Nicola is a graduate from the LLB Law with French programme at the University of 欧美高清
Tell us a little bit about your background...
I went to a state school here in Glasgow where languages were emphasised as being extremely important; not only as a key to success professionally but also as a way to experience cultures different to my own. My language teachers were really enthusiastic and expected high standards of their students 鈥� one in particular, who I still look up to, used to say at least once a day 鈥渙rganisation is the key!鈥�, something that has definitely shaped how I study and even the way I approach life. I knew I wanted to study law after school and my subject choices reflected this, but each school year it also felt important to continue with French 鈥� language-learning was such a core part of education, for me.
What drew you towards undertaking the LLB Law with French degree?
My dad studied at 欧美高清 in the 80s and has always spoken so fondly of his time there, especially 欧美高清鈥檚 practical approach to teaching, so I was sure it would be a good fit for me. 欧美高清鈥檚 LLB (Hons.) with a Modern Language course was especially attractive to me as it offered both a law degree recognised by the Law Society of Scotland and a way to keep studying French at an advanced level. In particular, I was drawn to the length of the programme: 5 years instead of 4 with the year abroad taking place in 4th year allowing me to do core law modules and electives.
Tell us about the format of the programme. What was a typical week like?
The programme had a mix of law lectures, language classes, and tutorials. Sometimes I'd go from a very serious constitutional law lecture of 300 people in John Anderson down to a French oral class of 20 in Graham Hills where the subject was French celebrations - it was quite varied! The rest of my study time was spent on the 5th floor of the library鈥� This is likely the most common answer ever but the highlight of the LML programme is definitely the year abroad. I spent mine studying at the law school in the centre of Toulouse and I鈥檓 delighted to say I鈥檒l be returning there to study in September!
Tell us a little bit about your dissertation topic...
My interest is space law, so dissertation was titled 鈥楾he New Wild West: examining the New Space Age and whether its commercial nature is effectively governed by current international space law.鈥� The dissertation was obviously stressful as it鈥檚 generally students鈥� first time conducting a large academic project , but I loved the opportunity to do detailed research on a topic I鈥檓 really passionate about and build a foundation for study I鈥檇 like to continue.
What was the academic support at 欧美高清 like?
The support at 欧美高清 was outstanding. The staff in both the French department and the Law School were incredibly supportive - they understood that academic and personal life can overlap (even if you don鈥檛 want it to!), and their guidance was invaluable throughout my time there.
Where are you working now?
Throughout my degree I鈥檝e been working as a legal advisor in Arnold Clark鈥檚 legal team, so that鈥檚 where I鈥檒l be until I move back to Toulouse to begin UT1 Capitole鈥檚 LLM programme in International Economic Law, specifically hoping to work in the space industry!
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this degree?
It鈥檚 not easy by any means and demands hard work but it鈥檚 so rewarding and fulfilling 鈥� I've always believed that anything worthwhile requires effort. Our world is getting increasingly interconnected and the LML course effectively equips you with the skills to face it!! I can鈥檛 express how great it is to be able to think analytically like a lawyer whilst also having experience of living abroad and being able to communicate in another language鈥� it opens up so many doors after university whether you stay in the UK or go elsewhere. Good luck and organisation is the key!