History or politics

[quickquestiontime]

My DS is wondering which A levels to take with a view to studying French and German at University.

A levels are currently French, German, Maths and either History or Politics.

Would anyone be able to advise which to do?
He would prefer Politics and is possibly thinking of a career in Law at the end of it.

For law?
History

For French and German, either will be fine for getting on to the course, and both are useful as they're essay-based subjects. If he's more interested in Politics he should take that.

It won't make any difference. Both are fine so do the one he prefers. History has coursework, if that appeals or puts him off.

Why 4 by the way?

He should do what interests him most and what he’s likely to do best at. DS ultimately wants to be a lawyer but is studying history and politics at uni. Great that he wants to do MFL. If he’s good at maths, could stick with that, and either H or P - both are essay subjects.

Politics - because that’s what he prefers. Those recruiting for language degrees or legal careers won’t have any preference between the two.

Thank you.
So you don’t think one would be preferred for languages degree.
How about for a Law contract afterwards? Will it matter?

That does appeal actually and he hadn’t considered that.
Thank you

Very helpful thank you

When I applied for a languages degree (admittedly a long time ago), they asked for As in both the languages and would have let me in with a C in literally anything else including General Studies. They won't care at all.

For the law thing, I don't know, but I'd be surprised if they cared what fourth A level he had taken at least four years previously. They'll be more interested in what he's been doing during his degree.

Languages degrees will just be thrilled to have applicants. Sad but true.

Mine has just done A level politics and is doing the same at Uni. Planning to do a law conversion course after undergrad.

Thank you
Do you mind sharing which other A levels they did with the Politics?

For Law after main thing is grades. Lots of firms specify AAB or ABB minimum but not specific subjects.
History is seen as a good subject for lawyers as same type of skill set.
My dc is studying law with politics and did History, Politics and Religious Studies (inc Philosophy and Ethics)
Why 4? I’d encourage 3 A levels and best possible grades in those.

Politics, Psychology, Eng Lit

i would echo the previous poster who said 3 A levels are better than 4 if you can get better grades.
at our grammar schools DC we’re not allowed to take 4 as it would mean spreading out thin - only 3 A levels and an EPQ (optional) which could be mostly finished in year12.

If he wants to work in Europe in the future, I would recommend history

Thank you. He does want to do that. Why history?

Thanks, I agree but the Maths is already half way there. AS level done.

My son has just done A levels in both of these and I actually learned them too. Sorry if this is is stating the obvious but they're v different. History is all stories - people in power doing wise/stupid things that affect their own lives and masses of other people - and it's a big juicy narrative. Politics was much dryer and bitty - learning about select committees, focus groups, politics and the media, and then the theories behind the major parties etc etc. Still very interesting but v different.

My DSs have done both. I agree that politics is much drier but some politics teachers do make it really engaging.