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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 and give you tips on how to balance your studies to achieve top results.
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To study law in university, you need to possess a range of skills, including critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Picking subjects that develop these skills can make your transition to university much smoother.
Universities will mainly look at your ATAR, so it’s important to choose the right combination of subjects that will boost your score and prepare you for your law degree.
Additionally, some universities like the University of Adelaide, the University of Western Australia, and UNSW, require you to take tests like the LSAT or LAT, and choosing the right VCE subjects can help you excel in these these tests.
To excel in a law program, you’ll need to build the following skills during your VCE studies:
Choosing subjects that nurture these abilities is crucial, even if they aren’t directly related to law.
No, specific VCE subjects aren’t required to get into a law degree. Law school admissions are based on your ATAR, which reflects your overall performance in VCE rather than individual subject choices.
There are certain subjects that can give you a strong foundation and help you develop the skills needed to succeed in law school—skills such as analysis, research, and writing. But, because universities place a heavy emphasis on your ATAR, it’s important to choose subjects you’re confident in and enjoy, as this will help you achieve higher marks. Ultimately, the key is to choose a combination of subjects that play to your strengths while helping you build the intellectual foundation needed for success in law.
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 in law degree applications. The communication skills you develop 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 develop critical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills. This can be particularly 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?
In VCE 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. Understanding how laws are made and applied in Australia can give you a head start in university law courses.
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 vital for understanding 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. History teaches you how to assess evidence and develop logical, evidence-based arguments. Politics helps you understand how laws are shaped by governments and political forces.
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.
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—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.
Keep in mind that law schools are looking for well-rounded students who demonstrate strong academic performance across a variety of subjects, so aim for a balanced selection that supports both your academic and career goals.
To build a strong academic profile, here are a few VCE subject combinations that work well for students aiming for a law degree:
These combinations help develop the diverse skill set needed for law school and beyond.
Remember, play to your strengths
To achieve a high ATAR, focus on subjects that you enjoy and perform well in. If you’re naturally good at English or History, make those core parts of your VCE plan.
Keep your options open
If you’re not completely set on law, consider choosing a broad range of subjects that keep other career paths open. Subjects like Maths, English, and Languages can lead to other fields such as 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 in 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, VCE Legal Studies, History, and Philosophy will sharpen your communication and critical thinking skills, while Maths and Languages provide analytical and global perspectives that can be useful in many areas of law.
Remember, the best VCE subjects for law are those that challenge you and play to your strengths. By picking the right combination, you’ll not only boost your ATAR but also prepare yourself for the demands of a law degree.
Your VCE journey is only the beginning of your pathway to law. Beyond selecting the right subjects, make sure you’re also preparing for the university admissions process. This might include:
Remember, scaling can impact your ATAR. Choosing subjects that scale well can help boost your overall score and improve your chances of getting into a competitive law degree.
Download your free VCE Subject Scaling Guide
Discover expert VCE scaling tips and strategies
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Written by Matrix Education
Matrix is Sydney's No.1 High School Tuition provider. Come read our blog regularly for study hacks, subject breakdowns, and all the other academic insights you need.
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