Questions

Please tell us about your experience of using the University's services.

The support provided by Birmingham University has been instrumental in acclimating to academic environment, offering guidance and resources for international students like myself to thrive. I have engaged with numerous university services aimed at supporting my academic and personal growth.
The resources and services provided by BLS Skills Academy, such as workshops and training sessions, have been instrumental in improving my personal and legal skills.
Majorly, the CAL Work Experience Hub has been invaluable to my career as I have utilised it to explore potential career paths, attend career-related workshops, and access valuable resources for internship, volunteer and job opportunities. The events and workshops that I have attended have offered major insights on resume and cover letter writing. I am now currently a post-graduate student ambassador, a role I was able to attain with the aid of UoB Career Network.
I have also taken advantage of the Academic Writing Advisory service and ASC Critical Thinking and Writing, to fine-tune my writing skills, receiving feedback that has significantly improved the quality of my academic writing as a law student.

What has been your biggest achievement during your course so far?

So far, my biggest achievement during LLM at the University of Birmingham has been the development of my research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Through the various coursework, essays and interactions with peers and professors, I have improved my ability to critically analyse complex legal issues, synthesise vast amounts of information and articulate coherent arguments.
I have had the privilege of presenting my legal findings in two workshops, where I engaged in stimulating discussions with experts in the field. This experience not only strengthened my confidence in presenting complex legal concepts but also reaffirmed my passion for exploring intricacies of international law.
Overall, the journey so far has been immensely rewarding, not only in the sector of academic achievement, but also in the personal growth it has afforded me, shaping me into a more meticulous researcher and communicator in the realm of International law and security.

What are the best things about your course?

The best aspects of my course in LLM International law and Security at UoB are the outstanding faculty who offer real-world experience. The faculty members who have taught me in my modules are well experienced and have practiced in their specific areas of the law, for example, I have used some of their books and journals to study for my modules. Thus, the faculty’s knowledge, mentorship, and guidance have enriched my learning experience.
The curriculum is rich and diverse because it offers the course with view of issues affecting developing countries such as mine. The diverse and engaging curriculum covers not only theoretical aspects but also encourages practical application through moot courts, pro bono works and simulations.
In addition, the course fosters a vibrant intellectual environment, encouraging discussions, debates, and collaboration among students and lecturers from diverse backgrounds. Hence the networking opportunities and conversations with fellow students from diverse backgrounds have broadened my perspectives significantly.
Overall, the course has not only expanded my knowledge in the field but has also enhanced my critical thinking and communication skills, preparing me for a career in the complex landscape of international law and security.

Tell us about yourself and your journey to postgraduate study.

Armed with the determination and motivation to make a difference I pursued an Undergraduate Law Degree in my home country. I have had legal exposure for five years now, demonstrating high performance in both academic studies and practical legal skills. I have had the opportunity to work in a law firm and busy legal environments in government offices.
With a profound passion for criminal law and justice, my journey in the legal field has been defined by my unwavering commitment to promoting equality, equity, and the universal applications of human rights.
Currently, I serve the people by working at Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a prosecutor. However, I am on study leave to pursue my Masters of Law (LLM) in International Law and Security at the prestigious University of Birmingham.
It is my experience as a prosecutor that convinced me to pursue a master’s degree in line with International Law and security. International Law increases regional integration, awareness in Human Rights and environment protection which I rely upon in my field as a prosecutor. Kenya is faced with an intricate web of international obligations and complex issues that require speciality in International law.
My career interest is to support the country in ensuring the passing of sober legislation. I am dedicated to making a lustful impact in the legal realm. I aim to maximise on my education, talent, abilities and work relations to the fullest potential, while fostering strong professional relationships along the way. I love the law and my general aspiration is to be happy and have a well work-life balance.

What was your motivation for postgraduate study?

I am a self-driven individual who always seeks for continuous self-growth and that is the main reason I considered undertaking a postgraduate study. Engaging in advanced studies can foster personal growth, enhancing research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas.
Firstly, I am passionate about the law and thus wished to delve deeper into it by exploring complex concepts and conducting in-depth research that undergraduate studies could not cover extensively. Postgraduate studies hone specialised career paths as one studies to specialise in a particular field. Hence, the deeper knowledge gained through postgraduate study will be crucial for advancing in my career.
Postgraduate studies also open doors for higher- level positions for career paths like mine that require advanced degrees. Many professions in my field of career highly value postgraduate qualifications.
Finally, postgraduate studies often offer valuable networking opportunities, connecting students with professionals, academics and experts in their field. This network opportunity can be crucial for me especially in the application of law in my country.