Last Updated on July 30, 2023
Getting the right answer from the internet does not always bring up the right answer sometimes. This is largely because the internet is filled with lots of information that is not always from credible sources. Now, if you’ve been searching for information on A-Levels For Law At Oxford , then the article below brings you all you need to know and more.
You will also find here, Preferred A-Levels: is there a subject blacklist? So what’s the best A-Level choices for law? Oxford Law Entry Requirements: The Grades, Oxford Law Entry Requirements: LNAT, Oxford Law Entry Requirements: The Personal Statement and a lot more here at infolearners.com
The combination of grades you’ll be expected to achieve in order to earn a place on an LLB course will differ slightly depending on the university.
Most students who attend school and college in England and Wales still currently follow the academic route of GCSEs, followed by A-Levels.
The majority of UK universities generally look for a minimum of grade C or B, or level 4 or above, at GCSE in English, maths, and at times a subject such as foreign languages.
The top universities will then also require their prospective students to have studied at least three A Levels with results of AAA or AAB, and in some cases at least one A*.
Courses for the most popular universities are often over-subscribed, so meeting your entry requirements may not always guarantee you’ll get your first choice; universities will also take your personal statement into account, and some will look at your score on the LNAT.
Other accepted equivalent qualifications are generally:
- Scottish Highers
- International Baccalaureate
- University Foundation Programmes
- Cambridge Pre-University (Pre-U) Certificates.
Universities will outline their own entry requirements regarding these qualifications.
Preferred A-Levels: is there a subject blacklist?
You’ve probably heard a lot about top UK universities supposedly having a “blacklist” of A-Level subjects and the contentious issue of “hard” subjects vs. “soft” subjects.
“Hard” subjects are otherwise referred to as traditional academic subjects, such as English literature, history, maths, foreign languages and the core science subjects (i.e. physics, biology and chemistry).
The so-called “soft” subjects, on the other hand, are those that are more recent editions to the range of A-Levels available and tend to involve more vocational or practical elements in their syllabus, such as in theatre studies, media studies, business studies or psychology.
It has been reported that the top universities will not consider an applicant if they have studied one or more of the so-called soft subjects. In reality, it’s not as clear-cut as chucking an application in the bin as soon as they spot a “softie”.
Some universities have, however, stated they have a list of “preferred” subjects; though this will not necessarily be a determining factor in their final decision.
This leaves budding university students in a bit of a pickle when it comes to choosing their A-Level subjects, and quite rightly questioning how on Earth they are supposed to know which subject combination will be best for their chosen degree and institute (and that’s if they even know at this stage!)
So what’s the best A-Level choices for law?
Institutions will often give specific subject requirements for courses such as medicine. But what’s the guideline for an LLB?
Ultimately the subjects you choose should teach you skills that will be valuable in your law degree and the rest of your legal career. For example, a law degree is going to involve A LOT of essay writing, so it’s a good idea to take at least one subject that will develop these skills, for example, English language or literature (or combined) or history.
Take a look at your top choice universities and take note of any prerequisites they highlight for the course; if they have a list of “preferred” subjects, you should aim to tailor you subject choices to reflect those requirements—and your strengths!
Universities also recommend that a good spread of subjects is appealing, so a good mix will be wise. General Studies and Critical Thinking are NOT usually counted as one of these main A-Levels.
They can definitely look good alongside three or four strong A-Level results, but most universities will now not accept either of these subjects as a part of their entry requirements.
The majority of universities will also not stipulate A-Level law as a prerequisite for an LLB or or BA law course.
It is perfectly acceptable to apply for law without a law A-Level, so if someone at school or college keeps harping on that they will be taking law A-Level because it’s necessary, then they are most definitely mistaken!
The Oxford Law entry requirements are made up of 3 elements: your grades, admissions test results and your performance at the interview.
Oxford University suggests that their admissions tutors look for: academic achievement, reasoning ability, good communication skills both on paper and verbally, a capacity for hard work, and an interest in Law.
We’ll take you through the grades and subjects you need to study and achieve, as well as additional exams or interviews awaiting your application.
| Oxford Law Entry Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirements | A-levels: | AAA |
| Advanced Highers: | AAB or AA with an additional Higher at grade A | |
| IB: | 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL | |
| Admissions Test | LNAT: | Successful applicants usually score around 27-29 |
Oxford Law Entry Requirements: The Grades
The standard offer for Law at Oxford is:
- AAA at A-level
- AAB or AA and an additional Higher at grade A in Advanced Highers
- 38 (including core points) with a minimum of 666 at HL in IB
- Or any other equivalent
If you receive an offer, your place at the university is usually conditional on you achieving these grades.
