Best Subject Combination for International Baccalaureate (IB) Pursuing Law

When considering the best subject combination for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with the goal of pursuing law, it’s essential to choose subjects that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of societal and legal principles. This article provides a recommended combination that can help you prepare for a future legal career.

Recommended Subject Combination

Here is a recommended combination of subjects for the IB curriculum:

Higher Level (HL) Subjects

History: This subject helps develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical contexts relevant to law and society. English A Language and Literature: Strong communication skills are crucial in law. This subject enhances your ability to analyze texts and articulate arguments effectively. Philosophy or Psychology: Philosophy introduces you to ethical reasoning and logic, while psychology provides insight into human behavior, both valuable in legal studies.

Standard Level (SL) Subjects

Mathematics Applications and Interpretation: A solid understanding of math can be beneficial for analytical reasoning, even though it’s not directly related to law. A Language (e.g., French, Spanish): Proficiency in a second language can be an asset in law, especially in international contexts. Environmental Systems and Societies or Business Management: These subjects can provide useful insights into societal issues and business law.

Additional Tips for Optimal Preparation

To optimize your preparation for a legal career, consider the following additional tips:

Extended Essay

Choose a topic related to law or a social issue of interest. This can help you develop research skills and a deeper understanding of legal concepts. An Extended Essay on a relevant topic can significantly enhance your understanding and analytical abilities.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Engage with questions about knowledge and ethics, which are foundational to legal studies. TOK can help you develop a critical and ethical framework that will serve you well in a legal career.

The Ideal IB Subject Choice

If you’re anything like me, you’d take 4 HLs and 2 SLs. Here’s what I’d pick:

HLs: History English Psychology A Language B or AB initio course (French B for me) SLs: Math A science of your choice (e.g., Biology for me)

If Philosophy is offered, you might prefer to swap it for a subject based on your interests.

Conclusion

This combination balances analytical skills, communication, and an understanding of human behavior and society, all of which are valuable for a future career in law. Additionally, consider participating in extracurricular activities such as debate clubs, mock trials, or internships in legal settings to further enhance your preparation for law school.

With the right combination of subjects and engaging in activities that support your aspirations, you can set a strong foundation for a successful career in law. Remember, your choice of subjects should reflect your interests and help you build a robust skill set.