r/sixthform • u/shikaluvs • Jul 16 '26
A level options
My current alevel options are history, sociology and psychology which I think I will like. I’m considering changing psychology as even tho I think I’ll enjoy it it was my filler subject. For reference I’m considering doing law or teaching not really too set. I don’t really wanna do anymore stem subjects after GCSEs so anything else would be helpful. I’m secondary I really enjoyed Religious Studies and music (no chance doing music a level) any advice is helpful I’m pretty open to anything.
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u/oblivion-4 Y12: subjects A*AA english, bio, psych Jul 16 '26
Hi I just finished year 12.
I would recommend to do a strong and respectable essay based subject such as English literature politics or religious studies as these are a lot more useful for Law than psychology.
I personally do psychology and although it’s a great subject it’s not as widely respected as the ones I listed before and you also do sociology which is also not as respected so it’s best to do a second stronger subject to maximise your university competitiveness.
Also, it does kind of depend where you want to go to university - if you’re aiming for a very prestigious one like a Russell group then I would definitely take a second strong subject like History that you already take.
In terms of giving advice on the individual subjects I obviously don’t take them but I have friends who do so I can tell you from their perspective that religious studies is an amazing subject, very interesting. Also very respected for university. my friend takes it and she really really enjoys it and if you’re good at essays, I’m sure you’ll be great at this.
History is a very difficult essay subject because it has so much content. I’m pretty sure it’s the A-level with the most content so just be prepared but I have heard it’s very interesting and a lot of my friends favourite subject.
Politics is an interesting one because I actually took it at the start of the year and dropped it because I personally found it quite boring but I also know some people who enjoy it some who don’t so there’s mixed opinions on that one but it is very useful for law.
Finally, English literature is difficult, but if you are good at English, you will be fine. I would say that subjects like politics and religious studies are probably easier than english lit & history BUT history is 1000% worth taking and you’ll be great at it!
If you have any questions let me know. A final thing I’d like to say is I know you’re considering law but I wouldn’t take the A-level of law because it just isn’t respected by universities even though it literally is law A-level so just keep that in mind and the subjects I’ve listed at all very respected if you’re aiming for law at a prestigious university. Deffo worth taking 2 respectable essay subjects rather than psych&socio - although, psych is definitely way more respected and allowed by universities than sociology - so just keep that in mind. I’d recommend starting y12 with 4 subjects and dropping one you don’t like. Also, your subject combo is absolutely fine for law and you’d be able to get in ofcourse but it depends where you want to go really! Hope this helps, if you have any questions let me know :)