The Oxford Law entry requirements do not dictate that you study any particular subjects at A-level or the equivalent. It is unnecessary to study Law before applying. However, it is helpful to pick a subject that involves writing essays, such as History or Philosophy. This will enable you to develop skills that will be useful for the Oxford Law course including the ability to construct an argument and write clearly.
However, the Oxford Law entry requirements do need you to demonstrate that you are numerate. You can demonstrate this with a C or 4 grade in GCSE Mathematics or with other appropriate evidence.
When you submit your UCAS application, your grades (such as your GCSEs) will be considered in the context of your prior education, residential postcode, and care background. If, for example, your school performs below the national average or you live in an area where not many people go to university, you will be strongly recommended to be invited for an interview. If you are successful at the interview stage and given a conditional offer such as AAA at A-level, you must still achieve AAA at A-level to take your place on the course.
Oxford Law Entry Requirements: LNAT
Under the Oxford Law entry requirements, it is essential that you take the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT). Oxford uses the LNAT to assess your aptitude for the skills required to study Law.
The LNAT is split into two sections, Section A and Section B. Section A is a multiple-choice section. Following the test, you will receive a mark out of 42 and this number will be sent to Oxford. Section B is an essay question. You will not receive a mark for this section, but your essay will be sent to Oxford for the tutors to assess. In this essay, the tutors want to see that you can argue persuasively and reach a conclusion.
Past LNAT data shows that average scores for all Oxford applicants is around 24, shortlisted applicants score around 28 and successful applicants score around 29. Therefore, aiming for a high score is important when applying for Oxford Law.
Oxford Law Entry Requirements: The Interview
After the Oxford admissions tutors have considered your application, you might be invited to an interview. Your application is made up of your GCSE grades, Personal Statement, LNAT score and essay, predicted grades and references.
At the interview, your academic ability and potential will be assessed. The tutors use the interview to find out how you think, rather than test your current knowledge. They want to know if you can put forward a justified argument and consider the counter-argument. It is also an opportunity to see if the Oxford tutorial system suits you. We’ve written down the top five points you should cover in preparation for your Law interview here.
Oxford Law Entry Requirements: The Personal Statement
Although Oxford admissions tutors do not place more importance on the Personal Statement over the other areas of your application, it is still an important factor in your overall application.
As Oxford University suggests, there is not a secret formula to writing a Personal Statement for Law. The general rule of thumb is to use your Personal Statement to show how committed you are to the subject you would like to study and how you have engaged with your subject through wider reading, work experience or other extra-curricular activities. We have an analysis of a successful Oxbridge Law Personal Statement here.
Students are often concerned that they need to go to extreme lengths to make their Law Personal Statement stand out. As long as you demonstrate your academic abilities, suitability to the degree and passion (evidence of extra-curricular activities), a Personal Statement should stand out for the right reasons.
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Admission requirements for 2022 entry
Below is a summary of the requirements for each course. See here for a black and white version of this table.
Essential
Recommended
Helpful – may be useful on course
Please check the course page for details.
You can find details of all the alternative qualifications that we will accept on our UK qualifications and International qualifications webpages.
