Hey,

Previous discussion
I am an A-Level Law student from Brickfields Asia College who is currently studying their "Express Course", in other words, i am currently studying 2 A-Level subject (Law & Economics) only.
In the process of researching the entry requirements of the top universities in UK, I have several question to ask:

1. is it possible to be accepted by the top university even though their requirement subject is 3 subjects and above?
2. Are there any top universities which accepted students who only studied 2 A-levels subject?
3. Should I join Brickfields Asia College UKT program?


Current discussion
Considering the UKT program offer by BAC or Taylor, any comments on the University of Leeds or Queen university, Belfast?

Thanks

This post has been edited by Unknown_X: May 16 2017, 07:21 PM

I assume you're referring to unis like Oxbridge, ucl, lse, etc.


1. It is definitely possible, provided you're exceptional. Eg you won some international level English writing competition, founded a NGO, etc. Otherwise, its impossible. Do realize that these unis have no shortage of applicants with 4A* and above, so why should they take an applicant with 2A*?

2. Definitely got, refer to point 1. But definitely very very rare.

When I was doing my A Levels, I remember the person in charge of our UCAS application told that when it comes to Law degree, universities prefer candidates to not have Law as part of their A Level subject.

If you're thinking of pursuing law, I would recommend you to take English Literature. They love candidates who did E-Lit during A Levels simply as it is a very difficult subject to master. Thus, if you're thinking of going into Oxbridge, LSE etc you'll have a greater chance if you do E-Lit. Bear in mind, E-Lit is indeed a very challenging subject and you'll need a great tutor.

As someone have mentioned above, there is no shortage of applicants with great results. Honestly, it is unheard for someone to be admitted into top universities with only 2 A- Levels. You will need a minimum of 3 A- Levels. Even then, it is extremely competitive.

It is not impossible to get into those universities provided you have a good personal statement and great results with 3 A- Levels.

I have plenty of friends who went to Imperial, LSE, Warwick, Oxbridge etc. I went to KYUEM so I speak based on my personal experience.

An increasing proportion of students are taking 4 a levels.

Even though the stated entry requirement is 3 A levels, I am sure the more competitive courses may look upon 4 A levels more favourably, especially when deciding between candidates with similar qualities and personal statements.

I speak from my experience as someone who applied for law back then, but turned down my offers (including oxford) due to funding. Though I have to say, that was probably a good thing as I quite enjoy what I am doing now.

This post has been edited by Kcdw96: Apr 28 2017, 11:49 AM

1. Possible and feasible are 2 separate things bear in mind. Possible? Yes, provided you have other factors to compensate for it, but extremely unlikely. Even if you were an outstanding candidate, they'd probably ask why you took only 2 A - Levels (and I honestly can't think of a good answer to that for you)

2. Honestly never met one.

Not only are you doing only 2 A-Levels, but Law is also not considered a traditional subject, which some of the top unis would discourage. You're shooting yourself in the foot from the starting line if a top uni is your ambition.

I see.

I am currently considering King's College London and heard that there were other ways to go in, instead of just relying on my 2 A-levels subjects.

Is the true?

Not too sure of what way are you referring to but you can if you opt for their foundation programme. It gives you a direct entry provided that you meet the grades.

If you're really keen on Kings, I'd suggest you to opt for their foundation. Only a year programme compared to A-Levels. You will have to do the programme in the UK though.

Even if that's the case, why are you bending backwards to achieve this? A more direct route would be to take 4A levels like everyone else...

dear unknown_x, if you're looking to get into a top law school, then you MUST be doing your pre-u properly, not taking these "express" courses

Hey,

Considering the situation I am facing right now, I am considering the UKT program (UK Transfer Program), any thoughts on which university should I select?

I am thinking of University of Leeds but BAC doesn't have any partnership with them, so I might consider transferring to Taylor or Help to complete my 2 years LLB.

Any thoughts?

Law is a soft subject in a levels...avoid if aiming for top unis....

In any case, what's with the wanting to go to top unis and then taking short cuts and looking for other jalans?....

You think this is Msia ipts where money will buy you anything?....

hey, I appreciate that your acknowledgement of me finding short cuts to go for top uni. On the other hand, It will be even better if u can provide me useful advice and respect my decision.

thanks

Useful advice?....no short cuts into top reputable unis, avoid soft subjects....

Respect?....needs to be earned, not demanded....

Why so defensive lol.

Bottom line, there are no useful advice for your situation, other than doing a proper pre u.

Put it this way, there are hundreds or even thousands of qualified applicants for a good law school, why should they go out of their way and pick someone who does not fulfil the bare entry requirements?

Hey, I think I stated in here that I am also considering the UKT program after some discussion wif others as I knew that I did not fulfil the bare entry requirements.
So currently, I am considering the UKT program either to University of Leeds or Queen university, Belfast. Any comments for those university?

A simple advice can be a useful advice, as I haven't complete my law degree, so I would really appreciate all of the comments. Besides that, I am really open to accept all suggestion discussed in here. Anyway thanks for spending your time here. Look forward to your comments on the university stated above.

Most university need 2 principle passes, and normally 3 subjects is minimum for all UK Sixth Form students.
Is better to take one more subject like English/Econs/Biz Studies just to be safe side
If you don't plan to study Law anymore.

Hi, Unknown X.
1) definitely no. it's too competitive, as mentioned in other comments, 2 vs 4 subjects.
2) no.
3) it depends on what you want

I've quite a few friends which are currently in the UK through the BAC UKT program (for both business and law). I'm currently in the UK as well through UKT business. If you can give more details about why do you want to come to the UK I can help a little more.

If you really really want to enter top uni, I would suggest you to redo your a levels.

add: from experience, BAC is shit.

This post has been edited by eddydo: May 9 2017, 01:45 PM

Hey, currently I am leaning towards the UKT program either to Queen university, Belfast or University of Leeds. Unfortunately BAC did not offered to Leeds, so I might consider transferring to Taylors after completing my A-levels. Any thoughts on the two university I mentioned.

How was ur UKT program?

Yeah, BAC is a commercialise college which offer poor lecture, facilities and programs.

Thanks

Lol tbh, the uni you attend won't make a difference. In the eyes of an employer, unless you are from somewhere like oxbridge, a UK law degree is a UK law degree, be it from LSE, Queens or Cardiff.

It all just boils down to your english (there are law students who have atrocious english), soft skills and critical thinking. Most law graduates nowadays are lacking in at least one of these aspects.

A UK degree isn't as prestigious as it used to be. Reason being, they are admitting people who just meet the bare entry requirements as they want their fees.


If you are open to studying locally, I would definitely recommend doing STPM, and trying for IPTA law programs, or doing MMU foundation and aiming for MMU Law. Exemption from CLP (a lot of foreign law grads are struggling to pass), and easier to build connections with local law firms for chambering or internships. Quite a lot of foreign law grads are finding it hard to get a chambering/pupilage post after they grad, and they end up doing something unrelated to law and end up not being called to the bar after years of studying law, which imo, is quite a waste.

Granted, there are foreign law graduates who make it. But an increasing proportion aren't, and studying law, or basically anything, in UK is a huge investment. A foreign law degree (unless its from oxbridge), doesn't really improve your chances of landing a job in a top law firm compared to local grads, and some of the smaller firms may be hesitant to take in a foreign grad as foreign grads usually have higher expectations.



Source: I applied for law school not too long ago and was thinking about a career in law, and what I have written is based on what I researched or seen.

This post has been edited by Kcdw96: May 10 2017, 02:27 PM

Thanks for ur info.
I am thinking of further developing my career in UK in the future, so I think that having a UK degree will grant more advantage compare to others.