You've probably already heard about our practice based learning, our unique relationship with the city we're in, and our newly upgraded facilities, but what do our students think are the selling points for their courses?
So we asked Arooj, a final year Law student, to give us three reasons why she chose to study Law at BCU.
Forever, exciting opportunities
The university offers a variety of paid roles and volunteering opportunities. I have been a Student Academic Leader since my first year here and have continued with this role throughout my studies. As a Student Academic Leader I represent students on my course, frequently asking them if they have any questions or if there is something that they really like about the course, so that that I can feed it back to the Heads of year. I have taken on paid roles as a Student Ambassador and Connect Mentor.
As a Connect Mentor, I mentor first year students helping them with essential skills so that their first year at university runs smoothly. We’ve received positive feedback and some great results. I have also worked on Open Days, Applicant Taster Days and Telemarketing as a Student Ambassador. There are many opportunities available for student ambassadors and it’s a great way of networking. I love meeting new people and trying new things.
Assessment and module variety
I think that I enjoy my course more than a normal person should. I love learning about different areas of law and the effects of it. I particularly enjoy independent studying as it helps me solidify what I’ve learnt in my lectures and seminars. Plus, I like sharing what I’ve understood in seminars and debating with others on our differing opinions. We’re assessed in a variety of ways including: oral exams, written exams, coursework, and patchwork.
I feel these various methods of assessment really help to enhance my skills as I’m practising how to act professionally, preparing me for life after graduation. The job market is extremely competitive, and you need to be prepared - which I feel BCU does. We learn about core modules like criminal, tort, contract, public law, professional skills and practice, land law, EU law, Equity and Trusts, whilst also selecting option modules in second and third year. BCU helps you develop the necessary skills for future employment and there are so many other opportunities outside the course for you to enhance them.
Ongoing support
There are a variety of facilities, support and extra-curricular activities available at BCU. I’ve logged several enquiries with the ASK desk and Faculty Office for things I need to know or get done. I have a good relationship with my personal tutor as I’m always contacting her about questions I have relating to law, and employment (including asking her to check over my CV). I also use the library religiously, I’m constantly getting books on loan to do some wider reading around my subject areas. I like to use the study areas around the university and in different buildings on the campus to get my work done.
What’s great, is that there are different noise levels in different areas so if I want silence I’ll go to the quiet zone in the library, and if I want a little chatter I’ll go to the a different area within Curzon. I also used the Centre for Academic Success to help me check over my punctuation and grammar when it comes to coursework. Graduate+ is an extra-curricular activity that has helped me get the most out of my university experience. I have my Bronze and Silver award and am currently working towards my gold.
I entered a half marathon just to fill in one of the four activities to get my silver; I’ve always wanted to participate in a marathon but always found a reason not to do it and I feel like this gave me a little push. I’ve joined societies such as the Law Society, Ladies Football, Vegan Society and the Public Speaking Society. They’re good ways of networking, meeting new people and developing new skills.
Good luck with your application and hope to see you see next year!
Arooj