Studying at the University of Birmingham has allowed me the opportunity to study specialised modules that will enable me to achieve my professional and personal goals. I truly believe that one of the best places to gain experience and develop the skill to think critically about real life change is at university. Having completed my undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Birmingham, I am well-versed with the myriad of resources such as library services and different types of financial aid. The office hours and tutor led seminars are my main reasons for picking the university as these factors were the root of my success in my final year. Having the opportunity to discuss issues with active academics in the field of study provides new and complex insights that cannot be gained anywhere else.

One of the driving factors for me as a student who is unable to get financial support was the Postgraduate Progression Award. Being a recipient of this award made the decision to pursue a masters even easier as I was no longer bound by the financial constraint and worry.

The Law and Language module has been one of my favourite moments at the University thus far. Professor Karen McAuliffe has organised the module to allow the students to run a seminar on a topic of our choosing. I volunteered as I wanted to improve my public speaking and also gain insight into teaching. Karen has been extremely supportive in aiding us through the seminar prep and has made me feel confident in my ability to perform well in the module overall.

One of the most important skills that the course has pushed me to develop and master is critical thinking in research. This skill operates differently from undergraduate degrees and being taught what is expected at masters level helps you identify areas of weakness.

Being aware of your weaknesses and being provided with the relevant material to help improve has pushed me to reflect, this has helped me develop confidence and to improve overall.

The University and departments regularly post work and internship opportunities for students. I have been able to refine my skills and develop my CV in such a short time. The weekly CEPLER announcements provide a list of opportunities available at the University and external companies.

For the Law School in particular, there are opportunities to attend guest lectures and discussions. I will be attending a seminar discussing the legal implications of the Russian and Ukraine conflict. The discussions of difficult topics is encouraged at the school and truly allows you to apply your studies to the real world.

I have lived in Birmingham for 3 years now (soon to be 4) and I have grown to love Birmingham as my home. I am originally from London so I am used to city life however, Birmingham has the perfect balance of nature reserves and city life.

The city has so many things to do even after 3 years I still have not managed to do everything! My favourite thing to do is attend live music gigs. I have always loved live music and the Birmingham music scene is incredible. I am lucky enough to be friends with a lot of musicians in the area who often play at the Night Owl, Hare and Hounds and other places.