"I have found teaching to be extremely interactive, with extensive use of case studies, real-life scenarios and standard form contracts making concepts much easier to grasp and apply".
Year of graduation: 2022Name of programme: Banking and Finance Law LLMCountry: Kenya
Several factors stood out to me when I chose to apply to Queen Mary. Firstly, the calibre of CCLS as a centre for rigorous research is unmatched amongst its peer institutions. The wide range of available modules has enabled me to craft my academic journey and nurture my interests comprehensively. The innovative qLegal clinic was another element, as the opportunity to advise start-ups and entrepreneurs alongside my studies was something that I felt to be valuable. Lastly, living and working in London has long been a dream of mine and Queen Mary appeared to provide the perfect platform to attain this.
The city is so vibrant, with different boroughs and areas almost feeling like entirely new cities. I live in the quieter suburbs of Northwest London. However, travelling to the Lincoln’s Inn Fields campus presents a busy urban atmosphere and the Mile End campus has a more natural appearance to it.
I have found teaching to be extremely interactive, with extensive use of case studies, real-life scenarios and standard form contracts making concepts much easier to grasp and apply. Coupled with the eclectic mix of students, I have been able to learn how principles and ideas are applied across jurisdictions. A highlight so far in my programme has been the Corporate Finance Law module, as the teaching team is passionate about the subject area and used a systemic approach to make financial concepts (which never come easily to lawyers) accessible and enjoyable to learn. The beauty of the programme is the fact that I have been able to combine modules across specialisms. For example, I have decided to undertake a module in competition law in my third semester, as I believe it will enhance the grounding in M&As that I am currently gaining in another module.
Understanding my specialism has already yielded immense benefit in helping my career prospects. Its hands-on nature has helped me to understand how transactions function in practice, considering both legal and wider commercial perspectives. As a result, when applying for legal opportunities like vacation schemes and training contracts, I have been able to better articulate my knowledge of lawyers’ work and its implications on the way business is conducted.
Beyond academic excellence and employability prowess, there is more to the experience of being an LLM student at Queen Mary. My fondest moments so far have been the Social Thursday gatherings that my cohort does every week. Meeting in a less academic environment (like pubs) has allowed us to form holistic and long-lasting friendships that I know we will deeply cherish going into the future.
For prospective students who are interested in undertaking their studies here, I would recommend that they grab every opportunity that this great university has to offer. London is a city that has everything you could want as a student and Queen Mary is the best place for you to channel your energy, acquire new knowledge and discover how you can leave a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.