Legal Study
A Sound Skills Formation

For an education that equips you with the kinds of personal, academic and professional skills that you will need on the path to a satisfying and worthwhile career, you really can't beat studying law, and in particular the internationally respected LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree.

Whether or not you have a clear idea of the career you eventually want to pursue, there is no doubt that studying law is an ideal choice. Of course, not all LLB courses are the same, though all of them should offer you the chance to obtain a 'qualifying' degree, recognised by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar. Anyone who intends to enter the legal profession in England will need this; as a qualifying degree, it enables you to embark on one of the professional courses offered by many English universities - either the Legal Practice Course (for solicitors/notaries), or the Bar Vocational Course (for barristers/advocates). In addition, you may find that your LLB will give you exemptions from your own country's professional qualifying examinations.

On any LLB course, you will study the foundation subjects of English law, e.g. Criminal Law, the Law of Contract, Constitutional Law, which form the backbone of our legal system. But there is far more to a law degree than this. A law degree will equip you with the kinds of skills which are recognised and valued by employers: the ability to think logically and express yourself clearly, to undertake research and report on your findings, to understand and respond to arguments, to work independently as well as a member of a team. There is every reason why academic study should provide you with these 'professional' skills, needed in any area of employment. In fact, large numbers of LLB graduates choose to enter careers outside the law - for example, in journalism, financial services, industry and commerce, the civil service and politics.

Every LLB course has its own particular style and character, and it is important to choose the right one. So, what should you look for in making that choice? First of all, you should consider whether the institution you are applying to has a well-established policy of welcoming and looking after international students. Does it guarantee you a place in a hall of residence? Are there lots of international students already there? Is there an orientation programme? Are lessons in the English language provided?

Secondly, does the course offer you a wide range of option subjects? Law Schools vary in size and the range of expertise of staff, and therefore in the types of option subjects available. In a larger Law School, the choices are very varied and can include some rather unusual ones. Most Law Schools will offer you options such as Commercial Law, Family Law and Criminology, but what about something a little different? Such as the University of Central England's
Free Representation Unit, which affords students the opportunity to become involved in advising and representing real clients in court and tribunals; or an American Legal Practice course, which gives students the chance to spend part of their LLB course working as an intern with an attorney in the United States. Many students work with attorneys in preparing appeals for prisoners facing the death penalty, with student work fully credited towards their final degree.

Thirdly, does the course offer the kind of learning experience which will bring out the best in you? Teaching and learning methods vary greatly between institutions; the best approach is to look for a course which offers a wide range of methods, so that you will experience greater variety. Some LLB courses are taught traditionally through a structured lecture and seminar programme; others offer a more practical, 'hands-on' approach to law, which you may feel will prepare you better for your future career. The 'clinical' approach means that, right from the beginning, students engage in mooting (presenting legal argument in a courtroom environment) and in simulated court activities, such as criminal 'trials' in a mock courtroom.

Fourthly, what facilities are on offer within the Law School itself? Many Law Schools have practice offices and mock courtrooms; they will probably also have well-equipped law libraries and state-of-the-art computing facilities. These are going to be important to you when you are studying.

There is no doubt that studying for your LLB will be challenging and demanding - but it can also provide you with one of the most enjoyable and rewarding educational experiences you will ever have.
Legal study can offer you the chance to participate in some of the most innovative and exciting learning activities you will find anywhere.

Author
Val Humphreys
UCE School of Law