Tayler
What attracted you to the course and the University?
I've always been interested in studying Law with Criminology, which stemmed from my engrossment in TV programmes, where I envisaged myself in the roles of the judge and the jury.
The University of Huddersfield had strong ratings and very positive student feedback for both the Law and Criminology cohorts, which attracted me to the course. I also liked the flexibility that Huddersfield offers, as all qualifying law degrees are on the same modules until the end of second year where you can choose which pathway you want to take. Having never studied criminology before, this opportunity was really appealing to me.
I am from Northern Ireland and always had a desire to come to England for university. Following thorough research, I came to the resolve that Huddersfield was a convenient location with close connections and solid public transport to major cities such as Leeds and Manchester. I also liked that it was a town with a homely feel, making my decision to move country not as daunting.
What was your first impression of the University?
Initially, I found my induction day daunting but within a short period of time I was reassured. The staff were so helpful in ensuring we knew what we were supposed to be doing and where we were supposed to be going. For my first week of modules, I was very apprehensive, but every lecturer was very approachable and the content was explained thoroughly, which settled my nerves.
"I found it easy to make friends and adjust to the new university life. Following my first week, I knew that I had chosen the right course, had a solid support system and had made friends for life. "
What are some of your course highlights?
I really enjoyed learning about the law and the punishment for breaching it in modules such as Criminal Law and then learning the different motivations for why a person might commit a crime, and by combining these facts, it's given me a really solid understanding of crime.
I also enjoy the broad range of modules from Contract and Criminal Law to Equity and Trusts to Offenders and Mental Disorder. This has given me a wide range of different perspectives and helps me understand what areas I enjoy most, whilst outlining areas of law that I want to pursue as a career.
“My favourite thing about my course is the conglomeration of law and criminology.”
What are the facilities like on your course?
The facilities on my course are brilliant. There's a mock courtroom which provides valuable insight into how a courtroom operates. This is used for mooting – a simulated court proceeding, where law students get to argue hypothetical appeal cases.
The University also has a Legal Advice Clinic, which offers law students the opportunity to complete pro bono work. This benefits us as students because pro bono work is a standard practice in most law firms now and this gives us experience and a valuable insight to the role of a solicitor.
What support have you received as a student?
My lecturers and seminar tutors have helped me understand complex topics. They explain the content in detail in lectures, and in seminars the content is dissected and critical thinking is encouraged, where we apply the content to real life situations. Our tutors also provide guidance on how to complete assignments and exams and give us the opportunity to complete formative assessments to get detailed feedback before final exams and coursework submissions.
"The lecturers have office hours where you can drop-in and they're quick at responding to emails, which provides us students with the opportunity to address and resolve any issues we might be facing."
How have you got involved with student life at Huddersfield?
I've completed the Global Professional Award. This is a great way to meet students from different cohorts and gain useful transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork and reflective practice.
For the past two years, I've served as an Academic Representative for my course, which involves liaising between staff and students and ensuring any issues that students may face are raised and resolved. We have student panel meetings where we discuss each module in detail, from the content to the lecturers to the resources, addressing any issues and praising any strong points.
I am also a Student Ambassador, which involves working for the University when they may need help with events such as Open Day. This involves carrying out tours, sharing my personal experiences and being a friendly face for anyone who may need help or have questions.
What are your plans for after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to gain a training contract and complete an SQE (Solicitor Qualifying Exams) preparation course with an incorporated master's degree. This will allow me to complete the SQEs and my two years qualifying work experience, which are requirements for admittance to the roll of solicitors.
The University have supported me in working towards my career goal by offering career talks explaining the different options available to me and how to embark on them. Our Course Director sends out newsletters every week that list opportunities that are available to us such as work experience, training contracts and graduate roles.
They also helped me to get my course validated to allow me to study and be admitted to the roll of solicitors back home in Northern Ireland if I wish to practice there in the future.
Would you recommend the University of Huddersfield to prospective students?
I would recommend the University of Huddersfield to prospective students because I have had an outstanding experience. The University has amazing facilities with everything you would ever need, a wide range of societies to suit all interests, highly knowledgeable lecturers who are always willing to help and support you, and fair assignments with constructive feedback.
Most importantly, the University of Huddersfield makes you feel valued, while providing you with high quality teaching in preparation for your future career. If you come to the University of Huddersfield and have even half the experience I have had, you will know you made the right choice by choosing Huddersfield.
