A-level choices

Here are some frequently asked questions about admission to study law in Oxford as an undergraduate.

You should always check the Undergraduate Prospectus for authoritative information on admissions procedures.

What academic standards are set for undergraduate admissions in law?

We have formally spelled out the qualities we are looking for in applicants for our undergraduate programmes in law. These ‘qualitative admissions criteria’ are used by all colleges. So far as formal academic qualifications are concerned, there is no fixed requirement. Most of those admitted will either hold or be predicted to obtain all As at A-level (or equivalent), and will already have an outstanding group of GCSEs (or equivalent) dominated by A*s and As. However our main interest is in academic promise and sometimes we may admit candidates whose existing qualifications, in our view, do not do justice to their academic abilities. We rely on the UCAS form, on performance in the National Admissions Test for Law (see below), and on our interview process to establish whether this is so. We do not rely on any non-academic factors unless they reveal something relevant to academic progress. If we make an offer before A-level (or equivalent) it will usually be AAA (or equivalent).

Check the qualitative admissions criteria for undergraduate law at Oxford… Notes on A-level and GCSE equivalents for Scottish and overseas applicants … Some international qualifications

Should I study any particular subjects at school?

At least a C grade in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) is normally required. For Law with Law Studies in Europe (but not for the regular Law degree) you must normally have studied a European language to A-level (or equivalent) - in most cases the language of the country you want to go to during your degree (see further below). Otherwise your choice of subjects at school is your own. Strictly academic subjects matter most. Both arts and sciences are helpful. Studying law at school confers no particular advantage or disadvantage. When colleges are comparing A-level results and predictions they may attach reduced importance to General Studies.

http://denning.law.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate/admitfaqs.shtml