A Solid Foundation
Studying Law

A law degree is obviously a solid foundation for a career in the legal profession. But law is also a fascinating and dynamic subject of study in its own right..

As it is often said that a library is a law student's laboratory it is important for an individual thinking of studying law to ascertain the resources and facilities available at the law schools they are planning to study at. Not all law schools are the same; some are based in very well-equipped, self-contained buildings situated on picturesque green field campuses whilst others are city-based, it is dependent on the students personal choices as to which type of location they prefer.

Students who intend to practice gain a "qualifying" law degree, which is recognised by both the Law Society and The Bar Council of England and most Commonwealth jurisdictions. They study all the foundation subjects which are required by the professional bodies and which form the backbone of our legal system. Additionally a good course should prepare the student for professional life: client interviewing exercises, moots and mock trials, and collaborative projects are a common feature of the modules studied at a school of law. Students wishing to become solicitors must complete their academic stage of legal training on the Legal Practice Course. Many universities have a team of staff with professional qualifications and experience as solicitors who teach the course, supported by such facilities as "Practice Offices" for workshops and mock courtrooms with video recording facilities.

However not all law students go on to careers in the legal profession, and the academic study of law should be seen as developing professional skills. Thus the study of the foundation subjects is supplemented with additional subjects designed to give the students the background knowledge and skills which they need to study law successfully and to help them to see law in its wider social, political and historical context.

Some law schools offer a limited range of optional subjects, while others, because of the huge expertise available amongst staff, offer a much broader spectrum. For example, at law schools students can choose from a very wide range of modules, including some which are unique to the international nature of staff and student base e.g. Malaysian Law, International Trade Law.

Throughout all the subjects studied on a law degree students are challenged to extend and develop their academic skills, of research, logical argument and debate, oral and written communication, and of working independently.

Information technology and teamwork skills are keywords for those who want to succeed in the new millennium. Again Law Schools vary in their pace on these important matters. For example, Staffordshire Law School is committed to the University mission of Building a Learning Community (BLC) which we believe is a model for higher education in the next millennium. The focus is on student centred learning with the staff as facilitators in the process. Central to this programme is the use of information technology and specially designed support material to enable students to carry out more independent learning. Tutors will be able to set work and provide learning resources electronically as well as focusing on specific issues when working face to face with students. BLC meets many of the recommendations of the Dearing Report. We believe that this, in conjunction with the practical skills learnt gives our graduates much to offer any potential employer, whether within the legal profession or not.

International students have unique needs and law schools across the UK recognise this, providing comfortable Halls of Residence, orientation programmes and, in some instances, scholarships. A student's well being is very important towards his/her ability to achieve their maximum potential, and the UK welcomes international students and nurtures them during the duration of their law course.

Author
Andy Kok
Staffordshire University, School of Law