Post-16 Subject Options: Cambridge Law students reflect on their choices

For the BA in Law at Cambridge, we have no specific requirements for which subjects you study at A level or equivalent. Our students come from a wide range of subject backgrounds, and a variety of qualification systems from around the world. Admissions tutors at Cambridge will be looking to see that you have the skills necessary to be a successful Law student at Cambridge, including skills like analytical thinking, critical reading and writing, which can be developed through a range of post-16 subject options.

Below, our current Cambridge Law students share their subject backgrounds, and how they felt these subject choices helped them to prepare for the Cambridge Law course. But don’t think that you have to do the same subjects as them: for the full list of international qualifications and equivalent offer levels, see the University’s website. For further information on choosing your post-16 subjects, please see the University’s guidance, register for a Subject Matters event, or check out the Russell Group’s Informed Choices Guide.

And note that the admissions process at Cambridge is run by the Cambridge colleges. As such, we would always recommend that you get in touch with the admissions team at the college of your choice with any questions about your particular qualifications, as they will be best placed to provide a specific answer.

A levels: History, Biology and English Literature

“History and English helped me with my research skills and allowed me plenty of essay practice which came in handy when I got to Cambridge.”

• Alex, second year student at Trinity College

Scottish Highers: English, French, History, Geography, and Latin

Advanced Highers: English, History, and Latin

“These subjects definitely improved my essay writing skills, as well as my ability to think critically and form arguments in a coherent and concise way.”

• Rachel, third year student at Murray Edwards College

A levels: Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Chemistry

“Mathematics and Further Mathematics certainly helped me to developed greater critical and analytical skills, and creativity which I feel helped me in my law studies. Economics made me improve in my reading and comprehension, while the process of writing essays has given me a decent foundation for law.”

• Teen Jui, first year student at Trinity College

IB Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Literature

IB Standard Level: Mathematics, Business Management, and Chinese B

“English Language and Literature helped me to learn to develop proper arguments and craft a quality essay.”

• Jazreen, third year student at Christ’s College

A levels: Geography, German, History and Religious Studies

“History and Religious Studies both certainly helped to prepare me for the reading requirements and essay writing component of the Law course. Geography was very helpful in developing individual working skills and dealing with open ended questions. German was useful due to the volume of content which needed to be learned, and has opened up opportunities in my course to do a year abroad.”

• Dominic, first year student at Corpus Christi College

A levels: English Literature, History and Geography

“The essay writing skills I gained from these subjects were definitely useful, as well as the heavier reading workload.”

• Imogen, second year student at Jesus College

IB Higher Level: Economics, History, and English Literature

IB Standard Level: French, Mathematics, and Chemistry

“History and Literature helped me get used to dealing with large volumes of text, deducing the most important points from them and using them to construct an argument in an essay. Although admittedly, you’ll have to do more reading than you’ve ever imagined and within a shorter period of time when you’re studying law in Cambridge, it’s easier to cope with when you’ve previously done subjects that require a lot of reading. History has particularly helped me in International Law because the cases don’t usually explain the context within which certain facts occurred, so it’s helpful to know the history that led to that particular even occurring.”

• Afia, second year student at Trinity College

A levels: Geography, History, Mathematics and Physics

“Geography and History help with essay writing, particularly when stretched for time in an exam. Maths and Physics gave me a better understanding of the logical sequences applied by judges and some of the more precise jargon, particularly in private law papers.”

• Mohib, third year student at Sidney Sussex College

A levels: History, English Literature, and Geography

AS: Philosophy and Ethics

“History and English required large amount of reading and essays- something that is the core part of a law degree. The analytical focus in Geography was also useful.”

• Megan, student at Sidney Sussex College

A levels: English Literature, History, Government and Politics, and Russian

“Law is such a different and versatile subject that I think any A-Level Subjects can prepare you for a law course.”

• Jodie, third year student at King’s College

The typical offer for Law is A*AA or equivalent. For the full list of international qualifications and equivalent offer levels, please see the University’s website.

The information in this article is considered correct at the time of posting.