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If you're planning to study Law at university and wondering which IB subjects to choose, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll break down the best IB subjects to set you on the path to a successful law career.
Which IB Subjects to choose for Law?
The subjects you should choose for studying Law at university can vary depending on the country.
UK
England
English universities do not have specific subject requirements for studying Law, which means students can apply with a wide range of subject combinations. However, some subjects can provide a stronger foundation and better preparation for both the Law degree itself and the admissions process.
Essay-based subjects such as History or English (particularly at Higher Level) are especially valuable. These subjects help develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and essay-writing abilities, all of which are essential for success in a Law degree. Moreover, they can also serve as excellent preparation for the LNAT which is required by some top English universities.
Another strategy students sometimes consider is selecting subjects perceived as easier in order to achieve higher predicted grades and meet university offers more comfortably. While this approach may seem pragmatic, it's important to note that admissions officers (particularly at competitive institutions) may view a lack of essay-based or academically rigorous subjects as a weakness in your application.
Ultimately, we recommend choosing at least one or two essay-based subjects, such as History or English HL, as part of your IB programme. Not only do these subjects strengthen your application, but they also prepare you more effectively for the demands of studying Law at university.
Scotland
Scottish universities often have slightly different subject requirements compared to those in England. These requirements can vary between institutions, so it’s important to check the specific criteria of each university you're considering. Below, we’ve provided examples from the two most popular Scottish universities:
University of Edinburgh
- English A at HL
University of Glasgow
- HL Humanities and SL English at 6
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, subject requirements for Law programs can vary between universities, so it's important to check the specific entry criteria of each institution you're interested in. We provide a list of a few universities below:
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
- Mathematics AA (SL/HL); Mathematics AI (HL only)
- English A or English B
Leiden University
- No specific subject requirements.
- But pursuing essay-based subjects may prepare you and strengthen your application
Maastricht university
- No specific subject requirements
- But pursuing essay-based subjects may prepare you and strengthen your application
US
Law is a graduate programme in the US. You can't go straight into studying law at university after finishing IB.
Canada
Law is a graduate programme in Canada. You can't go straight into studying law at university after finishing IB.
Rest of the world
Most universities worldwide do not require specific subjects to pursue a degree in Law. However, some institutions may have particular subject prerequisites, so it's important to check the entry requirements of the universities you're interested in.
Even when no specific subjects are required, we recommend taking essay-based subjects like History, as they help develop critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills which will make the transition to studying Law at university much easier.
Also remember that no matter which course you want to study, many universities will irregardless require you to provide proof of your language proficiency. For some universities this may mean that you may have achieve a certain grade at a certain level (for example at least a 5 at English A SL or at least a 6 at English B).
The Extended Essay
While universities don’t require you to write your Extended Essay (EE) in a specific subject, selecting an essay-based discipline such as History or English can be especially beneficial if you're planning to study Law. These subjects develop analytical thinking and structured writing skills which are essential for success in a Law degree. In fact, an EE in subjects such as History or English most closely mirrors the type of writing you’ll encounter at university. Writing your EE in History also gives you the opportunity to explore legal themes – for instance, you might focus on the Nuremberg or Rwanda Trials, which could serve as a compelling topic for your application or interview.
That said, the choice is ultimately yours. If you’re more passionate about another subject or feel more confident about achieving a higher score in a different area, don’t hesitate to follow that path. The EE is a time-consuming and demanding project, so it’s crucial to choose a topic that genuinely interests you.
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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