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Want to get into a law degree? This guide explores the best VCE subjects to take if you want to develop essential legal skills and increase your chances of getting into law school.
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Thinking of pursuing a law degree after high school? Choosing the right VCE subjects can give you the head start you need. While law schools don’t always have strict subject requirements, certain subjects can help you develop much-needed skills to thrive in a law program or career.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best VCE subjects for law degrees and give you tips on how to balance your studies to achieve top results!
Table of contents:
To study law at university, you need to have a range of skills, including critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. The right VCE subjects can help you develop these abilities, and make the jump to university much easier.
For some universities, you also need to take extra admission tests. Choosing subjects that strengthen your reasoning and writing skills can give you a real advantage here.
Here’s an overview of the admission tests for law school:
To do well in a law program (and your future legal career), you’ll need to build these core skills during your VCE:
Even if a subject doesn’t seem law-related, it can still help you build these skills, so keep that in mind when choosing.
No, you don’t need to take specific VCE subjects to get into a law degree. Most admissions are based on your ATAR, which depends on your overall performance, not the individual subjects you choose.
That said, picking the right subjects can still make a big difference.
Choose subjects you enjoy, perform well in, and that scale well.
It’s also smart to choose ones that help you build the core skills you’ll need in law school, like clear writing, critical thinking, and the ability to understand complex ideas.
So, what are the best subjects to take if you want to do law? Let’s take a look.
Here are some of the best VCE subjects to consider if you’re planning to study law.
English is compulsory in VCE and is a prerequisite for law degree applications. The communication skills you build in VCE English are crucial for both law school and your legal career.
Excelling in English can also contribute to a higher ATAR, which is important since law degrees are highly competitive.
Why is VCE English important?
In VCE English, you’ll analyse texts, construct essays, and develop persuasive arguments. This mirrors the work you’ll do in law school, where you’ll need to analyse legal cases, draft documents, and present logical arguments.
What VCE English subject should you take?
Choose the English subject that best suits your interests and strengths to maximise your marks and develop skills relevant to law.
Maths plays an important role in certain legal fields like tax law, corporate law, and intellectual property.
Why is VCE Maths important for a law degree?
VCE Mathematics helps you build critical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills. This is advantageous in areas like commercial law, where analysing financial data or contracts is part of the job.
Which Mathematics should you choose?
Choosing the right level of Maths depends on your strengths and future legal aspirations.
Legal Studies is valuable if you want an early understanding of the law, especially if you’re interested in how the legal system works and how laws are applied.
What will you learn in Legal Studies?
You’ll explore how the Australian legal system works, the role of courts and tribunals, and key legal concepts such as rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution.
Is VCE Legal Studies necessary for law school?
No, VCE Legal Studies is not required to get into law degrees, but it provides a helpful background.
It’s great if you want to test your interest in law and familiarise yourself with basic legal concepts and terminology before committing to a legal career.
History focuses on understanding past events and societal changes, while Politics examines government systems, power dynamics, and public policy. Both are needed to understand the context of laws and legal systems.
Why is History or Politics important?
These subjects build essential skills for law, like evaluating sources, constructing arguments, and understanding societal systems.
What should I focus on in History and Politics?
For History, pay close attention to units on significant legal or political developments, such as Modern History or Revolutions.
For Politics, focus on topics that cover government structures or international relations, as these align closely with the skills needed for legal studies.
Download our free VCE Subject Selection Guide to plan your path.
In-depth guide on how to choose your VCE Year 11 and 12 subjects. 
Free VCE Subject Selection Guide for Y10 Download
Philosophy is great for sharpening your critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills. It teaches you how to think deeply about abstract concepts like justice, morality, and human rights, all of which are highly relevant to legal studies.
What will you learn in VCE Philosophy?
VCE Philosophy encourages you to explore questions about reality, knowledge, and ethics. You’ll learn to deconstruct complex arguments and evaluate different philosophical perspectives.
Why should you do VCE Philosophy to get into law?
Philosophy helps develop a logical and analytical mindset, which is essential in law.
You’ll learn how to break down arguments, critically evaluate them, and apply ethical considerations. These are skills you’ll need when drafting legal documents, defending a case, or analysing legal principles.
Studying a Language enhances your communication skills and cultural awareness, both of which are increasingly valuable in today’s global legal environment.
Why are languages important for law?
Learning a second language develops cognitive skills like attention to detail, memory, and problem-solving; skills that are useful in law.
If you’re considering international law, human rights, or diplomatic work, being able to communicate with clients or interpret legal documents in another language is a significant advantage.
Which Language should you choose?
Choose a language that aligns with your career interests. Mandarin or Indonesian are useful for students interested in business or international relations in the Asia-Pacific region. French can be beneficial for international law or diplomacy. Select a language based on its relevance to your future legal aspirations.
Law schools are looking for well-rounded students with strong academic results across a range of subjects. To stand out, aim for a balanced subject mix that supports both your interests and career goals.
Here are some smart subject combinations to consider:
These combinations help develop the diverse skill set needed for law school and beyond.
Play to your strengths
Pick subjects you enjoy and do well in. If you love English or History, include them in your core subjects—they’ll help you score higher and build essential legal skills.
Keep your options open
Still unsure about law? Choose subjects that open doors to other careers too. Subjects like Maths, English, and Languages are versatile and can lead to pathways in business, finance, or public service.
Program: Juris Doctor (JD) graduate degree.
Entry requirement: You can apply for the JD after completing an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than law (such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce).
Entry into the JD is highly competitive, based on tertiary performance: An average mark of 80% or above in your undergraduate degree will make you competitive for entry, but you may still be considered with an average of 70% or above.
Current law school ranking: #1 law school in Australia, #10 law school globally
Program: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) as part of a combined degree OR Juris Doctor graduate degree
Entry requirement: You must complete this as a Bachelor of Laws double degree. Examples include:
You must also take the Law Admission Test (LAT) so make sure you’re aware of test requirements and application closing dates.
OR undertake a Juris Doctor graduate degree after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Current law school ranking: #2 nationally, #12 globally
Program: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) as part of a combined degree OR Juris Doctor graduate degree
Entry requirement: You must take the LLB as part of a combined degree, with options of:
OR undertake a Juris Doctor graduate degree after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Current law school ranking: #3 nationally, #16 globally
Program: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Entry requirement: ATAR of at least 97 (varies yearly)
Current law school ranking: #4 nationally, #25 globally
Program: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) as a single or double degree
Entry requirement: ATAR of at least 85 with at least 35 in Units 3&4 English (EAL) or at least 30 in English (excluding EAL).
Current law school ranking: #5 nationally, #36 globally
*Rankings are according to QS World University Ranking by Subject (2024)
These universities are highly competitive, so achieving a top ATAR and excelling in your VCE subjects is crucial for securing a place in these prestigious law programs.
Choosing the right VCE subjects to get into law at university is about more than just ticking boxes for university admissions. It’s about developing the skills that will serve you well in a legal career.
Subjects like English, Legal Studies, History, and Philosophy strengthen your writing and critical thinking, while Maths and Languages sharpen your analytical and global thinking.
To give yourself the best chance:
The right resources can help you reach your goal. Matrix courses are designed to help you master high-scaling subjects like English, Maths, and more with expert teachers and structured lessons.
Written by Jill Tengco
Jill is the Content Marketing Specialist at Matrix Education. She holds a Bachelor of Media (Communication and Journalism) from the University of New South Wales and is passionate about creating educational content that helps students succeed.
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