension abilities. ...
  2. Public speaking. ...
  3. Social studies.
  4. Science.
  5. Mathematics.

What do you need to go to law school in the UK?

Entry requirements for an undergraduate law degree at top universities typically range from A*AA to AAB, although it varies by institution. A Law Foundation is an alternative route to studying law. Some universities specify require GCSE grades in English, maths and possibly a foreign language.

What classes to take in high school for law school?

In addition to taking classes that focus on reading and writing, studies in history, civics, political science, and sociology may help you prepare for law school. Classes like these help you develop the necessary vocabulary to be successful in law school.

Start Preparing for Law School as early as High School

27 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
 

What should I do in high school if I want to be a lawyer?

High School Classes To Become a Lawyer

  1. Political Science. Political Science classes give students the chance to hone in their analytical skills and be aware of past and current social and political contexts. ...
  2. Sociology. ...
  3. History. ...
  4. Psychology. ...
  5. Creative/Academic Writing. ...
  6. Math.

Which subject is best for a lawyer?

This means, along with law-related subjects like corporate law, labour law, and criminal law, you will also learn humanities subjects, such as political science, sociology, history, and economics. After BA LLB hons., one can choose career paths like Litigation, Civil Services, NGOs, and Legal Journalism.

Is the US bar harder than the UK?

So, basically anyone around the world can just pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and become a solicitor. That's a much easier barrier to entry. Right? As such, the US bar admission appears to be much harder to get, but is hence way more valuable.

Do lawyers make good money?

Yes, lawyers generally make good money, with a U.S. median annual wage around $135,000-$150,000, significantly higher than the national average, though salaries vary dramatically based on specialization (like corporate or patent law), firm size (Big Law pays much more), experience, and location, with entry-level roles starting from $50k-$70k in public sectors to over $200k at top firms, and partners earning significantly more. 

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.
 

Do lawyers need math?

Another potentially helpful subject is mathematics. Although not directly linked to legal studies in a formal sense, studying mathematics can definitely aid in the development of thinking and problem- solving abilities, and such skills are essential in the field of law. Philosophy and ethics are a third useful area.

Which subjects to choose in grade 10 for it?

Core Subjects for IT Careers

  • Mathematics. Mathematics is the foundation of computer science and IT. ...
  • Physical Sciences. Physical Sciences, particularly Physics, provide a solid grounding in scientific principles that underpin many IT concepts. ...
  • Information Technology (IT) ...
  • Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

What A-Levels are needed for law?

Primary A-Levels For Law

  • English. English is the top pick for Law applicants due to its heavy focus on reading and writing. ...
  • Politics. Politics teaches a lot about how laws are made and upheld on a national and global scale. ...
  • Maths. ...
  • Geography. ...
  • Religious Studies. ...
  • Philosophy. ...
  • Law.

Can an American go to law school in the UK?

No matter what your grades we can find a route to Law school in the UK for you! Canadian and American students have the choice of studying a qualifying Law degree at a wide range of UK Universities immediately after high school or after they have completed an undergraduate degree.

What is the hardest part of law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

Did Michelle Obama pass the bar?

Yes, Michelle Obama failed the Illinois bar exam on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School, but she retook it, passed, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1989, going on to have a successful legal career. She is one of several prominent figures, including Hillary Clinton and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who initially failed the bar exam before achieving great success.
 

Is a 70% an A in the UK?

UK degree classifications are as follows: First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%)

Is law school 2 or 3 years?

Law school for the common Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is typically three years for full-time students, but can be completed in two years through accelerated programs or for internationally trained lawyers, or stretched to four years or more with part-time study. The length depends on the program type (full-time, part-time, accelerated) and the student's pace and prior legal education. 

Which law is easy to study?

Which is the easiest law to study? Intellectual property law and tax law are the easiest to study and practice in India.

What class in high school teaches law?

In the US, law isn't a high school level class. The closest thing is civics or political science.

Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?

A 3.3 GPA isn't necessarily "bad," but it makes getting into top-tier (T14/T20) law schools very difficult, though not impossible, requiring a very high LSAT score and strong essays; it's more feasible for mid-tier (Top 50) or lower-ranked schools, where a strong LSAT, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and work experience can significantly boost your chances, even securing scholarships. The key is balancing it with your LSAT score and the specific school's median stats, as many schools have medians above 3.7 for their entering classes.