Study Abroad: Law at University of Bradford

Prof. Engobo Emeseh, Head of the School of Law, University of Bradford, who was recently in Delhi spoke to Amita Jain about the benefits of studying law from the UK…

Q. Could you tell us about the School of Law at University of Bradford?

A. The School of Law at the University of Bradford is a small, friendly and supportive law school, where we pride ourselves on knowing our students personally, and our team of academics has significant research expertise and close links with the legal profession and wider industry. Our courses are shaped by the School’s International Advisory Board, made up of leading figures in the judiciary, legal practice, academia and other relevant sectors, who advise us on the skills and competencies needed in the current and future workplace.

Q. How beneficial is it for Indian students to study law from the UK, rather than India?

A. A law degree in India undoubtedly provides students with knowledge of the law that is inherently valuable. However, in today’s globalized world, an international context to the study of law gives students a competitive advantage, allowing them to learn in multicultural environment and access to excellent learning environment. India has a common law legal system which is patterned after the UK. A UK law degree therefore ensures that students have an excellent grounding in common law, which is transferable and applicable in India.

Q. What is the admission procedure to apply for these courses and what is the average expense?

A. Applications for both undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses must be submitted via Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Details of how to apply is available on our website (www.bradford.ac.uk/apply) where there are links to application forms and guidance on the process. The admissions office is also available to provide support to students. Our regional manager for India is also available to provide support specifically to students from India throughout the application for admission and visa process.

Q. Which are some popular law programmes opted by Indian students?

A. Students are attracted to a range of programmes. At undergraduate level, the LLB Law and LLB Law with Business and Management are popular to students from common law countries, including India. At postgraduate level, all of the LLMs are popular depending in the specific interest of students.

Q. Could you describe employment opportunities in law in UK and globally?

A. One of the exciting things about obtaining a law degree is that it opens up careers in a diversity of areas. Our graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities who can be employed by law firms, work as in-house lawyers in corporations, take up policy-oriented work in intergovernmental and other international institutions, or in advocacy in civil society organizations. Students interested in legal practice will need to complete the relevant vocational training after their LLB degree.

Skills development and practical experience is a key part of our curriculum. To this end, one of the recent initiatives developed by the school is ‘Bradford Justice’, our Legal Clinic, which provides students the opportunity to put theory into practice