What subjects go well with law?

Jan 10, 2023

Written By Tom Hale

The question of what subjects go well with law is multifaceted. This question could refer to the subjects a student takes at A-level, or at university as an undergraduate degree before converting to law. Luckily, the answer remains almost identical regardless of which avenue of study we are referring to. The answer is also fairly simple:

The Answer

So what subjects do go well with law? Well, any subject deemed a “facilitating” subject. Whether these subjects are taken at A-level or undergraduate, it is these facilitating subjects that apply best to law.

Ever considered studying law online?

There are so many study mode options available to aspiring lawyers now. But which one is right for you? Find out with Arden University's handy decision-making tool.

START NOW

What are Facilitating Subjects?

Facilitating subjects are what are also referred to as “core” subjects. These are the more traditional subjects that are by and large preferred by both universities and employers alike.

The Russell Group (24 universities often viewed as the best in the UK) lists the facilitating subjects as:

- Biology

- Chemistry

- Classical Languages – e.g., Latin, Ancient Greek

- English Literature

- Geography

- History

- Maths and/or Further Maths

- Modern Languages – e.g., German, Spanish, French

- Physics

The predominant reason that it is these subjects that are deemed facilitating is that they are foundational. Many other subjects not in this list lean heavily on either the skills learnt in these subjects or build upon them.

For example, if one takes Media Studies, it is skills from English Literature that will greatly benefit them. Another example is Engineering. If one takes Engineering it is both Physics and Maths that they will rely on heavily.

Keep in mind that some universities do not accept A-levels in certain non-facilitating subjects, such as General Studies, Critical Thinking and Global Perspectives.

A-Level vs University subjects

Now, although the answer to the question of what subjects go well with law doesn’t matter too much whether it is about A-levels or undergraduate degree, there is a very slight difference.

At A-level all of these facilitating subjects are going to play a helpful part in being accepted to a law course. Yes, there are some that are more applicable such as History, or English Literature, in which the reading, analysing, and critiquing are highly applicable. However, all of these subjects can play a beneficial role.

If the question is about undergraduate degree, however, it is better to be slightly more course specific. Taking a science such as Physics or Chemistry can in some cases be desirable as an undergraduate degree, yet, the subjects that are going to pair better with law are the analytic, humanity based subjects such as English Literature, Languages, or History.

Despite this, it’s still possible to be a successful lawyer with a STEM degree, as STEM graduates bring a unique perspective to law. Patent attorneys are even required to have a STEM degree.

The Round Up

Ultimately, the answer to the question of what subjects go well with law is simple: facilitating/core subjects.

When considering which subjects to study at A-level or at degree level, also keep in mind the facilitating subjects, as well as which subjects you’re passionate about. You don’t need to study a specific subject to be a successful lawyer.

Law Degree