| Course | Entrance requirements (at A-level or equivalent) | Subject choices | Test | Written work |
| Archaeology and Anthropology | AAA | Combination of arts and science subjects | Two pieces | |
| Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) | A*AA including Chemistry and another science or Maths, and with the A* in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology (or a very closely related subject) | Chemistry and another science or Maths Maths Biology (beyond GCSE or equivalent) | ||
| Biology | A*AA (with the A* in a science or Maths) | Biology, plus Chemistry, Physics or Maths | ||
| Biomedical Sciences | A*AA excluding Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and General Studies | Two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics | BMAT | |
| Chemistry | A*A*A (with both A*s in science subjects and/or Maths) | Chemistry and Maths Another science or Further Maths | ||
| Classical Archaeology and Ancient History | AAA | A classical language, Classical Civilisation or Ancient History | Two pieces | |
| Classics | AAA (in Latin and Greek if taken) | Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only) | CAT | Two pieces |
| Classics and English | AAA (in Latin and Greek if taken) | Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only), English Literature or English Language and Literature | CAT | Two pieces |
| ELAT | ||||
| Classics and Modern Languages | AAA (in Latin and Greek if taken) | Latin and/or Greek (for Course I only), and a modern language (depending on course choice) | CAT | Two/four pieces |
| MLAT | ||||
| Classics and Oriental Studies | AAA (with As in Latin and Greek if taken) | Latin and/or Greek | CAT | Two pieces |
| OLAT | ||||
| Computer Science | A*AA with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computing/Computer Science | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Computer Science and Philosophy | A*AA with the A* in Maths, Further Maths or Computing/Computer Science | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Earth Sciences (Geology) | A*AA/AAAA | Maths, plus Chemistry or Physics Chemistry or Physics Biology, Geology, Further Maths | ||
| Economics and Management | A*AA (with Maths at A or A*) | Maths | TSA: section 1 | |
| Engineering Science | A*A*A (with the A*s in Maths, Further Maths or Physics.) | Maths and Physics Further Maths | PAT | |
| English Language and Literature | AAA | English Literature or English Language and Literature A language, History | ELAT | One piece |
| English and Modern Languages | AAA | A modern language (depending on course choice) and English Literature or English Language and Literature | ELAT | One/three pieces |
| MLAT | ||||
| European and Middle Eastern Languages | AAA | A modern language (depending on course choice) | MLAT | Two pieces |
| OLAT | ||||
| Fine Art | AAA or AAB (for post-A-level applicants on an Art Foundation course) | Art | Portfolio | |
| Geography | A*AA | Geography | TSA | |
| History | AAA | History | HAT | One piece |
| History (Ancient and Modern) | AAA | History A classical language, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History | HAT | One piece |
| History and Economics | AAA | History, Maths | HAT | One piece (History) |
| TSA: section 1 | ||||
| History and English | AAA | English Literature or English Language and Literature History | HAT | Three pieces |
| History and Modern Languages | AAA | A modern language (depending on course choice) History | HAT | One/three pieces |
| MLAT | ||||
| History and Politics | AAA | History Sociology, Politics, Government and Politics | HAT | One piece (History) |
| History of Art | AAA | A subject involving essay writing History of Art, Fine Art, History, English, a language | One piece, one response | |
| Human Sciences | AAA | Biology, Maths | TSA |
| Course | Entrance requirements (at A-level or equivalent) | Subject choices | Test | Written work |
| Law (Jurisprudence) | AAA | A subject involving essay writing | LNAT | |
| Law with Law Studies in Europe | AAA | A relevant modern language (not required for European Law) A subject involving essay writing | LNAT | |
| Materials Science | A*AA (with the A* in Maths, Physics or Chemistry) | Maths and Physics Chemistry Further Maths, Design and Technology (Resistant Materials) | PAT | |
| Mathematics | A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | A*AA (with A*A in Maths and Further Maths (FM) or A* in Maths if FM is not taken) | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Mathematics and Philosophy | A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Mathematics and Statistics | A*A*A with the A*s in Maths and Further Maths if taken | Maths Further Maths | MAT | |
| Medicine | A*AA (excluding Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and General Studies and at least an A in both Chemistry and one or more of Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths) | Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths | BMAT | |
| Modern Languages | AAA | One or more modern languages (depending on course choice) | MLAT | Two/three pieces |
| Modern Languages and Linguistics | AAA | A modern language (depending on course choice) English Language, Maths, a science or any other language | MLAT | One/three pieces |
| Music | AAA | Music or ABRSM Music Theory Grade VII or above (see Music page for further details) ABRSM Grade V keyboard ability or above | Two pieces | |
| Oriental Studies | AAA | A language | OLAT for some options | Two pieces |
| Philosophy and Modern Languages | AAA | A modern language (depending on course choice) | MLAT (including Philosophy section) | One/two pieces |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) | AAA | Maths History | TSA | |
| Philosophy and Theology | AAA | A subject involving essay writing | Philosophy test | One piece |
| Physics | A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths) | Physics and Maths Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths | PAT | |
| Physics and Philosophy | A*AA (with the A*in Physics, Maths or Further Maths) | Physics and Maths Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths | PAT | |
| Psychology (Experimental) | A*AA | One or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths | TSA | |
| Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics | A*AA | For Psychology: one or more science subjects (including Psychology) or Maths For Linguistics: English Language, Maths, a science or any other language | TSA | |
| Religion and Oriental Studies | AAA | A subject involving essay writing, a language | OLAT (Judaism and Islam only) | One piece |
| Theology and Religion | AAA | A subject involving essay writing | One piece |
